From: Kimbowa Julius
Subject: Greetings

Hi Dad,
We are back from school and thanking you for having enabled us stay in school. I did well in mid exams. I staged a play on the Independence day celebrations at school and wrote an article in the Guardian magazine .
Dad are celebrating X-mass with us?

From: Steve
Yes Kimbowa. I will celebrate Christmas with you in Uganda.

Merry Christmas

Happy New Year

During these hard economic times, our students need your help more than ever.

Things may be bad here, but they are worse in Uganda.
Please give generously. Help our students stay in school.

1,500 people receive this newsletter. If everyone who receives this newsletter but has not donated gave just $10 a month — nearly one hundred children could go to school and become leaders.
–

Our leaders on Christmas Day.

Please help.
Even a small donation transforms a child’s life

Don’t forget, you will receive an Obama or 9/11 print with your donation if you give before January 20th.

Donate

LEAD Uganda has two premium contribution levels: Sponsor and Patron.
Sponsors and Patrons receive a photo, letters from
their student, and progress reports from us.

Sponsors pay all costs for one child — $150 a month.

$150 a month — $5 a day pays for
everything a child needs to succeed: school fees, books, clothes, medical care, workshops in math, science, computers, and leadership, emotional support, counseling, and a family.

Sponsors are assigned a student. They receive monthly letters from their student, and progress reports from us. They may also receive photographs, drawings, and other materials.

Patrons donate $50 or $100 a month.

$100 a month – $3 a day - pays school fees (tuition), plus room, and board, books, and uniform at one of the best high schools in Uganda.

$50 a month – $1.50 a day – covers school fees for one scholar at a top school.

Patrons receive letters from students and progress reports from us. They are not assigned one student.

Please give what you can. Every donation helps.

$25 a month covers workshops in leadership, video, science, and writing, transportation home during school breaks, school visits, and staff support for one student.

$10 a month buys school supplies. clothes, shoes for one child.

$5 a month provides medical care and books for one student.

Please help a child achieve his or her dreams.
All contributions make a difference.

LEAD Uganda is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Donations are tax deductible.

Photography except as noted © 2008, Stephen Shames / Polaris

Please feel free to distribute or forward this newsletter to friends, co-workers, and anyone else you think would like to know about the situation in Uganda and our program.

]]> http://www.leaduganda.org/2008/december-25-2008/feed/ 0 http://www.leaduganda.org/2008/december-23-2008/ http://www.leaduganda.org/2008/december-23-2008/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:45:24 +0000 pjones http://s71284.gridserver.com/?p=456 Huffington Post Article: LEAD Uganda’s Leadership Approach is Needed

The Huffington Post published Stephen Shames’ article on why an educational leadership initiative would help the United States and the world economy, fight terrorism, re-establish American prestige, and help Africa.

Please read it and post a comment.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephen-shames/a-marshall-plan-for-educa_b_152915.html

Article Sound Bite:
A sure-fire way President-elect Obama can immediately restore America’s place and moral authority in the world and spur our economic recovery during his first term in office is to export one of our most powerful assets: education. Specifically, we need a Marshall Plan for Education that will help seed the ideals of democracy, liberty and opportunity that Obama described in his speech.

LEAD Uganda’s solution — educating indigenous leaders — is part of the long term solution for a safer, more prosperous world.

Donate

LEAD Uganda has two premium contribution levels: Sponsor and Patron.
Sponsors and Patrons receive a photo, letters from
their student, and progress reports from us.

Sponsors pay all costs for one child — $150 a month.

$150 a month — $5 a day pays for
everything a child needs to succeed: school fees, books, clothes, medical care, workshops in math, science, computers, and leadership, emotional support, counseling, and a family.

Sponsors are assigned a student. They receive monthly letters from their student, and progress reports from us. They may also receive photographs, drawings, and other materials.

Patrons donate $50 or $100 a month.

$100 a month – $3 a day - pays school fees (tuition), plus room, and board, books, and uniform at one of the best high schools in Uganda.

$50 a month – $1.50 a day – covers school fees for one scholar at a top school.

Patrons receive letters from students and progress reports from us. They are not assigned one student.

Please give what you can. Every donation helps.

$25 a month covers workshops in leadership, video, science, and writing, transportation home during school breaks, school visits, and staff support for one student.

$10 a month buys school supplies. clothes, shoes for one child.

$5 a month provides medical care and books for one student.

Please help a child achieve his or her dreams.
All contributions make a difference.

LEAD Uganda is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Donations are tax deductible.

Photography except as noted © 2008, Stephen Shames / Polaris

Please feel free to distribute or forward this newsletter to friends, co-workers, and anyone else you think would like to know about the situation in Uganda and our program.

Primary School. Results from 10 students:
A+:  3 (Victoria, Joseph, John)
A:    4 (Patricia, Sarah, Martha, Patel)
B     2 (Proscovia, Passy)

High School. Results from 25 students:
A+:    2 (Sanyu, Madinah)
A:    12 (Ongom James, Nokirach, Kibalama, Kimbowa, Okello Ronald, Kusasira Moses, Musa, Saviour, John Baidu, Orach, Wasswa Stephen)
B:      7 (Jjuko, Brian, Tyson, Ibrahim, Ocen, Fahad, Olweny Richard)

Our 14 students in the very top schools (Kings College Budo, Namugongo, Seeta High, and Nagalama) received 9 A’s and 5 B’s. photo: Victoria,an A+ student

Children quit school as aid dries up
from IRIN News: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

GULU, 25 November 2008 (IRIN) – Poor learning conditions and lack of food in primary schools have forced thousands of children out of class in northern Uganda over the past three months, local officials said.

