The morning of Friday, August 13th, 2010 has been a very tragic day for Asuman Ssebowa’s (11 yrs) family, Hope Academy and URF wider family. Asuman was hit by a speeding vehicle while on his bike from Kyetume to pick up groceries. Staff and volunteers who have known him over the years describe him as a gifted, charming, kind, special kid always active in class and social activities at the Academy. At home, Asuman was “the man in the house” - with earlier loss of two siblings, Asuman was left to fend for the family supporting his mother and two little siblings. He used to sell roasted corn to travellers on the roadside to make money to support his family. He did various other odd jobs to earn some income. God only knows what would have become of this gentle soul but He chose to take his at such a tender age.

Through URF, he had secured sponsorship for his education and we all had great hopes in him. It is kids like Asuman that URF exists for – that we seek to empower to reach their potential and groom for future leadership of our communities. This is indeed a tragic loss not only for his family but for their village.

In honor of a special soul, URF is setting up the “ASUMAN MEMERIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND” which will support the education of a deserving kid who exemplifies the character and integrity of our beloved Asuman, demonstrating a spirit of dedication to family, education, service to others, entrepreneurship, and personal responsibility. Part of the fund will also go to support education of two Asuman’s siblings whom he was toiling hard to support. Contribution to this scholarship may be sent to Asuman Memorial Scholarship, Uganda Rural Fund, P.O. Box 388, West Springfield, MA 01090. You may also contribute online at www.ugandaruralfund.org

Asuman, you lived a short but rich life; you left lasting impressions on so many people around the world. We all have fond memories of your charming smile, gentle character, and a soul full of love and passion for the good of others. You are dearly missed. May you rest in eternal peace and enjoy the everlasting life with our Father. We know how much you cared for mama and little siblings; we promise to do our best to support them. Thanks for being part of our lives for a short while.

“I haven’t had the chance to write you following Asuman’s death.  I am so upset.  I loved Asuman so much.  There was something very special about him.  He was very smart, intuitive, kind and funny.  He was so dedicated to learning.  He was so curious about the volunteers and the different cultures we came from.  He was constantly helping, truly expecting nothing in return.  Whether it was helping us wash our clothes or maneuver through Kyetume to find different things, Asuman always had a smile on his face and was willing to help out in any way he could.  I remember spending time with him in the evenings, after the after school program reading new books with Asuman to help him improve his reading skills.  He was so interested in learning and excelling and was tireless in his efforts to understand the world around him and make it a better place.  I am still so shocked that this has happened.  I always imagined seeing Asuman again when I return to Uganda and he would have been a joy to watch grow.  I can’t say enough what a kind, beautiful person Asuman was” – Rebecca, USA

“He will really be missed. One of the sweetest students in the after school program that I remember. My thoughts and prayers are with his mom and his siblings. he was one of the most active kids in the after school program while I was there… he stayed after class until we had to go in for dinner and would stop by in the morning on his way to school” Marissa C (Canada)

“We probably all remember him. He was one of the sweetest, brightest kids I met. Please let us know if we can do anything for the family.” Caroline Z (USA)

“I’m so sorry to hear about Asuman. I visited him and his family several times and he was a lovely boy.  Ill pray for the family and our loss.”Sarah C (Scotland)

“I am so saddened by this news.  Suman was very special to me (and all the volunteers who stayed at Hope with me)…He was a particularly gifted, warm and charming child.  I am heartbroken by this news.  Please let me know if there is anyway I can help his mother.” Jessie P (USA)

“I’m saddened to hear this news.  My condolences to the family and to everyone at HIA.  I recall Ssebowa Asuman from time at HIA.  He was always very interested in our project and was interested in learning.” Frank A (EWB-USA)

“I am so sorry to hear of this today. I remember him well from my visit to Kyetume. He was ever present while I painted the walls and ceilings of hope academy and he never stopped teaching me Luganda. What a great Kid! R.I.P”, Frankie K (Ireland)

“yes i know him well. He is a very gifted and beautiful kid, always helping the volunteers and active at the school. So sad. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you from Canada and to the URF team and community as well.” Sonya S (Canada)

“I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to know him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be greatly missed.” Amanda C (USA)

Harry, Katherine,John Mary, Graham

URF is rapidly growing and the demands on the administrative end have increased. This summer we have been blessed with five energetic young interns working with John Mary at our Richmond office to ensure smooth running of the organization and provide strong support for our programs staff in Uganda. Below you will find reflections about their involvement with URF.

