We transform the lives of our children
Most excel academically and achieve emotional stability within the first three months; but some, especially former child soldiers, can take a few years to improve in school, and for their panic attacks and nightmares to subside.
Academic Results
In September, 2009, two of our students, Katongole and Bayona, received Government Sponsorships to Uganda’s top university. (Only a very few receive these scholarships. Almost none are poor.) Bayona will join a privileged few women in business.
“Society needs people who add value, who contribute to its well-being. With my degree in business statistics, I am ready to help Uganda face the challenges of this age and beyond.”
Moses, missed by one point. He went to the Indian Embassy and convinced them to find him a college. Moses was awarded a scholarship to study Information Technology in Bangalore.
Moses wrote me:” When my father died, my hopes were all shattered and I stopped dreaming. The thought that someone cares and cherishes my dreams has always made me strong and firm. Even though you are not near me, with your words, I just feel I am complete.”
Ntege, who two years ago received a full scholarship to the African Leadership Academy, perhaps the top high school in Africa, has been accepted by four US universities.
Our fifteen 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students did incredibly well on their mid-terms last month. 5 received A-plus grades. 4 earned A marks. 2 got A-minuses. 7th grader Rahim received a perfect score on his national exam practice test. 7th grader Amos, Sarah, and Victoria are 1st at their schools. Eight of out nine students taking the 11th grade national exams received 1st grades
Leadership / Entrepreneurship
12-year-old Rahim reads the news on a national televised show. Kimbowa preaches. Moses writes and performs rap. A dozen of our students hold student body office. After graduation Allisen returned to his village to take care of his dying mother. We gave him a loan to expand his farm. He paid it back and is about to take out another to start a hair salon. Paddy started a t-shirt line using his paintings, which he also exhibits at Kampala art galleries,. While at university Edgar started a printing business.
Emotional Growth
Although emotional strength is harder to quantify, the results can be clearly seen. People who meet our children or watch their media interviews, marvel at their poise and confidence. It is inspiring to see their aspirations change dramatically over time.
Nokrach:“It is like this. When I joined school I felt inferior. When you interact with people of high class and your background is not that good you feel inferior. But then I thought, ‘Why should I always have low self-esteem?’ L.E.A.D Uganda trains us to be leaders. We give speeches. They show us how to interact and socialize. I thought, ‘No, I have to be a leader. I can lead my friends and lead the country maybe one day.’ I feared leadership before, but I think I have the leadership skills. I have the confidence. I have the courage. I can make it.”
