US EMBASSY EMPLOYEES DONATE CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO AN ORPHANAGE FOR GIRLS IN HUAMBO, ANGOLA 

Muenho Ukola's Girls posing for a picture in front of the orphanage.

In an effort to spread the Christmas spirit, the American Embassy Luanda organized it’s first Angel Tree Christmas donation drive to benefit the girls residing at the Centro de Acolhimento de Meninas Desamparadas de “MUENHO UKOLA” (The “SACRED LIFE” orphanage for girls).  The orphanage, situated in Huambo province, cares for 33 orphaned and/or abandoned girls ranging from 3 to 18 years of age.  Most of them are silent victims of war.  They are housed, fed and clothed by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary -- Daughters of Africa Nuns.   They receive a small stipend from the government and depend on charity for the rest of their needs.

The Embassy staff selected an Angel (one girl) from the Angel Tree and purchased a Christmas gift most appropriate for a particular Angel.  Thirty-three presents collected through such drive and a computer donated by an Embassy employee were delivered to the Center by one of our staff.