Graham Myers received his B.A from the University of Virginia.  He worked for a year as an Office Manager for America Votes and is currently working on an M.A degree in International Administration at the Josef Korbel School for International Studies in Denver, CO.  Katherine Krudys is currently a rising junior at Freeman High School in Richmond. He hopes to venture into a career in a field related to International Affairs. Harrison Gill is a recent graduate of E. Mills Godwin High School inRichmond and is heading to college this coming fall hoping to major in Pyschology.

In addition, Amy Norris and Tiffany Ma are assisting us remotely from Texas and Chicago respectively. Amy holds a B.A in International Development, an M.A in International Affairs with a concetration in International Poverty studies, and is enrolled at the University of Oregon Law School. Amy is helping with grants research. Tiffany holds a B.A in Communications and Frech and is currently pursuing an M.A in Journalism at Roosvelt University in Chicago. Tiffany is assisting with PR and URF Campus Chapter program.

a.How or why did you decide URF would be a great organization to get involved with? i.e. what attracted you to URF of all the hundreds of charities out there?

My work at URF has been quite interesting so far. As a student earning my master’s in International Administration, I have found the work to help me apply practically what I have learned in the classroom. From working on expense reports, to organizing a fundraiser and creating a powerpoint presentation the work has been absorbing.

My work at URF is helping to prepare me for the dedication, hard work, and time it takes to run a non-profit NGO. In the future I hope to either manage a non-profit or create my own, hopefully with the goal of integrating impoverished children from different countries to attend a no-cost school.  My work at Uganda Rural Fund is preparing me for the managerial and administrative aspects of this career.

One thing people may not realize is that Uganda Rural Fund will have far-reaching consequences for the people of this world. Of course, the work is worth it as long as one child who normally would not receive an education, has an opportunity to attend school.  Yet, URF provides stability and opportunity for a country and region impoverished, and the more opportunities available, the less chances there will be for the people to become disillusioned and radicalized. Terror organizations recruit from impressionable and impoverished children who have no other options.  Uganda Rural Fund provides these options.

a.How or why did you decide URF would be a great organization to get involved with? i.e. what attracted you to URF of all the hundreds of charities out there?

I became interested in URF because I wanted to volunteer for an international cause while still in the United States.  I was drawn to the area of Uganda because it is an area in desperate need of attention, which it does not always receive.  At the same time, Uganda also has a lot hidden potential.  I decided to volunteer with URF as opposed to other organizations because as grassroots organizations, URF has been able to set up effective programs that help Uganda learn to help itself.
 

I have just started working with URF, so after learning and researching about URF and Uganda in general, I have researched possible corporate donors and possible partner organizations.  In addition, I have worked on spreadsheets with past donors.  Overall, I enjoy my work with URF.  Although, I do not get to witness the benefit that my work gives to Uganda, I realized that even while typing spreadsheets I am helping people in a different area of the world who are in desperate need.  

In five years, I will only be in college, but in college, I plan to major something along the lines of international affairs. In ten years, I am still unsure of where I will be, but I plan to be helping other areas of the world.  My work at URF teaches me about Uganda and running a nonprofit.  In addition, I am learning about how to help impoverished communities because many people and organizations have a desire to help but they are unclear on the best way to do this, and my work with URF is helping me realize the best ways that nonprofits can achieve success..  

