TRANSFORMING LIVES:
Turning Uganda’s Forgotten Children Into Leaders

Published by Star Bright Books

Photographs & Essay by Award-Winning Photojournalist Stephen Shames
Foreword by People magazine writer Pete Norman.

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PUBLICATION DATE: October 1, 2009
8×10 inches. 44 pages.
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The book will be available for purchase through the LEAD Uganda website starting September 2, 2009, for $12.95. (plus $3 shipping) If you order the book before October 1st you will receive a signed book and free shipping.

THE BOOK
Nearly every child in Uganda is affected by poverty, HIV/AIDS, abduction, and brutal war. Many have witnessed trauma that no child should ever experience. And yet, despite their lost innocence, these children still possess a burning desire to succeed and to serve their country. Transforming Lives: Turning Uganda’s Forgotten Children Into Leaders (Star Bright Books, October 2009) documents the powerful and inspirational stories of thirteen young and talented Ugandan boys and girls who are on their way to leading their country into a brighter future. These are children who are beating the odds through a combination of personal grit and determination, and with the help of LEAD Uganda, an educational leadership initiative founded by photographer and child advocate Stephen Shames, that seeks out forgotten children and offers them education, security, emotional pport, and most importantly, the chance to become the next leaders of the country they love.

These children are beating the odds through a combination of personal grit and determination, and with the help of L.E.A.D Uganda, an educational leadership initiative founded by photographer and child advocate Stephen Shames, that seeks out forgotten children and offers them education, security, emotional support, and most importantly, the chance to become the next leaders of the country they love.

Through the children’s essays and drawings and Shames’ photographs, Transforming Lives presents a compelling and candid portrait of these resilient children of Uganda. AIDS orphans, former child soldiers, child laborers, and children living in refugee camps are now attending the best schools in their country alongside the children of Uganda’s elite, earning high marks, gaining self esteem, and experiencing first-hand the healing and transforming powers of education.

In Transforming Lives you will read about our students, including:

Katongole, who as a teenager worked in a quarry breaking stones into pebbles for 1,500 shillings (73 cents a day). He couldn’t afford to go to school fulltime, but his innate abilities and resilience have rewarded him with a full scholarship to pharmacy school.

Ronald, a past child soldier, who lost his father and right arm to rebel fighters. Without drive and assistance, he would not have been able to work, but now his dream of being a lawyer is a reality.

Sarah, a double AIDS orphan, who lost her mother and father before her first birthday. As a child, she struggled to help raise her siblings, walking up to five miles a day to fetch water from a well. She is now first in her class and dreams of helping other children in need.

Hilda, who lost her father when she was a baby, and has a mother who is HIV positive and struggling to raise six children, is now the deputy head girl at the best high school in Uganda. Hilda’s goal is to be a neurosurgeon and create jobs by building her own hospital.

SOME BOOK PAGES

This is a great book to share with the entire family, and includes tips on how you can raise money to help the kids.

Fourteen of our high school students received A averages. Two of them, Madinah and Sanyu, compiled A-plus marks. Namakula Afuat ranked 1st in her class. Seven received B averages.

Six of our primary students received A averages. Four — Amos, Joseph, Victorias, and Rahim got A-pluses. Joseph ranked first in his class. Sarah, Victoria, and Rahim were second. Three got B averages.

Our students received first grades on their national exams: the UCE (Uganda Certificate of Education) taken in 11th grade and the Primary Leaving Exams taken in 7th grade.

All four of our 11th graders — Aloysious, Hilda, Alex, and Sylvester — received 1st grades. All will continue at top high schools. Aloysious, an AIDS orphan from Rakai (photo, right) did best. He received 14 aggregates in 8 subjects— an excellent performance. (Students are graded 1 to 9 in 8 subjects. The best possible score is 8. 72 is the lowest score. 32 and above is a first grade.)

Three of our seven 7th grade students received first grades, Three received high second grades. The six will go to the top high schools.

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.

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: © 2009, Stephen Shames / Polaris

ALL EVENT PHOTOS: ©2009, Ron Jautz

Newsletter Editors: Stephen Magezi & Wasswa Charles

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

LEAD Uganda high school student Ntege Paul started the prestigious African Leadership Academy in September, 2008. 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.

“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.

LEAD Uganda is a 501(c)3 non-profit.

Donations are tax deductible.

