What can 2 hours really do?
Well here in Uganda, 2 hours worth of your wages can do so much!
We have launched a campaign called 2 Hours where we are asking you to give 2 hours worth of your wages every month to Ignite Change. Watch the video below to hear Emily talk about the campaign.
To learn how much impact you can have and to sign up, click here.
Thank you to everyone who came out for Trivia Night! We had a great time testing what we know about general knowledge, landmarks, commercials, and Uganda. It was great meeting new faces and sharing about our mission !
Congratulations to all our round winners! And congratulations to Ay Ay Ay Wombats for winning overall :)
In total, we raised over $2,000 for Ignite Change! This allows us to continue empowering families in Uganda through community outreach and education. It also enables us to continue growing towards a technical school in the new community of Kamdini.
We recognize that many of you could not understand the video of Rodgers, one of our Secondary Students. There are now captions added! Hear about Rodgers's life growing up with a family who did not value education. And what he is doing now to have a better future.
Hear Rodgers's story about growing up and trying to go to school without the support of his family. Now, he is trying to make a future for himself.
Beginning each day with an hour-long trip to the school over bumpy, dusty roads, I was astonished by the number of children walking alongside the road, hurrying on their way to school. Older children holding the hands of the younger. No mind for the cars, and even huge trucks, passing them so closely it would have been possible to reach out the window and touch them. Children on a daily mission of walking to school, happy to have the opportunity to receive an education. Occasionally, children were carrying pieces of wood which would be used for a fire to cook their meals on.
Upon arrival at school I was greeted by such a feeling of warmth. Out-stretched hands and the greeting, “You’re welcome” was offered by teachers and students alike. Instantly, I knew at once this was going to be an encounter like no other I have previously experienced.
While getting materials unpacked and ready for use, I was able to watch the teachers within the classrooms and I was truly impressed! Unlike teachers in the United State who have unlimited, readily- available materials, these teachers knew how to keep the students engaged with minimal resources. They were creative in their teaching methods and used songs, rhymes and very limited visual aids. Through repetition, students were learning how to speak English and were receiving their daily lessons. However, their teaching resources were tremendously increased by the materials brought from donations and supporters state side. Seeing teachers use materials never available to them before, I could tell how richly blessed they felt.
No doubt my most humbling observations came from watching the children’s faces as they touched and explored items never seen before. From books, which sometimes were even being viewed upside-down, to materials which taught numbers and letters, the students were totally engaged in the moment, so eager to explore whatever they were holding. Their quest for knowledge was as instinctual as any child. Although language was a definite barrier, by using hand gestures and a reassuring smile, I did my best to present lessons to these precious children.
As days passed we became more familiar with each other and a true bond was formed. I will never forget the girl who read a book to me that she had practiced for a few days; she was smiling from ear to ear with pride. It had not been often these children got to hold books, however, thankfully all that had now changed!
Unfortunately, three weeks passed too quickly. Leaving was difficult. There was so much more to do, so much more to help the teachers with, so much more to teach the children
As I prepared to depart, the staff and students expressed their heartfelt gratefulness for all that had been provided to them. No casual “thank-you” rather repeated handshakes and kind expressions; “Don’t forget about us when you get home.” “Tell everyone in the states, thank you!” Words spoken with sincere gratitude.
The 28-hour trip home provided plenty of time to reflect; seeing people living with few modern conveniences yet completely satisfied, experiencing genuine gratitude from those who have so little, and the feeling that I should never take anything for granted. This small village will never be the same due to the outpouring of compassionate people.
“Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles He performs for people!” Psalm 66:5
One week of classes has been completed. We are excited for every future week that will take place at this school - hopefully thousands upon thousands more!
Every decision made for the school was carefully planned out. From the roof of the building being slanted to let the hot air escape through the ventilators. To each classroom having round tables instead of desks to encourage group work. "Chalk and talk" is the typical teaching method in Ugandan where the children are lectured all day.
We praise God for every child that has enrolled in our school! Our expectation was around 100 children. On Friday, we had to cut off enrollment because we had over 200 children! We know these children will be getting a quality education and learn about our magnificent Jesus! Our whole goal as an organization is to empower families for a bright and sustainable future. One of the best ways to accomplish this goal is through education. We are working with both the children and their parents to break the cycle of poverty.
The time the school is needed is NOW! We have students that are 12 years old enrolling in our kindergarten class. These children have never set foot in a school and most likely know little to no English. The teachers and our whole staff have our work cut out for us! But we receive our power from our Great God.
With the increased amount of children, we need more furniture and supplies for the children. This comes out to be around $40 to give each of the 132 new children a seat, shared table, notebooks, pencils, pens, and eating dishes. Will you please help with this initial cost so that each student has a chair to sit on, a book to write in, and dishes to eat from? Your partnership with us gives not only these beautiful children, but their entire families, the opportunity to come to know Jesus and receive an education and livelihood. Thank you for being part of what GOD is doing here through Ignite Change!