“The problem has been made worse as displaced primary schools relocate back to their original sites in villages when UN food aid support to primary schools has stopped,” Robinson Obot, Gulu District education officer said.

Some 11,123 children below 15 years of age, he said, had dropped out of primary education in Gulu alone. Most were girls – of whom many had been married off to older men.…

… Local leaders in the region expressed concern over the situation. “In some schools in villages like Mucwini, Agoro, classes are empty with no children attending,” said Aturu Abraham from Kitgum District.

Read the full article

The world’s economic crisis is hurting African children. The world fed these children for 20 years. But no one planned for their future. Children need skills as well as food. The region needs leaders. LEAD Uganda’s solution — educating indigenous leaders — is part of the long term solution. photos: Children in Gulu

Student: Ongom James

James, a 16 year-old double orphan, who lived in an IDP camp in Pader after his father was killed by the rebels and he lost his mother to malaria, believes that life always carries surprise packages. The former abducted child remarks,” I was beaten 60 times by the rebels and my body was bruised all over. I lost all hope, and I could not stop crying”.

“LEAD Uganda helped me forget all that happened to me by sending me to the best school in the country, Kings College Buddo. I am focusing on my future career. My dream is to be an engineer, though its tough but I will work hard and make it,” says James.

James is an A student and a school leader, serving as the school’s Environment Prefect. He says, “I do not believe it when I am addressing the school assembly and when the students call me honorable”.

“I thank God for LEAD Uganda, because not only do they pay my school fees, give me books, school materials, and medical care, but they are also family to me.”

Ronald has LEAD Uganda. Please give generously so children — such as the 11,000 who just dropped out of school in Gulu — have the chance to go to school.

1,500 people receive this newsletter. If everyone who receives this newsletter but has not donated gave just $10 a month — nearly one hundred children could go to school and become leaders. This holiday season, please help. Even a small donation will transform a life Don’t forget, you will receive an Obama or 9/11 print with your donation if you give before January 20th. See prints

Donate

LEAD Uganda has two premium contribution levels: Sponsor and Patron.
Sponsors and Patrons receive a photo, letters from
their student, and progress reports from us.

Sponsors pay all costs for one child — $150 a month.

$150 a month — $5 a day pays for
everything a child needs to succeed: school fees, books, clothes, medical care, workshops in math, science, computers, and leadership, emotional support, counseling, and a family.

Sponsors are assigned a student. They receive monthly letters from their student, and progress reports from us. They may also receive photographs, drawings, and other materials.

Patrons donate $50 or $100 a month.

$100 a month – $3 a day - pays school fees (tuition), plus room, and board, books, and uniform at one of the best high schools in Uganda.

$50 a month – $1.50 a day – covers school fees for one scholar at a top school.

Patrons receive letters from students and progress reports from us. They are not assigned one student.

Please give what you can. Every donation helps.

$25 a month covers workshops in leadership, video, science, and writing, transportation home during school breaks, school visits, and staff support for one student.

$10 a month buys school supplies. clothes, shoes for one child.

$5 a month provides medical care and books for one student.

Please help a child achieve his or her dreams.
All contributions make a difference.

LEAD Uganda is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Donations are tax deductible.

Photography except as noted © 2008, Stephen Shames / Polaris

Please feel free to distribute or forward this newsletter to friends, co-workers, and anyone else you think would like to know about the situation in Uganda and our program.

In the eight short years of the 21st Century, the United States of America has witnessed two defining moments:

1. On Wednesday September 12, 2001, a day after the attacks on our nation, firemen and policemen raised the American flag at Ground Zero showing we are a nation united.

2. On Tuesday November 4, 2008, Americans elected Barack Obama as the first multiracial President, showing we are a land of opportunity for all.

Invest in our student’s future by collecting a valuable limited edition art print by award winning photographer Stephen Shames.

All proceeds from the sale of these images benefit our LEAD Uganda scholars . Get a tax deduction in 2008 by ordering now.

DONATE $2,000 Receive a 16×20 limited edition of 25, signed pigment print (worth $2,500)
(When all 25 prints have sold,this 16×20 image will no longer be available .)

DONATE $1,100 Receive both 11×17 signed, pigment prints. (save $100)

DONATE $600 Receive an, 11×17 signed, pigment print

DONATE $100 Receive an 8-1/2 x 11 unsigned, laser print

ORDER FORM

Every time you look at these images on your wall, you will remember these moments and know you are spreading the opportunity we have to vulnerable children in Afirca.

ORDER BY CREDIT CARD

If you order by credit card, please send an email indicating which print you want. Please include your mailing address and phone number: steve@leaduganda.org

I Want to Leave the World a Better Place
by Kamoga Moses

I just graduated from high school. I will get into university in August, 2009. I attended high school at St. Peters’ Senior Secondary School Naalya, one of the top schools in Uganda. My hobbies are baseball, music (I hope to release an album some day) and computers

My favorite subjects are Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Math. I love to read medical publications. I need to do well so that I can achieve my dream of becoming a doctor. I want to leave this world a better place than how I found it by helping to alleviate sickness and disease.

Before I joined LEAD Uganda, it was very difficult to go to school because there was no one to pay my fees. Mother tried but could not make it because my father passed away when I was still very young. We are six, four girls and two boys. I am the fourth born. We live in a small house that is barely enough for us.

I am so thankful to LEAD Uganda for the continued support they are rendering towards my education.

