Its not uncommon in my journeys to get frustrated with mankind. In wildlife rehab, I saw how some of our actions harm wildlife. At the horse farm, I saw how some people would try to cheat each other to get what they wanted. In Uganda I saw women who were abused, and people who lived miserable lives because of the actions of others. Yet sometimes in the darkness, I get hit by light. I am truly amazed by the goodness I see!
Rose was a good example of this. I met her when I went to visit a family who was connected to the school. She was not much younger then myself at 19 years of age. She was the eldest of seven children, and both of her parents had died. She lived with her aunt and uncle, and had to stop school, because her relatives couldn't afford her school fees. She only had two years left of school, and had nothing to do other then clean and sit around. "My school year is $100,000 UGX," she said, which is about $50 CAD. I didn't think I would get any support for her, but I said, "I'll try!" That night I went on facebook, and posted her story. Five minutes later, my old jiu jitsu gym sponsored her! Soon I had other people asking me how they could help!
Soon there was a new kitchen built for the school, donations for soap, and art supplies. Several children got sponsored. I was being driven around to go meet other girls I could potentially get sponsorship for, and soon people were coming to my door at the guest house asking for help.
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| (photo cred: Sheri and Ian) |
Christine was a girl at the school who was incredibly bright! She spoke English well, had high grades, and she had many dreams! She often came to see me after school, and took me around to show me the village and to meet people. She said her dream was to be a doctor, but that unfortunately it probably would never happen. I posted her story not too long after Rose, and soon I got her sponsored to go to a private boarding school. There she could get the necessary education to become a doctor. She went from one meal a day to four, and got a bed to sleep on instead of a mat. When I went to visit her just before I left, she ran up to me giving me a big hug. I had never seen her smile so big! "Thank you so much!" she said. It was one of the happiest moments in my life!
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| Christine at her new school |
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| Transporting Christine's mattress |
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| Sorting through her new stuff |
If interested in sponsoring an elementary school child, it is $150 a year, but can be paid $50 a term. If interested, email me at jacglobetrotter@gmail.com, and I can send you more information. The $150 covers all three terms of their school year, a uniform, school trip, food during the day, health care, and school supplies. That $150 can change a child's life, give them an education, and food to keep them healthy. Education is the best gift you can give these children, as education is power!
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| Jamira is still looking for a sponsor! She is in primary seven, and is one of seven children. Unfortunately, she only has one parent supporting her, and they struggle to cover her school tuition. Jamira is very good at math, and wants to become an accountant. (Photo cred Sheri and Ian) |
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| One of my kindergarten students that I sponsored! She was such a character! |
