ETIHAD LAUNCHES COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMME IN EASTERN UGANDA
(Posted 18th January 2016)
Etihad Airways, presently flying four times a week between Abu Dhabi and Entebbe, Uganda’s international airport, has launched a community outreach programme in Eastern Uganda, extending their support to the Whispers Children home in Mutai, Jinja District.
200 blankets were handed over during the visit to the Whisper Children’s Home, which was attended by Mr. Toyin Alaran, Etihad Airways’ Country Manager in Uganda, Ms. Maclynn Kemigisha, Etihad Airways’ Marketing Coordinator in Uganda and joined by Luzelle Boado-Berger, Etihad Airways’ Sustainability Officer. Another five members of Etihad Airways’ iVolunteer initiative flew to Uganda from the airline’s head office in Abu Dhabi, to provide their time and support to this initiative.
Etihad will also provided airtickets for the children’s home to fly in volunteers during the year who donate their vacation time to help out.
‘As an airline we are committed to supporting and making a difference to the communities in which we operate. The Whisper Children’s Home stands out as beacon of hope for underprivileged children and families in need in Uganda and we are delighted to be able to support them in this way. The assistance is in line with Etihad Airways’ commitment to support initiatives that bring about social development and sustainable betterment of local communities including education of children and uplifting the lives of the under privileged’ Mr. Toyin said when handing over the donation to the management of the children’s home.
Since its launch has the Whisper’s outreach team provided first aid and support to more than 2,000 children affected with jiggers, a parasitic flea found in most tropical and sub-tropical climates, and improved the sleeping conditions for hundreds of other local children in Mutai and other villages across the Busoga region by providing much needed beds, mattresses, mosquito nets, blankets and sheets. Whisper also provides families with training on food preparation, personal hygiene and family planning, teaching the elderly how to repair their houses, or maintain a vegetable garden, providing school transport for children, and food or firewood to families in need during the difficult rainy season.