Donate

LEAD Uganda has two premium contribution levels: Sponsor and Patron.
Sponsors and Patrons receive a photo, letters from
their student, and progress reports from us.

Sponsors pay all costs for one child x— $150 a month.

$150 a month — $5 a day pays for
everything a child needs to succeed: school fees, books, clothes, medical care, workshops in math, science, computers, and leadership, emotional support, counseling, and a family.

Sponsors are assigned a student. They receive monthly letters from their student, and progress reports from us. They may also receive photographs, drawings, and other materials.

Patrons donate $50 or $100 a month.

$100 a month – $3 a day - pays school fees (tuition), plus room, and board, books, and uniform at one of the best high schools in Uganda.

$50 a month – $1.50 a day – covers school fees for one scholar at a top school.

Patrons receive letters from students and progress reports from us. They are not assigned one student.

Please give what you can. Every donation helps.

$25 a month covers workshops in leadership, video, science, and writing, transportation home during school breaks, school visits, and staff support for one student.

$10 a month buys school supplies. clothes, shoes for one child.

$5 a month provides medical care and books for one student.

Please help a child achieve his or her dreams.
All contributions make a difference.

LEAD Uganda is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Donations are tax deductible.

Photography except as noted © 2008, Stephen Shames / Polaris

Please feel free to distribute or forward this newsletter to friends, co-workers, and anyone else you think would like to know about the situation in Uganda and our program.

LEAD Uganda staff member Stephen Magezi writes:
This summer we were blessed to get visitors from the Forefront church in New York. It is so soothing, when you find out that you share the same passion of showing love to the neglected, those that have been left to nurse their own wounds at early ages, those that have seen their communities torn down in a terrible conflict, and have witnessed it spurned outlawed and seemed to be isolated by the persons of this world. Photos by our children & Forefront Church

We are moved by a sense of joy and exhilaration when the grass turns green and flowers blossom, as we witness those that had lost hope turning into brilliant students and setting a mark of leadership in their schools.

We were able to acquire new decker beds for our children at the organization’s house by the help of the Forefront church crew. Thanks so much so much brethren.

It was also fun when our visitors played soccer and basket ball with the kids, and as they both sweated we couldn’t help to notice a triumph in the effort to planthope and love in the future of our young stars.

Nevertheless, we are hoping to find a permanent home for the children, most especially to do away with the rent fees, to narrow down to caring and providing education to our children, and also having an environment that is spacious and distant from noise of traffic during rush hours. We have found land outside Kampala, with an accommodative house in it. God willing we pray to acquire it.

As LEAD Uganda we know it well that none of us acting alone can achieve success. It’s because of everyone’s contribution that has led to this unique Foundation. God Bless you.

My Life
by Namakula Afuat

My name is Namakula Afuwat. I am in form one and I attend St. Charles Lwanga high school and in my school we do both arts and science subject but my interest is in science subjects because in future I would like to become a doctor to help patients

I am happy because in my school I was number one last term, and I have always been number one   I am also the deputy head perfect of our school, which I love doing because students have a lot of trust in me, and I was also given an award for being the most disciplined student in the school. photo: ©2008, Stephen Magezi

My school, St Charles Lwanga High School, is located west of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. It is 11/2 km off the main road to the airport. It’s a mixed day and boarding school of over 300 students. I am in the boarding section.

My family lives in Katwe a suburb of Kampala. I have one brother and one sister. I live with my mother as my father died some time back when I was still young.

My mother could not make ends meet, so during my free time I used to go to the streets of Kampala to dance for the people and earn some money to help our family. One day as I went dancing I met a woman called Margaret Ssewakambo who took me to her place for help, I lived with her for some time. Then later Steve Shames came and picked me up to join Lead Uganda which has helped me to keep my self forced to studies. because they have paid my fees from that time till now.

My hobbies are drawing, using computers and also reading novels .

I have hopes that I will become a powerful woman in my country when am done with my studies so that I help children and my government to make peace for all people.

Long Live Lead Uganda.

Photo: Azalea Donates Computer

Joseph uses a One Laptop Per Child computer donated by Azalea, the Seattle software company. Photo by LEAD Uganda student.

Student: Wasswa Charles

Some of our students achieve academically. Others, such as Wasswa, excel in the arts. Wasswa is enrolled in a media program where he learns television and radio job skills. Director Monica Nankoma sent me this email:

“Steve,   I wish you could listen to Wasswa’s demo on Radio!!! He is doing so well. I am happy for him. He sounds marvelous. My being hard on him to go and study is yielding good results.  He sounds a professonal!   Monica”

Bronx Teacher Conducts Workshop
by Marsha Vernon

As a teacher at the A. Schomburg Academy in The Bronx, I strongly believe that education is the key to any door. That is the main reason I have been working with LEAD Uganda for over a year, helping them fundraise for the education of children in Uganda. I made it my mission to visit Uganda this past summer, where I conducted a writing workshop and saw for myself what my efforts were going towards. I can honestly say that this was one of the best decisions and experiences I have had in my life time.

Photo of Marsha by LEAD Uganda.

Though being in Uganda was an experience on it’s own: seeing the beautiful landscape, kind people, and different delicacies, my arrival to the LEAD Uganda house was the begining of a wonderful journey. I was happy to meet the staff and children. I was excited that I was about to begin conducting a writing workshop with the students.

The main highlights of this experience was meeting and spending time with my sponsored child Nokrach and also developing relationships with some of the other students in the program. Every child that I met in the program was well mannered and happy. I feel it is because they know that the program is giving them an opportunity to have a future and a family.