URF might be small, but it is effective.  URF has already established various programs that have benefited the people of Uganda.  In the United States, we have a sense of security along with so many opportunities for success.  URF is working so that the people of Uganda may have this same sense of safe security along with a future that is bright as opposed to bleak.

Harry Gill, URF 2010 Summer Administrative Intern

a) Why did you decide URF would be a great organization to get involved with? i.e. what attracted you to URF of all the hundreds of charities out there?

I first heard about URF through my mother, who had previously worked with Brother John Mary and helped with URF. When I decided to dedicate part of my summer to doing community service I thought that URF would be the perfect solution. URF is a great organization to work for because it helps underprivileged children in Uganda with no underlying intentions of converting their religion. 

b) How do you like your work at URF and what projects have you worked on so far?

I enjoy my work at URF because I get a switch around what projects I work on. Some of the projects I’ve worked on so far are contacting local schools and rotary clubs, as well as colleges in order to gain support for URF.

c) How do you see your work at URF contributing to your future career? Where do you see yourself in five, ten years from now?

I don’t really know what I want my career to be. All I know is that I want to do something that makes a difference in people’s lives. URF is a perfect example of how one man can help thousands of people with just the power of determination and self-will. Five years from now I see myself in the Amazon Rainforest teaching the natives about farming techniques to increase their food production. Ten years from now I have absolutely no idea where I see myself, hopefully living a simple and happy life somewhere in a city.   

d) Briefly share one or two things you would like others to know about URF or Hope Academy and perhaps inspire them to get involved?

There is one thing I would like to share with anyone interested in getting involved with URF. Hope Academy all started with nothing but a vision by John Mary Lugemwa. With constant fundraising and funding from various schools across the country they have been able to pay for Hope Academy’s construction. Five years after that vision and they now have an entire school built with 134 students enrolled in the Academy.

Robbinah

“In URF the ideal of togetherness is vital as it helps people/communities help one another in times of crises other“-Robbinah

Two of our URF Kampala Chapter memvers share what inspired them to be part of URF and their experience working on various projects.

Robbinah’s Experience with URF

I am Robbinah Nabuloli a journalist by profession. My experience working with URF is the desire to assist the disadvantaged by showing them solidarity and encouraging them that there is life ahead. In URF the ideal of togetherness is vital as it helps people/communities help one another in times of crises other than waiting for donor funds.

Harriet’s Experience with URF

I am Harriet Kezaabu and a social worker by profession. My experience working with URF is that unlike several charity organizations, URF’S paradigm is quite different from the norm here in Uganda. It uses a participatory rural

Harriet Kezaabu

approach so as to empower its beneficiaries to fight poverty and move towards social change. As a social worker, this is an important concept because it keeps one close to the beneficiaries and helps build rapport. To me it is imperative that during service delivery to the ‘’hopeless’’, we should be their companion and build trust with each other so that they get to release feelings of disappointment, frustration and abandonment. Through my social work and interaction with rural communities I have learnt that ‘’Change is not achieved overnight, it is a gradual process that needs serenity.’’

 Like any other privileged being, the impoverished/hopeless people need our love to be able to live happily, have a sense of belonging and hope for a better future and a better Uganda.

About URF Kampala Chapter

Founded in 2005, URF’s initiative is to empower AIDS orphans, underprivileged youths and women in rural communities to fight the cycle of poverty through educational and sustainable development opportunities. The principal philosophy behind URF’s mission is the belief that a better life is possible. It is due to URF’s successes and empowerment of the youth to take up positions of responsibility through volunteerism that the Kampala chapter was born.

Harriet at Girls Camp

Kampala chapter is a group of young professionals from an assortment of several fields that was founded in 2009. As Kampala chapter, our foremost focus is geared towards improving the lives of the local communities through capacity building so as to develop social change in their day to day life. We are involved in organizing conferences, leadership seminars, researching, planning and promulgating professional skills to benefit the impoverished as we move towards sustainable ddevelopment.

