The second noble charity that I am actively involved with and want to bring to your attention is the Children of Grace.
A decade ago, I read an article about a young girl, Zahara, who recently graduated from the Athenian School in Danville, California. Zahara’s story and her family’s response to Uganda’s AIDS crisis were inspiring. As a result, I wanted to support this wonderful organization.
Children of Grace Mission Statement
“Children of Grace is a Christian organization providing hope to orphans and other vulnerable children affected by poverty and AIDS through education, healthcare, mentorship, and empowerment programs to enable a better future.”
“Uganda is a fairy-tale. You climb up a railway instead of a beanstalk, and at the end, there is a wonderful new world, wrote Sir Winston Churchill, who visited the country during its years under British rule and called it “the pearl of Africa.” Indeed, Uganda embraces many ecosystems, from the tall volcanic mountains of the eastern and western frontiers to the densely forested swamps of the Albert Nile River and the rainforests of the country’s central plateau. The land is richly fertile, and Ugandan coffee has become both a mainstay of the agricultural economy and a favorite of connoisseurs worldwide.”
Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/place/Uganda
The more I learned about the work of Children of Grace, the more I wanted to sponsor a child. I preferred to sponsor a little girl, and after scrolling through the photos of children needing sponsorship, I stopped at a picture of a sad little girl. Immediately I knew this was my little girl. Zam was my first Ugandan daughter. Zam had suffered so much in her life!
Several years later, I sought to sponsor another child. My second Ugandan daughter is Monica.
Both girls suffered unbelieve poverty and loss in their young lives. For a small monthly investment, I provided food, medical care, and a good education in the best schools in Uganda for both girls. I wanted to help make the world a better place for them. I wanted them to have more opportunities and the ability to break out of poverty through education. I hoped my small efforts would help build their self-confidence and help them feel in control of their lives. I believe that people who have a solid education have more opportunities in their lives, and they will help their families and societies break out of the cycle of poverty.
When the COVID pandemic took over the world, the schools in Uganda closed. They remained closed for two years. Children of Grace provided food, medical care, and hygiene products to over 2000+ distressed children and their families during that time. In addition, they initiated a homeschooling program for Children of Grace students.
I was so happy that I could provide school supplies and uniforms for my girls.
My dream for my Ugandan daughters is to see them go to college.
Note: These are not current photos of my beautiful, intelligent girls. They are still minors; I want to protect them.
Zam is now 18 years old, and Monica is 16 years old.
Many children still need sponsorship.
I’ve now shared two noble charities with which I am actively involved. I have more, which I will detail in my next blog.