Sharon just knew her dream was going to come true the day she met Rose.

 

        One year ago, 7-year-old Sharon was found living in a slum with her ailing 80-year-old grandmother helping with daily chores and her grandmother's care.  Her father had died of AIDS and her mother subsequently abandoned her.  With no source of income and the demands of living in a poverty-stricken home, it would seem impossible to hope for a better life; and yet, Sharon held on to the dream of attending school despite her many hardships.

Sharon Namumbya was sponsored on the 2012 Tour of Light and is now a P3 student ~ the equivalent of 2nd grade in the U.S. ~ at Mother Kevin Primary School.

     

        When our social worker Rose first met little Sharon on student recruitment day, she knew this brilliant child deserved a chance to attend school - something Sharon's grandmother simply could not afford.  And thanks to Sharon's new sponsor - her dream of attending school came true this year.

 

        Last month, we announced that one of our most loyal donors pledged to match dollar-for-dollar all gifts up to $10,000 that Children of Uganda received by midnight September 3rd ~ our students first day back at school. 

 

        We respect that this is a busy time of year for many people and in an effort to reach more of our supporters we have decided to extend our matching gift drive until October 1st.  The money raised in this fundraising campaign will be used to pay school fees and provide the academic requirements our students need to succeed in their final (and most important) term of the school year.

 

        As a trusted and valued friend to Children of Uganda, I hope that you will join us today as we send Sharon and hundreds more children back to school with a gift of $25, $50, $100 or more.  Your gift will go twice as far and have double the impact on the children we serve.

 

        Personally, I never had to experience what Sharon faced at such a young age - losing both of my parents, being responsible for the care of an elderly loved one and wondering if I'd ever have the chance to attend school.

Sharon roasts maize on the floor of her village home.

 

        So, as you can imagine, education means everything to our children.  They are acutely aware that being in school is a distinct privilege (education is not free in Uganda) and that by working hard in their studies they can achieve a brighter future for themselves, extended family and their community.  Can you help us ensure that our children succeed in their final school term of the year with a gift of $25, $50, $100 or more?

 

        A few weeks ago, I was in Uganda visiting our children as they enjoyed the final remaining days of their summer holiday.  Amongst the children I met was young Sharon.  She beamed with remarkable confidence and joy.  Sharon told me she has a new dream - thanks to the new world that's opened up for her as a result of being in school.  She hopes to one day become a doctor and believes with all her heart that this dream is possible thanks to Children of Uganda.

 

        Sharon made me promise to tell her beloved sponsor how much she loved her for paying her school fees and making her dreams come true.  Her grandmother even offered to give me a chicken as thanks for caring for Sharon.  I wasn't able to take the chicken, of course, but I was able to keep my promise to Sharon.

Sharon and her 80-year-old grandmother, Christine, stand in front of their home in Kiwanga.

       

        And this is our promise to you: First, we will continue to be the best stewards of your contributions as we have been since 1995.  We will also continue to be our children's most passionate advocates for a strong, successful future.  Thank you for all you have done over the past 17 years to ensure that our students attend the best schools available and have the same opportunities that young people in our country have.  Your long-standing support of our mission inspires us to work harder than ever.  

 

        Can you invest in a child like Sharon today with a gift of $25, $50, $100 or more?  We deeply appreciate any amount you can provide.  And remember, every dollar you donate by October 1st will be doubled up to $10,000.

 

        I wish you and your family a healthy and prosperous fall.  Thank you, on behalf of the children in Uganda that we love so dearly, for your faithful support and loyal friendship.

 

Warmest Regards,

 

 

Executive Director 

1. Visit our secure online donation page at www.childrenofuganda.org to make your tax-deductible gift by October 1st.

 

2. Call our office at (800) 531-9612 to process your donation over the phone.

 

3. Mail us a check dated between today and October 1st to Children of Uganda, PO Box 659, Charles Town, WV 25414.