Donations for the much needed dormitory may be sent to PO Box 65141, Vancouver, WA 98665 This summer I find myself in the midst of a Community Health Education Internship in a small, rural village in Southern Uganda. I work in the community and at a progressive primary [elementary aged] school called, Future Diplomats Education Centre. More than 20 of these students are orphans. The vast majority
of students live far from the school and must walk at least 2km alone every morning and evening. The parents and caretakers of approximately 50 children consistently offer to pay in full for their child to live at the boarding school just to ensure they will remain at a safe and secure location. Unfortunately, the school has only fifteen beds for children who either have been orphaned or live far from home. Six of those beds don’t have mattresses, so two beds sleep three students each. Fifteen beds doesn’t come close to meeting the high need for student housing. During the first few weeks of my internship, I struggled to understand the role I am meant to play in the lives of these children. I am a college student with thousands of dollars of debt to my name; I cannot put a roof over the heads of every child, or pay for each of their educations. Then it hit me, I am here to share their stories. I am here to change their lives through the construction of a dormitory. My role here could not be more clear; I need to bring a dormitory to the primary school. In fact, I’m not sure I can go home until I accomplish this mission. I want to bring a place of shelter and security for the many orphaned and needy kids who attend Future Diplomats Education Centre. This will also be a place where children who live far away can sleep so they are no longer in danger of abduction or getting hit by vehicles along the dangerous roads leading them home. I know many people in America and around the world wish they had the time, the know-how, or the means to help those in need. I want to make this as simple as possible for you! The cause and need are present; the solution is clear. So many of you have given me support throughout the process of my travels, and you continue to support me as you stand alongside me throughout my journey here. I am asking you to please, spread your support by donating any amount of money to what I shall personally call the “Bring Kristen Home Fund.” I have given it this title because my heart cannot come home until I know this dormitory will exist. Whether you donate $1.00, $5.00, $50.00, or $500.00 please know that anything will help. Together we have the power to save many children and leave a lasting impact on this community. The dormitory and all furnishing will cost approximately $15,000 U.S. dollars and will house 33 girls, 33 boys, and a Matron to look over the children. (For some perspective: It costs more than that to attend college at the in-state rate in Washington State for one year!)
I hope you will chose to help bring me home! For more information, please visit www.volsetfoundationug.org or www.Kristen-thenextchapters.blogspot.com. If you are ready to donate to the dormitory today, please click on the link below. You will first be asked to submit the desired donation amount. Then if you do not currently have a membership to PayPal, find the link that says “not a member?” and follow the billing instructions. If you have a PayPal account, you can login and send your donation through the existing account.