Nokrach, the boy I sponsor, is such a sweet and intelligent child you would never guess he has a past that would amaze anyone. You would never think that he was a former child soldier. It was an honor to laugh, get to know him and take a beautiful trip with him to Jinja. On our trip I not only got to see the source of the Nile river but I took joy in knowing that both Nokrach and I were experiencing this fantastic site together. At the end of the day and even upon my departure from Uganda we both knew that this was just the begining of our impact on each others lives.  
Photo of Marsha and Nokrach at the source of the Nile River near Jinja. Photo: ©2008,Stephen Magezi

Though I was impressed with the inteligence and sophistication of all the students in the program one child stood out to me during my experience. Her name is Sanyu. She took care of two younger siblings inher rural village since she was eight due to the death of her parents. Now 13, Sanyu is doing well in school through the program.

After the first day of meeting her she basically not only became my teachers assistant but also good friend. I was amazed when I saw the young lady begin to help other students with what I was teaching them but also hear her stories about how she has organized study groups at school and other responsibilities she had. Even on the day I decided to organize a basket ball game and dance competion with the kids, Sanyu offered to help pick up supplies and recommended what and how much I should purchase. I had a good laugh when she stopped me from making un-wise or un-necessary purchases and made sure I was not over spending. My experience with her and the many other students gives me tremendous hope for the future of, not only her country, but also the world. Photo: Sanyu and Kibalama study.

My summer experience and continued work with LEAD Uganda has made me realize more and more that teaching students who really need teachers who care is something I love doing and it is so rewarding. I also knew that I would definitely miss them when I left Uganda. After coming back home and sharing my experiences with my students at A Schomburg who have helped in the fundraising efforts, I also saw how I was giving to them. Most of them felt they knew more about Uganda and now what to get more involved in social activism. These experiences made me even more sure that I need to continue doing the work that I started with LEAD Uganda.

I hope that reading about my personal experiences with these students will allow you to see the important significance of helping in any way that you can to support this program that helps support a better future for those who so desperately need it.

Donate

LEAD Uganda has two premium contribution levels: Sponsor and Patron.
Sponsors and Patrons receive a photo, letters from
their student, and progress reports from us.

Sponsors pay all costs for one child — $150 a month.

$150 a month — $5 a day pays for
everything a child needs to succeed: school fees, books, clothes, medical care, workshops in math, science, computers, and leadership, emotional support, counseling, and a family.

Sponsors are assigned a student. They receive monthly letters from their student, and progress reports from us. They may also receive photographs, drawings, and other materials.

Patrons donate $50 or $100 a month.

$100 a month – $3 a day - pays school fees (tuition), plus room, and board, books, and uniform at one of the best high schools in Uganda.

$50 a month – $1.50 a day – covers school fees for one scholar at a top school.

Patrons receive letters from students and progress reports from us. They are not assigned one student.

Please give what you can. Every donation helps.

$25 a month covers workshops in leadership, video, science, and writing, transportation home during school breaks, school visits, and staff support for one student.

$10 a month buys school supplies. clothes, shoes for one child.

$5 a month provides medical care and books for one student.

Please help a child achieve his or her dreams.
All contributions make a difference.

LEAD Uganda is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Donations are tax deductible.

Photography except as noted © 2008, Stephen Shames / Polaris

Please feel free to distribute or forward this newsletter to friends, co-workers, and anyone else you think would like to know about the situation in Uganda and our program.

Clifford Chance, the world’s largest law firm, is sponsoring LEAD Uganda, an organization that first-year law clerk Clare Karabarinde has worked with for the past five years. LEAD Uganda provides a solid education to AIDS orphans, former child soldiers, children in refugee camps, and other vulnerable young people in Uganda.

“My fellow first-year law clerks in Clifford Chance’s New York and Washington, D.C. offices, in conjunction with our Community Affairs / Pro Bono Committee, are excited to be supporting LEAD Uganda,” said Ms. Karabarinde.   “We are organizing a clothes and books drive, a pen-pal program, an Amazon wish-list and a photo exhibit   to raise support for underprivileged children in Uganda.”

The first-year law clerks are reaching out to all firm personnel and encouraging them to donate new and gently used items. They have set up an Amazon wish-list where anyone can purchase items for the Ugandan children from a list that ranges from books to clothes and shoes. There is   a pen-pal program where firm personnel with children who would like them to have a pen-pal from Uganda can sign up so that they can be matched with one of the children. At the end of the drive on October 31, 2008 all the donated items will be packed and shipped to the children in Uganda.

Clifford Chance is a global law firm that cares deeply about giving back to the community. The firm has a very strong pro bono program and strongly encourages its personnel to recommend programs that are important to them.

“Having worked with LEAD Uganda, and knowing how important its work is in putting underprivileged children in the best schools to provide a better future for them, I knew this was the sort of organization Clifford Chance would be interested in sponsoring,” said Ms. Karabarinde. “Clifford Chance has given its backing to LEAD Uganda and I am proud to be working for a firm that is dedicated to giving back to the global community.”

Clifford Chance, with 28 offices in 21 countries and 3,800 legal advisers, is one of the world’s leading law firms, helping clients achieve their goals by combining the highest global standards with local expertise. The firm has unrivaled scale and depth of legal resources across the key markets of the Middle East, Americas, Asia and Europe and focuses on the core areas of commercial activity: capital markets; corporate and mergers & acquisitions; finance and banking; real estate; tax; pensions and employment; litigation and dispute resolution.