URF is built on the principle that a better life is possible for all. To uphold this notion, the Kampala chapter has been involved in awareness creation of the mudslides to members about the catastrophe that befell the people of Bududa, mainly brought about by the ever increasing incidences of climatic changes. Campaigns were organized                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           and conducted targeting universities since they accommodate big populations of students so as to instill in them a sense of solidarity about the need to help those in need and those affected by the calamities. All this was done to acquire any form of aid not limited to clothes, beddings and shoes. ‘’Small is big because of the impact it creates in the life of the recipient‘‘.  Change and advocacy for a better tomorrow begins with us, we hold the pillar to sustainable development than always looking onto the government and bigger agencies. We thus advocate for positive social change at the grassroots level through promoting the wisdom of participatory rural community development.

What Kampala Chapter has Donea. Kampala chapter was established in the 2009 with about 15 members. However, membership has multiplied to over 50 today. We thus aim at increasing recruitment and retention of the members.

b. Organized and conducted a youth and young professionals’ conference in January 2010 that attracted over 250 participants including some government officials, journalists, local council members, volunteers from overseas among others. It was an inspiration for the kids to open up some of whom gave testimonies that infused confidence in them and their colleagues.

c. Some chapter members have taken on sponsorship of orphans.

d. On June 26, 2010, the chapter put on a fundraising dinner that was a success

Plans we tend to accomplish

a.  Solicit for funds to put up a vocational center, acquire vocational tools and restock the library at HIA through the URF Book bank project.

b. Planning and organizing upcoming events/conferences

d.  Continue in awareness creation in Kampala of URF activities

e.  Grant proposal writing which will also increase our partnerships locally and internationally

2009 campfire at URF

“They are their mission…. In a nutshell, John Mary and the others of URF have a mission involving compassion, action, and empowerment for others.”

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: <Chris Blake>
Date: Fri, Mar 12, 2010 at 12:35 PM
Subject: Re: Uganda Rural Fund

Hi, John Mary Lugemwa founder of the Uganda Rural Fund asked that I put down a few words regarding my and Dan Hall’s experience as American volunteers for URF in Africa. Happy to do that. See the following:

Notes about Dan Hall and Chris Blake’s involvement with Uganda Rural Fund:

Dan Hall and I traveled to Uganda in the Summer of 2008 looking for a volunteer experience with AIDS children. We had chosen Uganda Rural Fund as the most grass roots organization we could find. And it did not charge a huge amount for volunteering and had no religious agenda.

What we found was a remarkable organization founded by Ugandans who had struggled hard for their own education and freedom from subsistence poverty and were committed to helping other Ugandan children, particularly AIDS orphans, with the same challenge.

We were simply awed by the willingness of the founders to work tirelessly to build a school to enable children to take National exams and move on in their education, out of soul grinding poverty and to bring support and basic help (food, clothing, health attention) to homeless and child led household orphans who were forgotten and alone, having to survive by their own courage and endurance, at ages like 6, 8, 10, not to mention adolescence. It was then and remains one of the most sincere, selfless efforts of this kind I have ever seen.

URF “adopted” an orphanage in nearby Masaka and we went there to volunteer for some time with the abandoned and displaced younger children of that area. We were lucky enough to see a need for a new boy’s “dorm” to replace a hundred year old disintegrating structure that was exceedingly dangerous to the infants and toddlers and youngsters who slept in it every night. We researched the price of replacement and were lucky enough to be able to return to Massachusetts and raise the entire amount. The old dorm was gone and the new building in place within the year.

We have since returned to Uganda to volunteer with URF and will continue to do so. We’re presently on the Board of Directors and are really happy to be part of planning the ongoing work of URF which has grown so quickly and taken on an ever strengthening vision and mission of serving the kids of Uganda, in its area. For us both, this volunteering has been a life changing experience.

