CHERA

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CHERA (Community Health & Education in Rural Africa)

CHERA is a US 501c3 non-profit that is dedicated to supporting vulnerable and orphan children and the operation of a medical clinic in Kasese, Uganda. The purpose of CHERA is to improve the lives of those in some of Sub-Saharan Africa’s most impoverished communities via improved access to education and health care. Our focus on education and health care arises from the belief that improvements in these areas can bring about exponential and sustainable long term improvements in the well-being of such communities. CHERA works to transform healthcare delivery and educational opportunities in the Rwenzori region of Uganda. With local leaders and highly trained staff drawn from the community, CHERA supports a local medical clinic which focuses on obstetric and pediatric medical care, and provides urgent care for all. The CHERA Education Program provides funds to at-risk children and orphans so that the region's most vulnerable children may complete their education and lead their community into the future. With these pillars of stability in place, hope and progress are real and growing in the Rwenzori region of western Uganda.

Mike Creighton and Scott Gregory (St. Anne’s parishioners) are on the CHERA Board and have travelled to Kasese.  For 15 years St Anne’s has made important outreach grants for orphan education and the clinic.  They have included a generator to keep uninterrupted power during medical services at the clinic.  A recent St. Anne’s grant provided medical education to midwives in remote mountain villages near Kasese to help provide safe childbirth.  The clinic provides for over 360 childbirths a year and for orphans to attend school.  The schools in Uganda are public, however a fee for materials and food is required. Many would not attend school if not for the support provided for over 200 orphans.

Over the years, 12-15 parishioners have offered generous support. In 2019, St. Anne’s hosted a forum for Veronica Nadagano, Executive Director in Kasese. KCHEF (Kasese Community Health and Education Foundation) is a Ugandan non-profit that makes the clinic and orphan education happen.  It began 20 years ago, when the local Episcopal Bishop retired to start the clinic and support orphans because of HIV/AIDS. Learn more by visiting  KCHEF’s website: www.kasesecommunity.org or CHERA’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CHERAhealth