Student Profile: Amos-IDP Camp to #1
by Stephen Magezi

Omoya Amos , a 12-year old double orphan, who lived in an IDP camp since 2003, after his parents were killed by the rebels and left destitute under the mercy of God, now says “I want to be a doctor”.

Amos says,” After the death of my parents, I wanted to die, no one was caring about me, I stayed without bathing and had no clothes on my body, only those that were thrown away and I was buried in hopelessness.”

Amos is now in Primary 5 in a boarding school. Since he joined school, he has always been the 1 st in his class. He says “I do not know how I do it, but I think the secret is hard work”

Amos’ class teacher told us, “He is one of his kind, everyone likes him, from his classmates to the teachers because he is a first learner. I do not want you to take him away to another school, because he is a sure 1st grade for the school come the national examinations”

“I love mathematics and science, because they will help me realize my dream of becoming a doctor. I want to be a doctor so that I can treat sick people especially the HIV/AIDS patients. Also, in the war, a lot of people were injured and the doctors were not enough, so the people died, therefore if I become a doctor I will help in treating war victims”, says the determined Amos.

I want to thank LEAD Uganda for picking me from the IDP camp, paying my school fees and also being my only family.

To young Amos life is now full of hope.   He believes the sky is the limit.

Hire: Allison Moll – Director of Operations

Allison Moll, our new Director of Operations, will coordinate the day to day business of LEAD Uganda. Allison will be working with two interns and our partners. “I am so excited and humbled to be working for such an amazing cause and changing the lives of so many children. I have been wanting for so long to work for something that has great meaning and impact, and this is it.”

Before coming to LEAD Uganda Ms. Moll worked for Forefront Church in the city, where her husband is the pastor. They moved here four years ago with their three children to start Forefront Church in Manhattan. Allison also worked for Peter Thomas Roth Skin Care and Katzenbach Partners Consulting Firm.

Allison and her husband have always had a passion for serving the city and the world. She has been on several mission trips and has a heart for those who seem to be forgotten. She fell in love with LEAD Uganda when Forefront partnered with them last year. Brian, her husband, had the priviledge to go to Uganda this past August, which made their passion for Africa even stronger. She is hoping to make the trip soon.

Having someone so talented handling day-to-day operations, allow Steve to focus more on our long term goals such as building our computer-oriented high school and raising awareness for the issues affecting children in Africa.

NEW ADDRESS

The Stephen Shames Foundation has a new address:

202 Saint Marks Avenue #4
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Please update your address books.

Donate

LEAD Uganda has two premium contribution levels: Sponsor and Patron.
Sponsors and Patrons receive a photo, letters from
their student, and progress reports from us.

Sponsors pay all costs for one child — $150 a month.

$150 a month — $5 a day pays for
everything a child needs to succeed: school fees, books, clothes, medical care, workshops in math, science, computers, and leadership, emotional support, counseling, and a family.

Sponsors are assigned a student. They receive monthly letters from their student, and progress reports from us. They may also receive photographs, drawings, and other materials.

Patrons donate $50 or $100 a month.

$100 a month – $3 a day - pays school fees (tuition), plus room, and board, books, and uniform at one of the best high schools in Uganda.

$50 a month – $1.50 a day – covers school fees for one scholar at a top school.

Patrons receive letters from students and progress reports from us. They are not assigned one student.

Please give what you can. Every donation helps.

$25 a month covers workshops in leadership, video, science, and writing, transportation home during school breaks, school visits, and staff support for one student.

$10 a month buys school supplies. clothes, shoes for one child.

$5 a month provides medical care and books for one student.

Please help a child achieve his or her dreams.
All contributions make a difference.

LEAD Uganda is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Donations are tax deductible.

Photography except as noted © 2008, Stephen Shames / Polaris

Please feel free to distribute or forward this newsletter to friends, co-workers, and anyone else you think would like to know about the situation in Uganda and our program.

Our students performed well the 2nd term of 2008:

Six of our 44 non-candidate students ranked 1st in their class. Pinyoloya Patricia, Nantaayi Sarah, Nakasumba Victoria, Muwanguzi Joseph, Kayiranga John, and Namakula Afuat ranked 1st in his classes.

Three were 2nd in their class. One each placed 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Omoya Amos, Acan Martah, and Muwonge Fahad were 2nd in their class. Naluuwooza Maria was 3rd. Ntege Paul was 4th. Wetaka Brian was 5th.

Twenty — nearly half of our students — ranked in the top 10 of their classes. Thirty-one ranked in the top 20.

Five of our ten candidate class students received first grades.

A dozen of our students were elected to leadership positions at their schools:

Namakula Afuat, who is only in 8th grade, was elected Deputy Head Prefect (vice president) of her school.

Kasozi Hilda (11th grade), Kimbiwa Julius (10th), and Bayona Victoria (13th) were elected Deputy Head Prefects.

Kamoga Moses is Minister of Education and founder of the Debate Club.

Kibalama Joseph is Minister of Water & Power.

Forefront Church Visits Uganda
Four members of Forefront Church in New York City visited Uganda this past August. Member Jacob Lange writes:

Being 6’5″ and sitting in an economy class airline seat for 21 hours is not necessarily the best combination.   But there are some things for which it is worth making sacrifices.

At the end of August, I made the trek with three close friends from Forefront Church.   I have had it in my mind for the past two and a half years, since I met Steve Shames and learned about his vision for raising up a generation of leaders in Uganda.   What we experienced was both horrify and inspiring. I cannot recap all the events of the 10 days we spent in Uganda, but I would like to highlight just one.