Photography except as noted: © 2009, Stephen Shames / Polaris

ALL EVENT PHOTOS: ©2009, Ron Jautz

Wetaka
“I am enjoying every moment being in school and knowing that my dreams are too close to reality. This term we also sat for mid –term exams and the results were good because I managed to maintain my grades in the exams. I got 9 in all the 8 subjects. In school we had football competitions and my team won, we celebrated by roasting a goat, it was fun. I take this opportunity to thank you for your great efforts towards my education. I am indebted to your love and care. Thank you.” (photo: Wetaka)

Olweny
“I have just finished my course and I’m now volunteering as a teacher of photography and digital video editing at Christian Orphan Children, a newly founded organization based in Gulu. The organization helps to support war and AIDS affected children and orphans in northern Uganda. I am now called teacher which I was not expecting in such a short time. I have also applied for a job at a television station in Lira, one of the towns in northern Uganda. I will work for them as a photographer. I am also looking forward to setting up my own Digital Video Editing Studio after working and saving some money .”

Hilda
“My academic term this time round has been characterized by a lot of activities like inter house music, dance and drama festivals, inter-school archdiocesan music festivals, in which I participated as a lead soloist. The school also organized a “careers Day” for each class where we are guided on how to make choices for future careers. I also got a chance of being among the 14 students who represented the school in a one day leadership workshop about, self drive and self-esteem. Indeed this workshop was fruitful for it helped me attain more leadership skills that I, together with my friends used to reprieve the wildlife club, a club that had totally collapsed in my school. I am now the internal co-coordinator wildlife club in my school. Our motto is, ‘Embrace Nature’.”
(photo: Hilda fetches water.)

Sylvester
“This term I was elected as the Education and Information Prefect for the year 2009-2010. This post was a challenge at first because there were two opponents who were old boys of the school, but I proved resilient and confidently campaigned and won them. After the counting of votes I had won by 63%. My campaign slogan was ‘Change We Can Believe’. This worked for me, till the final day of voting and lastly I was the new prefect. I am called a honorable for the first time and this makes me glad” says Sylvester, “I was also elected as the internal and external co-coordinator of the debating club.”

This former street kid enjoys leading others. “In the future I would like to be a web and graphics designer. I have always had interest in information technology. My role model is Bill Gates. I am working hard to achieve my goals. I performed well in my mid term exams although the results are partially out. I managed to score an A and B in History and entrepreneurship respectively and I also expect good grades from the remaining two exams.” (photo: Sylvester)

19-year-old Sylvester joined LEAD Uganda in 2004, after spending two years languishing on the streets of Kampala. At 13, Sylvester dropped out of school because of school fees. He started grazing cattle earning two dollars a day. He lost that job and left his village for Kampala in search of a better job. His ambition failed him since no one was ready to employ a 13 year old. He found himself on the streets.

“I suffered while on the street, until one day when a good Samaritan picked me up and took me to an organization that helped street kids. That NGO provided food and accommodation to us but not education. I met Stephen Shames and he took me to LEAD Uganda. I believe God has put an open door in front of everyone and it’s upon us to go on and go through it. When I realize the life situations I have been through, this appointment as the school’s Education and information is a great achievement. Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty believe in them and try to follow where they lead”.
(photo: Sylvster & Stephen)

Stephen

“I participated in a play called  ‘Justice should be fought for’ and my house had the best presentation.  I would like to put this play into practice after school because my career choice is to become a lawyer. This is because justice in Uganda is dying away because of corruption. Only the rich win courts cases at the expenses of the poor. Seemingly, all lawyers are on the side of the rich. I think this evil has to stop mostly in my generation.”

Rahim
“I have two pieces of good news: we won the debate and I am going to read news on UBC, a television channel.” (photo: Rahim and Sarah)

Kwere
“Each day I thank God for you. He has made you the wind beneath my wings. I now can climb higher than an eagle.” (photo below: Kwere)

Dorothy
“We did our mid term exams and they were not so difficult because I had read my books well. I performed well and attained a first grade. (an “A”) We also had football competitions at school and our house was the winner so the school is preparing a bull roasting party for us.”

Maureen
“In the girls soccer games, I played as a winger at number seven and I scored a goal during the penalty shoot out. My team took the 3rd position after we lost to the eventual winners. My team Oxford won the netball competition where in the finals we beat Harvard 20 goals to 4.”

Fahad

“Let me humbly send my greeting to you and your entire family. Hope every one is fine. I am fine too and I am happy for the support towards my education because it is the most important thing in my life. I have credits in all science subjects, math, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Agriculture and I know that I will have a first grade in this term.
We are going to have sports competition at school. I will try my level best in football so that my house Cambridge wins the trophy. I am a good striker and I will strive hard so that I score not less than 5 goals. If our house Cambridge wins the trophy they will give us a goat for roasting.” (photo: Fahad)

Victoria
“I am very happy because I was the first in the whole class again. My teachers were very pleased with me because of my performance.”

