The Cogwheel Trust

The ’Cogwheel Trust for Destitute Children’ was founded in June 1995 and registered as a Scottish charity in 1996. The ’Cogwheel Trust International’ was registered to enable its work with children to expand worldwide.

It was after the International Director, Mr. Kevin S.R Hammond’s initial visit to India in 1994 that the decision was made to set up the ’Trust’ as he was so affected by the poverty of so many children.

The work in India has two Indian managers, one for each home as they run independently, all staff are Indian nationals. Initially threr were only twelve children in care but over the years the number has increased to over 175 with many more being sponsored in their own homes.

Although they are a Christian organisation, a child’s religion or caste is not a deciding factor in their admission to the home, only their need is taken into account.

---

The children’s work in Uganda started in January 2003 with the sponsorship of thirty children in their own homes. The need for a children’s home soon became evident and new children’s home in Namugongo was purchased in January 2005. They can accommodate over 100 children with a separate baby unit which is at the planning stage.

As in India, all the staff are nationals who are trained to ensure the best care for the children. Their children attend the local schools to enable them to be part of the community and make friends outside the home.

Most of the children have lost parents through Aids and were either part of an extended family or being cared by grandparents. In their care the children’s health and happiness has improved considerably.