OVER 1,000 orphans in Arua district are receiving assistance from Caring for Orphans, Widows and the Elderly (COWE), reports Ayiga Ondoga. Fr. Paul Onzima, the COWE project co-ordinator, said most of the orphans in the district were a result of wars that have raged in the area since 1979. Onzima said his organisation was formed to eradicate poverty, promote basic primary health care and advocate for research. He said the non-governmental organisation also promotes the welfare of orphans, widows and the elderly. The project also aims at establishing decent housing and sanitation facilities. “Our target groups are orphans, youth, widows and the elderly. “Membership is open to individuals/associations interested in advancing the aims and objectives of the organisation and there is a membership fee to be paid,” Onzima said. He said to ensure that the assistance reaches the groups, “we have deployed our staff to work in the communities.” Onzima said currently, they raise funds from member contributions, fundraising, income-generating activities, donations from international development and welfare organisations. Ends