Project Update: Noel's New Net

Noel Namirembe is eleven years old. She lives with her two sisters and their blind grandmother who cares for the young girls as well as she can. The brick home they live in was built by hand by Noel's uncle, a local mason. During our visit, her grandmother (called “Jjajja” in the local language), tosses a sweet grandbaby in the air, and her love for the girls is evident.

Noel helps around her home by cleaning dishes and sweeping the floor, but what she really enjoys is the time after these chores are done when she can listen to music. She holds the radio up to her ear as she dances around.

While we talk, she grins from ear to ear as we share her favorite snack--jackfruit. Jackfruit is a huge fibrous fruit that weighs up to eighty pounds and has a taste reminiscent of bubblegum. Noel shows us the seeds from her fruit, and we all marvel at how these small seeds grow into the massive treat we are enjoying.


As we continue our visit, Noel's mentor, Siraji, begins preparing rope to hang a mosquito net provided through Amazima's ENOUGH campaign. Noel helps Siraji hang the mesh around the bed she shares with her sisters and grandmother. In her excitement, she tells us, “I have had malaria many times. When I have malaria I have such a horrible headache and body aches. I lose my appetite and food no longer smells good to me. I can only just sit. At some moments, it feels as if I cannot hear any longer. I can only hear the humming in my ears. My heart beats so fast and makes me feel so uncomfortable. It is difficult to bathe and even if I want to play, I am not able to do it. It even stops me from going to school. When I have malaria and miss my classes, I fall behind and perform poorly. Once I know that I have malaria, it frightens me. But now I am going to be able to prevent malaria. I am so happy to have a net!”

You are SAVING LIVES and helping children like Noel stay healthy by providing mosquito nets in our community. Thank you!

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