Mid way during our trip, we made the 7 hour drive from Kampala to Gulu in order to visit an IDP camp – little more that a collection of mud huts formed by displaced people forced to flee their homes when the war was raging.   There are several students from the area, including a few that were “home” for the school break.   It was there in Gulu that I met Freddy.   He is 17 years old, with deep skin and a beaming smile.   He wore a handsome polo shirt – the only nice clothes he owns I suspect.   With a slight stutter, perhaps because we were speaking English, Freddy introduced himself and showed us his humble dwelling place – a typical hut about 10 feet in diameter with a thatched roof.   Because he is a student in the program, he stuck around and spent the next several hours with us.

I still am not sure what happened, what inspired him to open up to me, but all of the sudden Freddy started pouring himself out to me.   For the next three hours he told me his entire story, from start to finish, in full detail.   I was not sure if should embrace him and tell him everything was going to be ok, or if I should weep with sorrow because of what the Rebel army turned him into.   I did neither (at least not initially).   I just listened in disbelief and anguish as he told me everything.

drawing of rebel soldiers ©2008, Mugeny Fred

I don’t think the details matter.   And I am not sure if you too want to be haunted with the image of a child made to the most inhumane things imaginable, things that go against the most innate sense of good and evil found inside each of us. Beaten physically and psychologically, with death constantly looming overhead, you do what you are told – especially when you are a scared 14 year old.

After much reflection, and time for my own soul to recover, I felt a sense of joy that Freddy once again has hope.   His life will not be easy, he will still be tormented by dreams and distant memories, but he has life once again.   With confidence, this young man told me that he was going to become a doctor.   Freddy has what it takes to be a future leader in his country, and LEAD Uganda is giving him the tools to make it possible.

Thank you for supporting LEAD Uganda.   Because of your support, people who have had everything taken from them are finding hope once again.   Together we can create a better world.

Sincere Thanks,

Jacob Lange

Two Exhibits Feature LEAD Uganda

Charlotte Southern
Opening Saturday October 11th
Bakehouse Art Complex
561 NW 32nd Street. Miami, Florida.

Charlotte Southern’s exhibit features the story of John, a Rwandan who escaped the genocide and is now in school thanks to LEAD Uganda. Charlotte also documented life in a village in Rakai where 70% of the children are orphans.

Photo ©2008, Charlotte Southern

Ms. Southern says, “Photographing John was a remarkable experience because we are a week apart in age and he was starting Primary Three just months after I had graduated from the University of Miami. Thanks to LEAD Uganda John has the opportunity to fulfill his dreams of getting an education and overcome the tragedies in his past.”.

All proceeds from the sale of prints at the exhibit benefit the children in LEAD Uganda. For more information visit: www.charlottesouthern.com/bakehouse.html

Errol Daniels
Opening Friday September 12
7 – 10 PM
El Museo Francisco Oiler y Diego Rivera
91 Allen Street, Buffalo, New York.

Errol Daniels’ photographs document children affected by the war in Pader IDP Camp in northern Uganda. Northen Uganda has one million children living in refugee camps as a result of the war. LEAD Uganda has put twenty students from the north into the best schools in Uganda.

The exhibit runs until October 18, 2008.

Errol, a board member of the Stephen Shames Foundation, celebrates his 65th birthday on September 11th. Happy birthday Errol. Photo ©2008, Errol Daniels

Proceeds from the sale of prints at the exhibit benefit the children in LEAD Uganda.

Donate

LEAD Uganda has two premium contribution levels: Sponsor and Patron.
Sponsors and Patrons receive a photo, letters from
their student, and progress reports from us.

Sponsors pay all costs for one child — $150 a month.

$150 a month — $5 a day pays for
everything a child needs to succeed: school fees, books, clothes, medical care, workshops in math, science, computers, and leadership, emotional support, counseling, and a family.

Sponsors are assigned a student. They receive monthly letters from their student, and progress reports from us. They may also receive photographs, drawings, and other materials.

Patrons donate $50 or $100 a month.

$100 a month – $3 a day - pays school fees (tuition), plus room, and board, books, and uniform at one of the best high schools in Uganda.

$50 a month – $1.50 a day – covers school fees for one scholar at a top school.

Patrons receive letters from students and progress reports from us. They are not assigned one student.

Please give what you can. Every donation helps.

$25 a month covers workshops in leadership, video, science, and writing, transportation home during school breaks, school visits, and staff support for one student.

$10 a month buys school supplies. clothes, shoes for one child.

$5 a month provides medical care and books for one student.

Please help a child achieve his or her dreams.
All contributions make a difference.

LEAD Uganda is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Donations are tax deductible.

Photography except as noted © 2008, Stephen Shames / Polaris

Please feel free to distribute or forward this newsletter to friends, co-workers, and anyone else you think would like to know about the situation in Uganda and our program.

Donate

LEAD Uganda has two premium contribution levels: Sponsor and Patron.
Sponsors and Patrons receive a photo, letters from
their student, and progress reports from us.

Sponsors pay all costs for one child — $150 a month.

$150 a month — $5 a day pays for
everything a child needs to succeed: school fees, books, clothes, medical care, workshops in math, science, computers, and leadership, emotional support, counseling, and a family.

Sponsors are assigned a student. They receive monthly letters from their student, and progress reports from us. They may also receive photographs, drawings, and other materials.

Patrons donate $50 or $100 a month.