Just recently, mudslides in Eastern Uganda have left hundreds dead and thousands displaced and homeless. URF has decided to attempt to rally Ugandans to help Ugandans… not always a first instinct in that country where just surviving is more the order of the day… by having students at Hope Academy as well as other associated URF volunteers participate in collecting and distributing aid to the victims of the slides. John Mary emailed Dan and I and, within 24 hours, we spoke to the people of our church and were able to collect just short of 1000 dollars for the purchase of blankets in Uganda as part of this effort of helping.

That’s how it is with URF. They live and see with their hearts… they see what is needed, now, and are not afraid to go for it. They are their mission…. In a nutshell, John Mary and the others of URF have a mission involving compassion, action, and empowerment for others. Not surprisingly, they themselves are compassionate, pro active, and empowering, and it is a real honor to be lucky “guests” in this effort of Ugandans helping Ugandans. Personally, I thank the good Lord very often that I got steered into knowing this group and being able to contribute to their efforts. It has, indeed, transformed much of my life. I think that’s the experience when one is lucky enough to witness something truly good; the World never again looks quite the same.  

Dan Hall

Chris Blake, PhD
Duxbury Counseling Center

Rich is an engineering students talking about his experience with URF with a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter early this year, 2010.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Eric Hettler <>
Date: Fri, Mar 12, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Subject: Engineers Without Borders and Uganda Rural Fund

Hello A.J.,

My name is Eric Hettler, and I am a member of the University of Minnesota chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB-UMN).  John Mary Lugemwa asked me to email you regarding URF and their partnership with EWB-UMN.  Engineers Without Borders is a national organization with student and professional chapters all over the country.  The mission of the organization is supporting community-driven development programs worldwide through the implementation of sustainable engineering projects.

EWB-UMN has been working with Uganda Rural Fund and Hope Integrated Academy (a secondary school located in the Masaka region of Uganda) since 2007.  When the school was originally constructed, the only water source for the students was a murky, polluted pond on the other side of a very busy road.  John Mary approached our chapter requesting assistance in implementing a sustainable solution to the school’s issues related to water and sanitation.  After a year of design and preparation, a group of EWB-UMN students traveled to Uganda and worked with URF to install a rainwater harvesting system.  The system provided enough drinking water for up to 250 students.    In the future, URF hopes to expand HIA to include up to 500 students, 300 of whom will live on the school grounds.  While the implementation of the rain-water harvesting system was important to meet the initial needs of the school and establish trust with the HIA students and the surrounding communities, it was only a near-term solution to their water issues.  In the summer of 2009, a group of EWB-UMN students collaborated with URF to install a groundwater distribution system on the school site.  The water from the groundwater system will supplement the rainwater harvesting system and provide adequate water for the future build-out of the school.

EWB-UMN plans to have a long-term relationship with the school and URF, and our focus has shifted to working with the communities surrounding the school.  In the communities, EWB-UMN is working with URF to address issues regarding water quality, indoor air pollution, agriculture, economic development, and public health.  The focus of these projects will be small, household scale implementation to ensure individuals take adequate ownership.  Another group of EWB-UMN students is traveling to Uganda in June to begin implementation.

I have been working with Engineers Without Borders for the last five years (three years at Colorado State University and two years at the University of Minnesota), and I consider my experiences with the organization the most valuable of my collegiate education.  Not only have I had an opportunity to travel to implement engineering projects, but I also got to interact with some of the most genuine, inviting people I have ever met.  I immediately formed significant bonds with the students at the school and the communities surrounding the school.  Having a direct interaction with people who have strikingly different backgrounds and histories yet being able to relate with them on such an intimate level has had a positive impact on me that will last a lifetime.

Uganda Rural Fund’s approach with Hope Integrated Academy has been successful because the organization and its members truly believe in the potential of all students. The close personal relationship with the organization and the students and the members of the communities provides an effective, sustainable model for beneficial growth and progress.  By providing clean water directly at the school site, EWB-UMN and URF have allowed HIA and its teachers to concentrate on providing a quality education to the motivated, optimistic students.  This education will ultimately create opportunities for the students, and they will be able to follow in the footsteps of their role-model and hero, John Mary.