Juliet

“I have joined the football club this term since I realized I was capable of playing football, I have found the club so interesting. We also joined an interact club in school.  Students participate in activities like dancing, modeling and  miming songs. The club provided the school with sodas, cakes, and different kinds of food. The school administration provided us with a music system and we had a nice social evening. ”

(photo: Juliet)

Derrick
“I feel blessed always to be sharing with you my experiences and the wonderful things God keeps doing in my life. We are still in school in our second term, we have few months left to our final exams. I am reading hard and keeping focused to achieve success in both of the exams. This term, we also had football competitions at school and our class, which I captain was crowned victors.”

Ntege

“Next year, I will be focusing solely on my three A’ level subjects: Chemistry, Biology and Math. However, at the end of my first year, I managed to get an A in Math, and B in both Biology and Chemistry. I am looking forward to applying to U. S. Universities and colleges early next year.”

Sanyu
“I took over the part of the poem in Luganda (Our local language). I applaud my self for that because in poetry I have a magic touch. I also had the best grades 9 in 8. I improved in all the subjects and I will keep working hard for an 8 in 8.” (Students take eight subjects. The best grade is a 1. Sanyu got seven 1′s and one 2, an A+ grade.)
(photo: Sanyu)

Sanyu gets soccer-mania
Sanyu captained her schools girls’ soccer team. Under her leadership the Seeta High School Five Stars reached the quarterfinals of the recently concluded Coca-Cola schools tournament.

“We fell out on the quarterfinals, but we received a big applause being our first time in the tournament. We received the honor of being the most disciplined team, and we won Coca-Cola jerseys” Sanyu notes.

“The school’s head coach Mr. Ali and the Manager Mr. Obo Allan showed interest in me after I participated in the inter streams competitions were I scored three goals” says Sanyu (photos above and below by Wasswa Charles of Sanyu playing soccer.)

“At the pitch I play no.6 just like Cesc Fabregas my favorite player of Arsenal my favorite club. I like his style of play and because he has a mild temperament. No.6 keeps the mid- field, helps no. 8, continuously passes to no. 7 and does not allow the ball to cross the center. He is versatile and makes hard tackles and instills fear in the opposition to make no more attacks. Sometime I play No.7, who keeps the wing and remains in contention with no.2 of the opposition. He also gives passes to the strikers. He must be very athletic, strong and a quick thinker and that’s why I was chosen to play there. I like soccer because it builds my confidence and it upholds teamwork and this has helped me live successfully among my peers”.

Orach

“I am happy to tell you that my ability and hard work is improving every day because I know that my background is not rich. I am working hard to become a useful person to my community and help change lives in the future.”

Jjuko and Kimbowa In National Debate
Kimbowa and Jjuko from St. Joseph’s Nagalama participated in a national inter-school debate on that took place on May 8th at Nsambya Sharing Hall in Kampala. (photo: Jjuko studies with Ibrahim)

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Kimbowa says, “I developed goose bumps when I was informed that I would represent my school at a national level debate. I have never stood before a big gathering, most especially the best debaters from top schools in the country. I am a prefect at schoo. One of my duties is to speak to students. Standing before 700 students was a great opportunity for me to enhance my public speaking skills. (photo: Kimbowa translates the sermon at his church)

Aloysious Does Well on National Exam
Aloysius was almost speechless when he got the information that he had scored 14 aggregates in 8 subjects on the 11th grade Uganda Certificate Examinations. Aloysious, an18-year-old AIDS orphan from a small rural village in Rakai District, attributes his success to hard work and encouragement and support from LEAD Uganda.

“My son has always excelled,” remarked Aloysious’ mother, Kasiita, “When LEAD Uganda put him in St. Henry’s Kitovu, that was a dream come true for him and the family, because it’s a good school, and you do not expect a kid in a top school to fail. He has made me proud.” (photo: Aloysious and his mom)

The composed and joyful Aloysius will study Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Art at Advanced Level at St. Joseph’s Naggalama, another top school. He wants to a be a doctor.

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: © 2009, Stephen Shames / Polaris

ALL EVENT PHOTOS: ©2009, Ron Jautz

Newsletter Editors: Stephen Magezi & Wasswa Charles

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

Bayona receives scholarship in business

“I am first grateful to God. Getting a government scholarship in Business Statistics in todays competitive world is almost impossible, but what do I have to regret? Now the scholarship is mine to use or lose,” remarks an excited Bayona.

“I owe my gratitude, first to Stephen Shames and LEAD Uganda, and Christine Kim for their love for my future. I have always promised not to disappoint any of them and I have lived by my word. Being educated in Kings College Buddo, Uganda’s top legendary school, really paid off,” remarks a happy Bayona.

Immediately after Uganda got her independence in 1962, one of the challenges the young nation faced was getting the right people to run the economy. Unfortunately, lack of skilled middle management remains an issue forty-seven years after the departure of the colonial civil servants. The country still needs accountants, statisticians, and business consultants. To date only a tiny fraction of Ugandans have acquired professional management skills. Of these, only a small number are women.