$100 a month – $3 a day - pays school fees (tuition), plus room, and board, books, and uniform at one of the best high schools in Uganda.

$50 a month – $1.50 a day – covers school fees for one scholar at a top school.

Patrons receive letters from students and progress reports from us. They are not assigned one student.

Please give what you can. Every donation helps.

$25 a month covers workshops in leadership, video, science, and writing, transportation home during school breaks, school visits, and staff support for one student.

$10 a month buys school supplies. clothes, shoes for one child.

$5 a month provides medical care and books for one student.

Please help a child achieve his or her dreams.
All contributions make a difference.

LEAD Uganda is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Donations are tax deductible.

Photography except as noted © 2008, Stephen Shames / Polaris

Please feel free to distribute or forward this newsletter to friends, co-workers, and anyone else you think would like to know about the situation in Uganda and our program.

Look at New York Times multimedia presentation

LEAD Uganda Student Accepted by Elite African Leadership Academy.
LEAD Uganda high school student Ntege Paul has been accepted by the prestigious African Leadership Academy. This elite boarding school, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, accepted only 100 students from all of Africa. Paul received a full scholarship (worth over $20,000) from the school. He starts this September.

“Ntege is a disciplined boy with an excellent record. I am not surprised that he passed the African Leadership academy interviews”, Nakiggude Proscovia, an English teacher at Paul’s former school, Uganda Martyr’s Senior Secondary School -Naumgongo, said amidst cheers from other teachers.

His excited Mother, Topista added, “Paul is a focused boy both in his studies and while doing chores at home.”

“Believing in my self in my daily life and keeping focused while at school yields good success,” Ntege says, “I am happy and I owe my success to Concern for the Future and Stephen Shames, who took me to Concern for the Future. I had a problem with school fees.   At one time I thought I would never make it, because when I was 11-years-old, I had to work in a stone quarry to provide food for my family. But with God’s grace, all is possible.”

“There’s no short cut to success. Success comes through hard work and trusting in God,” says Monica Nankoma, Director of Concern for the Future, “Paul exhibits such traits. I knew he would not disappoint us.”

We are proud of Paul. His success shows what can be achieved when deserving youngsters are given the chance to become leaders by studying at the best schools. That is what our LEAD Uganda educational leadership program does.

Donate

LEAD Uganda has two premium contribution levels: Sponsor and Patron.
Sponsors and Patrons receive a photo, letters from
their student, and progress reports from us.

Sponsors pay all costs for one child — $150 a month.

$150 a month — $5 a day pays for
everything a child needs to succeed: school fees, books, clothes, medical care, workshops in math, science, computers, and leadership, emotional support, counseling, and a family.

Sponsors are assigned a student. They receive monthly letters from their student, and progress reports from us. They may also receive photographs, drawings, and other materials.

Patrons donate $50 or $100 a month.

$100 a month – $3 a day - pays school fees (tuition), plus room, and board, books, and uniform at one of the best high schools in Uganda.

$50 a month – $1.50 a day – covers school fees for one scholar at a top school.

Patrons receive letters from students and progress reports from us. They are not assigned one student.

Please give what you can. Every donation helps.

$25 a month covers workshops in leadership, video, science, and writing, transportation home during school breaks, school visits, and staff support for one student.

$10 a month buys school supplies. clothes, shoes for one child.

$5 a month provides medical care and books for one student.

Please help a child achieve his or her dreams.
All contributions make a difference.

LEAD Uganda is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Donations are tax deductible.

Photography except as noted © 2008, Stephen Shames / Polaris

Please feel free to distribute or forward this newsletter to friends, co-workers, and anyone else you think would like to know about the situation in Uganda and our program.

After reading a People Magazine article about Sarah, an AIDS orphan from Uganda, my daughters, Iyanna and Kiara, had many questions. l read it to them because I felt that they didn’t fully appreciate all they had. That article has changed my family forever. photo: Iana Kiara, and Sacha Crockett with Sarah.

My oldest daughter and I emailed Steve to create a pen pal relationship with Sarah. Steve told us that Sarah was in New York and that maybe the girls could meet. My husband and I decided to make the trip to Brooklyn. We met Sarah, Ojok, Kantogole, and Monica Nankoma. Ojok is a former child soldier. Kantogole is a bright and kind soul. Sarah is playful and full of life. Monica is the director of Concern for the Future, the NGO from Uganda that takes care of the children. We were so touched by their spirits that we decided that we would try to help them.

My shy unassuming daughter, Iyanna, went to her principal to ask if she could have a bake sale.   He left it up to the teacher to decide. Mrs. Cockfield’s 3rd grade class fundraiser for the Ugandan children ended on Jan. 31. Their goal was $100 but they raised over $230. (in less then a month)

The children in Iyanna’s 3rd grade class brought their own money and allowances to give. Some of the children reached into their pockets for their snack money after Iyanna told them about what is happening in Uganda. photos above and below: Sarah Nantaayi

Both of my daughters submitted art for Middletown’s Reflections Art Contest “I can make a difference by…” Iyanna did a movie about our journey and Kiara drew a picture of Sarah picking up our youngest daughter. Both pieces have gone to the state level.

Kiara designed a t-shirt that we are going to sell to raise money for these needy and forgotten children on a website my husband (a t-shirt designer) and I are developing.

We can all learn from these children. There is so much sadness and ugliness in the world. My children have reminded me that we have to be the change that we want to see in the world.

2007 Annual Report
This report covers the period July 1, 2007 to February 29, 2008. It contains our accomplishments and looks forward to what we hope to achieve in 2008 and 2009.

