HISTORY
The essential purpose of CANHAVE is to support the education, care and development of Ugandan HIV/AIDS-affected orphans.
The First Years: 1994-1999
In 1994, while Caroline Nakayenga was visiting Uganda, she was called to the home of a dying widow who asked her to look after her five children. Caroline came back to Ottawa to share the plea of the widow with friends. In the first years, the volunteer Canadian Board of CANHAVE CHILDREN’S CENTRE INC. fundraised to support the children’s education and basic needs. A volunteer Ugandan Coordinator managed the children’s program and kept expenses to a minimum, by using a bicycle and public transport, although the children were spread out in a number of communities. From 1995 until 2006, the number of children CANHAVE supported increased by about five each year. The annual expenditures amounted to $7000.00.
The Middle Years: 2000-2004
Gradually, schools and church groups in Outouais region became interested in CANHAVE and raised money for special projects requested by the primary schools that the children attended. In some cases these were matching grants; in other cases, the full amount was paid by the donor(s). In these years, a number of the older children left school, making room for new children. The Ugandan Board took on more responsibility and registered as a Community-Based Organization (CBO). The budget continued to be less than $10,000.
Since 2005
Through letters from the school leavers, the Canadian Board became aware of their difficulty in finding work to maintain the family. They continued to hold responsibility for their siblings (as they were still orphans) but they were not able to find jobs without further training. They requested continued support for skills development through trade and vocational training. They made a case for building a trade school for CANHAVE school leavers. This became a reality when Brother Vincent gave CANHAVE CHILDREN’S CENTRE seven acres of land in Kisubi in 2005.
With the challenge of additional children and the plan to build on the donated property, fundraising included an annual fundraising dinner to raise the funds needed and to reach a larger number of donors.
More fundraising opportunities have been developed to raise funds along with informal, personal approaches to individuals who have graciously contributed towards our goal. For example, a van was bought and is maintained by an anonymous donor each year. Funds to complete the construction of the building and purchase the necessary tools, furnishings and equipment are still being raised. Through hard work and dedication the CANHAVE Trade School opened officially in February 2008 and the first classes wre held in October 2008.
In Uganda, commitment has also increased. Members of the Ugandan Board give generously of their time and talents. One Board member has given of his time and experience as the full-time volunteer planner and supervisor of the building project. The Children’s Coordinator receives only an honorarium, although the number of children he cares for has increased. Senior Trustees ensure the effective and transparent management of both the Children’s and Trade School programs.
TELL A FRIENDCANHAVE CHILDREN'S CENTRE Registered Charitable Number: 88992 8396 RR0001
Who we are
Our logo - the CANHAVE Crest:
Our new logo was designed by a CANHAVE intern: a Communications’ student at the University of Ottawa. It presents the crested crane on the Ugandan flag within a stylized maple leaf
"A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank balance was, the worth of the house I lived in, or the car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."Anon
Our Photo Gallery
For more photos go to our gallery page.
Our Video Gallery
To watch our 14 minute promotional video, go to our video page.