Warm Regards,

Eric Hettler
Co-Project Manager
EWB-UMN Uganda Project

“The community and the people truly touched my heart.  They are motivated and passionate.  I know I will return to Uganda again someday.”

Catherine shared her experience in this email message to Pittsburgh Tribune-Review paper in 2010. You can watch trailer of  the documentary, “ESSUBI-Growing up with Hope“ her group made. Hope you enjoy it.

——— Forwarded message ———-
From: Hansen, Catherine M <>
Date: Sun, Mar 14, 2010 at 3:38 PM
Subject: URF article

Mr. Pani, Thank you for generating interest in Uganda Rural Fund and the work that they are doing, especially in reference to the recent mudslides.  John Mary sent me a few questions (below).  I have included my answers beneath each question.

a. your involvement during my time at SJU- the dome fundraiser for school construction and why u got involved

As a pre-med student at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, I became increasingly global health, particularly the AIDS epidemic and its effects on the developing world.  I joined an on campus group, the Global AIDS Awareness Organization, headed by John Mary Lugemwa.  Through our discussion of the issue as a whole, it became clear that health is significantly intertwined with education so we concentrated our efforts on fundraising to help build URF’s school Hope Integrated Academy.  Our primary project was working at sporting and other events at the Metrodome, selling food as vendors.  I became involved because I was interested in the issues, but stayed because fundraising was fun with a passionate group of individuals.

b. the LINK documentary project and your recent experience in Uganda and what your group is planning to do on campus and surrounding community –

Extending the LINK (ETL) is a student-run social venture that films documentaries about under-told global social and economic issues, which we bring back to campus and the surrounding community to inspire volunteer action.  Through our campus connection with John Mary’s work, we decided to focus on child-headed families in Uganda.  As a group we felt this issue needed special attention because it gives an insight into the lives of our peers in Uganda.  While all we have to worry about studying, youth of our same ages are the primary caretakers of their families, and must work to generate income and provide food, paraffin, and medical supplies.  Additionally, by focusing on this issue, we are revitalizing a valuable relationship between Hope Integrated Academy and our campuses.  It is important for us not only to present the issues to students but to provide them with opportunities take action and make a difference.  Because Hope Academy already has a strong history with St. Ben’s and St. John’s, students have many avenues to volunteer or raise money with URF.  Currently, we are working on several fundraisers with students on campus.  For example, next weekend we are holding a benefit concert for URF at which we will premiere the documentary trailer.  We will have large premiere events for the documentary in April and will also present in area classrooms and youth groups.  We want students to think critically about why this issue occurs, and what they can do to help.  It helps for us to have the documentary as a visual.  Now, hundreds of students, local organizations, and community members are pumped up, involved, and doing what they can to help.

c. your personal inspiration or motivation for doing this work

It never ceases to amaze me what a dedicated group of individuals can accomplish when they put their minds to it.  I have come to realize that each person has something valuable to give, and when we come together, and when we come together that effect can be astonishing.  In ETL, for example, our work would be impossible without the dedication and involvement of students and faculty from all academic departments–film, management, communication, biology–as well as alumni and local organizations.  And to think that all of this started with just one man, John Mary Lugemwa!

When I think about all of the hard work that the students at Hope Academy have every single day, I think the least I can do is give a little bit of my time and energy.  Especially with the recent mudslides, the students at Hope Academy–people with so little–are coming together and giving what they can, doing what they can.  When I see that kind of love, it motivates me to keep working.  Sometimes the issues seem so big that putting forth effort can be intimidating, but I am convinced that every little bit counts.  I don’t have much, but the talents that I have I plan to utilize to the best of my ability.

c. reflection on URF model or your experience working with urf/the community.