In recent years, the Ugandan Government has made the education of girls and women a priority. LEAD Uganda is doing its’ part by finding and nurturing bright girls with leadership potential — students like Bayona, Sanyu, Sarah, Hilda, Madinah, Patricia, Juliet, Esther, Mariah, Dorothy, Afuat, and Victoria.

As a result of her hard work in high school and the awarding of this scholarship by Uganda’s government to study business statistics, Bayona Victoria will join a privileged few women students who will be able to the acquire professional management skills so vital to Uganda’s well being.

“I think I was created for a time as this,” says Bayona, “because society needs people who add value, people who contribute to its’ well-being. With my degree in statistics, I will be capable and I will be more than ready to help Uganda face the challenges of this age and beyond.”

Katongole receives university scholarship to study pharmacy

“I am the happiest man on the planet. From a quarry boy to a pharmacist!  It’s unbelievable, but now its true. I think now that nothing is impossible,” remarked an excited Katongole after being awarded a complete scholarship from the Government of Uganda to study pharmacy at university starting this September.

When he graduates in four years,  this former quarry boy – who broke rocks into pebbles for 1500 shillings (73¢) a day, will enter a highly respected and well paid profession. The entry level salary of pharmacists (and doctors) in Uganda is 700, 000 Uganda Shillings ($350) a month. Those in the private sector (most pharmacists in Uganda are in private practice) can earn more by working for more than one organization.

More importantly, Katongole will be able to help his country which suffers from a shortage of professionals in the field of pharmacy. According to the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda, there are only 350 registered pharmacists in the country and they are expected to serve a population of 30 million people.

The high cost of training has kept the number down. “Pharmacy is a science course that requires lots of practical study in the laboratory. The cost of the chemicals and the laboratory requirements for this study are enormous,” says Katongole, “As a result, universities in Uganda have over the years taken small numbers.” Even this year we are not more than 15 on state scholarship.” (This year Makerere University, Uganda’s top college, admitted thirty students – half on scholarship, half paying full tuition. That is ten more than it has taken in the past.)

Katongole studied hard to earn this scholarship. In high school Katongole took a rigorous science track that included biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics which he passed with grades of A, A, B, and B respectively. “I studied hard, but I could not have gotten to this point without  the help of others. Most especially, I cannot hide my indebtedness to LEAD Uganda, Stephen Shames, Benny and Patsy Landa, and the Morgan family for their tireless efforts helping me towards this achievement.”

The roots of pharmacy can be traced to the earliest humans. Ancient civilizations used mud for soothing purposes. In 2600 BC, the apothecary served as priest, physician and pharmacist. Today the practice of pharmacy includes the development, manufacture, and dispensing of medicine to patients. Not only are they an authoritative source of drug information for physicians and nurses; but, as members of the health team,  pharmacists have a unique opportunity for direct involvement with patient care, helping patients understand and use their medicines in the most appropriate way.

Katongole is proud to study pharmacy. He states, “Pharmacy is more than just counting pills. The pharmacist’s role in society is to promote the well being of their patients.  It is a trustworthy occupation that reaches into almost all aspects of medicine and healthcare. I am indeed happy to reach this point in life, because now I am looked at importantly by my nation and by my family.”

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: © 2009, Stephen Shames / Polaris

Reporter: Stephen Magezi

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.

FLYP Media on-line Article
Tara Kyle wrote a wonderful and very detailed article about LEAD Uganda for FLYP Media, an on-line magazine. The article contains video interviews with LEAD Uganda students Katongole Godfrey and Kamoga Moses, as well as words by founder Stephen Shames.

See Flyp Media article

——

if link does not work – cut and paste :
http://www.flypmedia.com/issues/26/#7/1

Benefit Concert & Auction – April 6
Benefit concert and auction for LEAD Uganda in New York City.

Mon April 6th.
7 PM.

ATOMICTOM & Nate Campany perform.

15 talented New York artists donated works of art for a silent auction.

All proceeds go to LEAD Uganda.

$10.   Canal Room – 285 Broadway, NYC 10013

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Student Profile: Olweny Richard
“Each one of us is born with a ‘treasure’ within,” remarks Richard, “Mine is photography. My dream is become a professional photographer.”
This year Olweny Richard, a former child soldier who joined LEAD Uganda in 2007 after being rescued by government soldiers, enrolled in the Uganda Institute of Film, Photography, and Video Editing so he could further develop his talent.
“My role model in photography is Uncle Steve,” he says, “I have always been learning photography, especially during Uncle Steve’s visits to Uganda and also through photography workshops I took when I was still living in the night commuter center in Gulu. When I complete my course of study, I want to set up a photography studio in my hometown of Gulu so I can start helping my family and build them a house. I also want to help other children go to school.”

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.

Writer: Stephen Magezi

Photography except as noted © 2009, 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.