Please download and read the report:
2007 ANNUAL REPORT PDF

Accomplishments (Summary)
The Ugandan staff and guardians took over management of their program. In July, we achieved our goal of making the program independent and indigenous, when the staff and guardians formed Concern for the Future, a Ugandan run NGO (non-profit).

Our scholars continued to excel in 2007. In the third term of 2007, 14 of our 41 primary and 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students placed in the top ten of their class. 19 ranked in the top twenty. Put another way, 31.7% ranked in the top ten; 46.3% were in the top twenty

African Leadership Academy. The African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg is a new school that will enroll one hundred of the top student leaders from every country in Africa this fall. We are proud that six of our students (out of 17 Ugandans) were selected as finalists.

People Magazine article. The December 17, 2007, issue of People Magazine contained a four page article which increased our visibility and brought in donations.

Curriculum Supplement. Marsha Vernon, a high school teacher at the A. Shomburg Satellite Academy, wrote a curriculum supplement, which highlights our students lives to teach how AIDS, poverty, and war affect children in Africa. This will be posted on the web to attract more schools.

Nokia. Nokia’s advertising agency contracted us to produce an ongoing series of two to four minute videos using their cell phones’ s video camera. The videos will be aired on Nokia’s website.

Please download and read the report:
2007 ANNUAL REPORT PDF

Two Uganda Exhibits Open April 6th
(1) The Gershman Y on South Broad Street in Philadelphia is hosting a photo exhibit of Stephen Shames‘ work in Uganda titled: Small Survivors: Vulnerable Children of Uganda.

The show is comprised of thirty, 30×40 mounted pigment prints showing the issues our children face and their success in school. Drawings and stories by our students will be displayed.

The show, underwritten by The Lynne Honickman Foundation, will open on April 6th from 2 to 4 PM and continue through August 15th. All are welcome.

See the prints in Steve’s exhibit

(2) Errol Daniels, a board member of the Stephen Shames Foundation has a show at the Olean Public Library Gallery in Olean, New York.

The exhibit consists of 15 portraits of teenagers currently living in Pader IDP Camp. Four were abducted and then escaped after many months or years in captivity. The others were forced out of their home villages when the rebels attacked.   Errol recorded their stories and the teens made drawings to illustrate their plight.

The exhibit opens Sunday April 6 from 2 – 4 PM and runs thorugh May 3rd. All are welcome.

Both shows will raise awareness and money for our students by selling prints and student’s drawings. photo: ©2008, Errol Daniels

Student Profile: Hilda Kasozi
by Mary Lee

Hilda Kasozi grew up in a poor sector of Kampala, Uganda where the children, who are often hungry find joy pulling each other around the muddy, red, rutted streets on sleds fashioned out of cut out water jugs.

Meeting Hilda, you are first struck by her boundless energy, soft voice and voracious enthusiasm for reading. This driven, ambitious, pretty 15-year-old girl, is ready to start preparations for college. photos: ©2008, Errol Daniels

Hilda lives with her mother, her articulate sister 21-year-old Maureen, handsome and prematurely graying Elvis, 20, introspective Derek, 17, plus two of Margaret’s grandchildren:   6-year-old Akram,   and 2-year-old Nakyondwa, called “Queen Latifa,”.

Her feisty mother, Margaret, who is HIV positive, belongs to an AIDS support organization called the TASO Drama Group. Through drama and songs, the 25 members of the group do their best to help bring awareness and stamp out the stigma associated with AIDS. They taught Hilda how to make beaded bracelets, purses and ribbons. Hilda taught her other family members. This brings in some money to help support her very large family.

Margaret met Stephen Shames five years ago. She ventured out early in the morning to see him, three different times. Each time the answer was, “No, we don’t money.”   The fourth time, she brought Hilda and her school results. This time, Steve said, “I’m never going to get rid of you am I?   OK, I’ll take Hilda. Great results!”

Hilda, deputy head girl at Uganda Martyr’s Senior Secondary School – Namugongo and a top student, is applying to top universities in Africa. She writes her admissions essays with great enthusiasm and fervor. Get ready Africa, Hilda will certainly be a great leader.

Donate

LEAD Uganda has two premium contribution levels: Sponsor and Patron.
Sponsors and Patrons receive a photo, letters from
their student, and progress reports from us.

Sponsors pay all costs for one child — $150 a month.

$150 a month — $5 a day pays for
everything a child needs to succeed: school fees, books, clothes, medical care, workshops in math, science, computers, and leadership, emotional support, counseling, and a family.

Sponsors are assigned a student. They receive monthly letters from their student, and progress reports from us. They may also receive photographs, drawings, and other materials.

Patrons donate $50 or $100 a month.

$100 a month – $3 a day - pays school fees (tuition), plus room, and board, books, and uniform at one of the best high schools in Uganda.

$50 a month – $1.50 a day – covers school fees for one scholar at a top school.

Patrons receive letters from students and progress reports from us. They are not assigned one student.

Please give what you can. Every donation helps.

$25 a month covers workshops in leadership, video, science, and writing, transportation home during school breaks, school visits, and staff support for one student.

$10 a month buys school supplies. clothes, shoes for one child.

$5 a month provides medical care and books for one student.

Please help a child achieve his or her dreams.
All contributions make a difference.

LEAD Uganda is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Donations are tax deductible.

Photography except as noted © 2008, Stephen Shames / Polaris

Please feel free to distribute or forward this newsletter to friends, co-workers, and anyone else you think would like to know about the situation in Uganda and our program.