URF is a truly unique and incredible organization.  As a whole, it is a progressive in the sense that that it realizes that not one single issue exists in absence of others.  For to give students education to be valuable, we must also work to provide food.  To combat poverty, we must also empower women.  The school encompasses basic school subjects, but also trains for a future with computers, financial literacy, leadership, and entrepreneurship.  The sheer scope of the programs is incredible.  I know everyone that has gone to Uganda says the same thing, but the community and the people truly touched my heart.  They are motivated and passionate.  I know I will return to Uganda again someday.

Thank you.  Please let me know if there is anymore information you need.  

Catherine Hansen
Extending the Link
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University, MN

“With the implementation of the solar energy system at the Academy, I was able to finally see the influence that our work has on the local community.  All the people at the URF and at the Hope Integrated Academy have been helpful and understanding of everything involved in the completion of our project.”

This piece was written by Rich in preparation for a news article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review in 2010.

———- Forwarded message ———-
Date: Sat, Mar 13, 2010 at 12:59 PM
Subject: URF article

Hi A.J.,

My name is Rich Allevi and I am a senior in the Mechanical Engineering Dept. at Virginia Tech. I am also the leader of our chapter of Engineers Without Borders’ Uganda Project.  I was contacted by John Mary regarding the article that you are putting together about Uganda, and I have written some responses to a few questions which can be found below. Here is what I have put together:

a. EWB Virginia Tech partnered with the Uganda Rural Fund in 2007 and has since been involved in helping the local community in several ways.  In the summer of 2009, our team of engineers traveled to Uganda and to the Hope Integrated Academy of the first time.  The purpose of this trip was to install a solar energy system at the school and in  the community to provide back-up power during blackouts.  The grid power is inconsistent, and blackouts were occurring frequently and lasting for up to 36 hours.  This caused problems characterized not only by a lack of power for sufficient lighting at night, but also by the inability to effectively teach computer classes to the students at the academy. We completed the installation over a ten day period, and will return to perform any required maintenanc this coming May.

Our next goal is to establish a community-wide solar lantern program this coming summer (2010).  The system will include one central “charging station” consisting of a solar panel and a battery, which community members will be able to access in order to charge portable solar lanterns constructed mostly from recycled materials that can be found in the area.  We hope to teach the students at the Hope Integrated Academy to construct these lanterns, which they will then be able to distribute among local friends and family.  This program will also specifically address the need for lanterns at the Nazareth Orphanage, which is outside the local community but within the support of the Uganda Rural Fund and EWB.  Our team was able to visit the Nazareth Orphanage during our last visit in 2009, and we hope to continue to work with the orphanage in the future.

b. I became the leader of the Virginia Tech chapter of Engineers Without Borders’ Uganda Project  2008.  Since then, I have been increasingly inspired to help with the design and implementation of projects that can help to promote happier, healthier and more sustainable lives for people in Uganda.  With the implementation of the solar energy system at the Academy, I was able to finally see the influence that our work has on the local community.  This comes not only from the raised spirits of the students at the academy, but also from the ability to see overall positive change in the lifestyle and productivity of the local people.  Because of the successful relationship that our team has cultivated with the URF over the past few years, I am inspired and willing to continue this type of work throughout the remainder of my time at Virginia Tech and throughout my career.

c. My experience working with the Uganda Rural Fund has been inspiring, cooperative and effective.  All the people at the URF and at the Hope Integrated Academy have been helpful and understanding of everything involved in the completion of our project.  The communication between our team and members of the URF has been extremely efficient, which has allowed us to accomplish a great amount during the short time we have been partnered.  I look forward to working with the URF in the future.  Even when I am no longer involved with Engineers Without Borders at Virginia Tech, I can easily see myself traveling to the Hope Integrated Academy and the Nazareth Orphanage in the future in order to keep myself involved with such a wonderful and good hearted organization and effort.

