Sole Hope

Tunga penetrans, known as jiggers, are small sand fleas that burrow into the bare feet of thousands of ugandan children who often live their lives without adequate footwear. Along with a misconception about the cause of jiggers, the results include infection, gangrene, loss of mobility and the occasional amputation and even death. Sole Hope is combating the jigger problem in uganda in ten major districts. (1) community clinics: every week Sole Hope transports a team of medical professionals, social workers, educators and volunteers to a clinic site in villages, where approximately 150 patients have their feet washed and treated, and later each one receives a pair of shoes to protect their feet and prevent re-infestation. (2) in collaboration with government hospitals, Sole Hope also established 5 partner clinics in distant districts and these are run by government health workers trained by Sole Hope in jigger management. (3) Sole Hope's residential treatment facility popularly known as the Hope centre, admits and provides inpatient services to severely infested patients. On average, 30 patients are admitted per month. (4) Sole Hope runs a shoe workshop that makes an average of 1,700 pairs per month. (5) Sole Hope organises vulnerable women into self help groups and trains them in income generation and financial management for purposes of uplifting their household income levels and be able to afford basic needs for their families. (6) Sole Hope established child protection clubs in schools to train children about their rights and responsibilities, and promote peer to peer learning.