Lessons from Uganda ~ September E-Pearls

"Uganda is truly the pearl of Africa." ~ Winston Churchill

Greetings!

Happy September from all of us at Children of Uganda! It's hard to believe that another summer has come and gone. Already the days are getting a bit shorter and the temperatures are becoming a little cooler ~ early signs that fall is on its way.

Indeed, September is a month of beginnings ~ a new season, a new year for the Jewish faith and a new school year for children in the States. In Uganda, our beloved children returned for their third and final school term of the year two days ago. Shortly before their second term break, I had the privilege of being on the ground with our students.

I can't begin to express how gratifying it was to be with our children - from our youngest primary recruits to our university bound secondary school graduates. They were all filled with so much excitement and enthusiasm. And nearly every single one had the same message for me to bring back home ~ THANK YOU! They all wanted their sponsors to know how deeply grateful they are for their continued love and support.

One child in particular seemed almost incredulous that someone who lives so far away and who has never met him continues to send letters expressing their great affection and hope for his future. He echoed all of the children's sentiments by saying he would work as hard as he could to succeed in life.

Our children are able to succeed not only due to
our extraordinary sponsors and supporters ~ but also in great thanks to our devoted and dedicated staff. In particular, our Sabina Primary Boarding School teaching staff, many of whom have dedicated their lives to educating our children (Read more about an inspirational teacher I met named Eliab Mugenyi in the sidebar column). I spent valuable time with our teachers at Sabina and their commitment to our children is truly amazing.

On behalf of the children, teachers and staff I met in Uganda, we send you and your family blessings for the month and season ahead. Thank you for all that you do.

Warmest regards,

Pamela Brannon

Executive Director

P.S. Please continue to e-mail your story ideas, questions and comments to pearls@childrenofuganda.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

A Sponsored Child's Story

Godfrey Mugisha

From desolate beginnings, 14-year-old Godfrey Mugisha is building a bright future for his family.

One of 8 children (5 boys and 3 girls), Godfrey was raised by his struggling mother and ailing father. His father suffered a serious injury and was bed ridden for 7 years. When Godfrey's father passed away in 2007, his mother sold the family's cattle and bought a plot of land where they now reside in a small grass thatched house. She also took up casual labor on a neighbor's farm to help provide for her children.

Godfrey with his mother and younger siblings

Despite his mother's efforts, when Godfrey joined COU's program in late 2008 he arrived bare-footed and untidy with no clothes or school requirements. Godfrey found it very difficult to cope until luck befell him when he was paired with a caring and loving sponsor. This was Godfrey's turning point and the beginning of a new life at Sabina Primary Boarding School.

In addition to supporting Godfrey's education, his sponsor Mike Openshaw contributes additional funds for the family. This has helped Godfrey's mother afford chickens and goats. The project started with 1 goat and 2 chickens, but has since expanded to 8 chickens and 5 goats. From the sale of eggs, the family can meet basic necessities such as clothing, medical care and school fees for Godfrey's siblings.

Godfrey tends to his family's chickens and goats

Today, Godfrey is head boy at Sabina and at the top of his class. He has aspirations to become a lawyer and is very optimistic that he will be able to help his family members live a better life. With his sponsor's support, Godfrey plans to save up money in order to build a new house for his mother and younger siblings.

Godfrey Mugisha, P7

Head Boy

Sabina Primary School

The relationship between Godfrey and his sponsor Mike is truly remarkable, as the sponsor relates, "Godfrey Mugisha is my new 'son' in Africa and he's a fine young man; the brightest in class and amazingly well respected and liked in the village. By 'son', I am his full sponsor and I'll back him as far as he can go, then make sure he becomes independent and self-sustaining."

Inspired by Godfrey's story, COU is looking at ways to incorporate family and community outreach initiatives in the coming years. For a child who has lost parents and/or loved ones, a sponsor can become a vital part of their family structure ~ the very foundation for success.

In Their Own Words

"My studies are going well because of the good teachers we have. They help us improve on our behaviors and to develop our talents"

~ Rose

P7, Sabina Primary School

Thank you for helping us raise a combined total of nearly $25,000 in our Back to School Matching Gift drive!

The deadline for the match has expired, but your continued support is urgently needed as we combat rising food and school fee prices. Please consider an extra gift.

Did You Know?

Only 66.8% of people in Uganda aged 15 years and older can read and write ~ compared to 99% in both the U.S. and U.K.

Eliab with his former student, Winnie Nakalembe, who now works as a junior social worker for COU

Eliab's first job was a teaching position with Children of Uganda ~ a station he proudly holds to this day.

Since the organization's beginning nearly 16 years ago, Eliab has had the privilege of teaching hundreds of children, watching them grow, thrive and go on to lead successful lives.

One of those students is Winnie Nakalembe ~ our junior social worker at Sabina Primary Boarding School. Winnie was a young child when Eliab first met her. He recalls how inspiring it was to teach Winnie as a primary child, and ultimately watch her graduate university as a young woman and then later to work alongside her in a professional setting.

Winnie's desire to give back to the teachers and school who helped support her is a testament to the life changing power of education.

In addition to transforming the lives of his students, Eliab also shared that being a teacher at Sabina has made him a better father to his own children. His wife has even reflected over the years how our children have helped him be more patient, loving and understanding of their children.

The experience has been rewarding both personally and professionally. We are deeply grateful to teachers like Eliab who work tirelessly on behalf of our students.