Rich Allevi
EWB-Virginia Tech Chapter

It’s soccer excitement all over the world, and what makes it really special this time around, is that it is played on the African soil. When I was growing up in my village, there was no family with a television; so we had to walk about 30 minutes to family in two villages away to watch world cup and others walked a lot longer distances. Soccer is not just a game; it has the force to unite people, communities, and nations. To the African child, soccer is like second-nature. The first game kids learn is kicking the ball. However, to many of them kicking a ‘real soccer ball’ remains just a dream. But thanks for the African ingenuity, kids scrap anything at their disposal to make a soccer ball -from plastic bags, rags tobanana fiber. They don’t have the luxury of driving to a store to pick up a soccer ball; it’s just one of those homemade gadgets.

This world cup season, we invite you to partner with URF to honor the dream of hundreds of underprivileged Ugandan kids – the dream of kicking a real soccer ball. Our goal is to give two soccer balls to 50 schools in rural villages – one ball is for the girls and another for the boys. These have on average 600 kids in each. You are giving a gift of play to over 30,000 kids.

A gift of $20 will buy a soccer ball boys or girls at one school
A gift of $40 will buy two soccer balls for bother girls and boys at one school.
A gift of $2,000 will buy 100 balls for 50 schools.

Any donation of $5, $10, or $15 will help us make these dream a reality. Give whatever you can. You can make check payable to Uganda Rural Fund and note “for soccer balls” and mail to:

Uganda Rural Fund
12829 River Road
Richmond, VA 23238

OR you can donate ONLINE at  http://www.ugandaruralfund.org  

For those in Uganda, you can give the donation to Charles at 0703-145230 or email me.

Those who may want to donate actual soccer balls, we will consider the offer only if you can help us to ship them to Uganda.

Thank you very much for honoring the dreams of these kids. Amidst all the tough situations they go through, a gift of play is a special moment of joy in a day of an African child.

Peace and blessings from all of us here at URF.

John Mary

As a co-founder, executive vice president, and international volunteer coordinator, John Mary has worked tirelessly, together with colleagues at Uganda Rural Fund, to build up rural communities while empowering people to help themselves, through educational and sutainable development opportunities at the grassroots level. Under his leadership, the URF team has built up a very successful community organization from scratch. Since 2005, URF has has built and operated a secondary school for orphans providing quality education to 134 kids, partnered with Engineers Without Boarders at University of Minnesota and Virginia Tech to bring clean water and solar energy to a rural village, launched a village banking program, assisted women start small businesses, organized youth camps and community seminars, secured sponsorship for over 50 children, built homes for child-headed families, supported an orphanage with 19 kids, and has registered many other achievements.

John Mary has previously won various other awards including; the International Peace Award in Washington, DC, the Inspiring a Shared Vision Award, and Excellence in Leadership Award from the College of St. Benedict’s and St. John’s University in Minnesota, the Peace and Justice Award from the Hawkinson Foundation in Minnesota, and was once nominated for the Caritas Award at Saint John’s University.

Excellence in Leadership Award

Inspiring a Share Vision Award

 The kids we’re dealing with come from very poor families in rural villages, 50% of our student population at Hope Academy are orphans, some come from child-headed families, etc. They face challenges of finding tuition – many of then are at risk of dropping out of school, getting maried off at  young age, having unwanted pregnancy, or miss school because of lack of sanitary pads.

These are topics, the girls wanted to discuss in the conference. I have grouped them: (from our staff in Uganda)
1. Sex education
-Importance of abstinence
-Problems of early sex
-Early pregnancy
-Dangers of Abortion
-Boyfriends
-Peer pressure
-Early marriages
-Hiv/AIDS, STDS signs/ symptoms
-Menstruation
-Candida
-Cross generational sex
2. Hygiene
-Personal hygiene
-Provision of pads
3. Discipline
-Consequences of bad behavior
-How girls should behave
4. Counseling
5. Business education
6. Illiteracy (what one can do to make their lives better even if they are not educated)
7. Confidence
-Public Speaking
-Self esteem
-Leadership

reading letters from Imat in Australia