frequently asked questions
Why is the charity called Amigos?
Why do Africans have such large families?
What is an orphan?
Can I visit Kira Farm?
How much does it cost to go to Uganda/Kira Farm?
Q. Why is the Charity called Amigos?
The name Amigos was chosen when three guys saw the parallels between themselves and the Hollywood spaghetti western ‘Three Amigos’. In the movie Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short star as freedom fighters who found themselves in a Mexican village dodging real bullets and up against real outlaws. They had a choice - run back to Hollywood and continue acting or stay, fight and help the villagers.
After a trip to Africa and experiencing grinding poverty, founder, Phil Pugsley says:
“We had attended church for years and realised how easy it was to act and dress-up, we even knew the script (Bible). It wasn't until we found ourselves in the desperate conditions of a developing country that we actually realised much of our lives felt little more than play-acting. Something happened to change our lives on that first trip to Africa - making a difference in the ‘real world’ is isn’t easy, but like the Three Amigos the choice was made to stay and fight.”...and so ‘Amigos’ was born.
Q. Why do Africans have large families?
The average African woman gives birth to around 7 children and in some cases many more.
There is no NHS in Africa and healthcare insurance is limited to only a few very well paid workers.
Pensions would also be out of reach of the majority and only available to workers in the cities with relatively well-paid and secure jobs.
Traditionally in Africa children take care of their parents when they grow old; it’s particularly the boys that look after parents, thus the pressure to produce male offspring. If a couple only have a small family or girls, it’s possible that they will be left with no one to care for them in their old-age.
The system of having large families has worked well in Africa over the years, giving security and financial support to the older generation. Because of the tragic spread of AIDS and other life threatening diseases an imbalance has occurred, leaving many grandparents now looking after their grandchildren with a whole ‘middle generation’ wiped out.
In this society, having a large family gives great hope and security - especially if the majority are boys, who are traditionally more likely to gain a better-paid job.
But girls have their value too!
When it’s time for a couple’s daughter to be married then both how ‘well-off’ the bridegroom’s family are and how ‘well educated’ the bride is, will affect the negotiations of her value or ‘bride price’, which may be paid in cows, goats, chickens or money and in some cases all four.
‘Maternal orphans’ are those children who have lost their mother. ‘Paternal orphans’ have lost their father, while ‘double (or pure) orphans’ have no parents alive. The definition of an AIDS orphan (as used by UNAIDS, UNICEF, and WHO) is a child under the age of 15 who has lost at least their mother to AIDS. However, the father’s death is also very critical to the welfare of the family and the survival of the children.
Amigos view all orphans as children who have lost at least one parent and have therefore become vulnerable or in need. Each child we sponsor is given an opportunity for schooling because of their circumstances and must have the full support of their extended family to care for, love and encourage them.
We regularly take groups of all ages and backgrounds to visit Kira Farm. To find out more please go to our Visit Uganda page.
Q. How much does it cost to go to Uganda/Kira Farm?
Costs can vary depending on how long you stay and what you would like in your programme. A full 2-week programme (including a Safari) can cost around £600 excluding flights, visa and anti-malaria medication.
Amigos is working to bring self-sustainability, dignity and hope to the young people in Uganda through investing in vocational training, educational opportunities and holistic life-skills.
