ChangeALife Uganda

ChangeALife Uganda is a nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of orphaned and disadvantaged children and their families in rural Migyera and semi-urban Nabbingo. "We are embracing their goals: alleviating poverty through education' healthcare and income-generating programs," said Hart. The program focuses primarily on children, the ca... talyst for change and the hope of the future, said Hart. There are 215 students now in the program; the goal is 500. Students are selected based on need, interest in learning, and leadership skills. Those who complete the university in the next few years will return to the program as teachers, nurses and social workers. Despite difficult financial times, Hart said, the children of Ocean City "worked hard, and people have been very generous. Students participated in fundraisers such as "Money for Medicine"; "Quarters for Water"; and "Books for a Buck. For the latter, "They brought in new and used books and included a dollar for shipping," Hart said. The Ugandans "were deluged with books for their libraries. They are in particular need of math and science books." Rosemarie Vetter is a volunteer with the program. Semler, a former colleague at Merck, traveled to Africa and decided to donate her time in retirement to helping children. "It was a very grass-roots effort," Vetter said. Eventually, Semler hooked up with Father Lawrence Kizito Kimbowa, director of the St. Lawrence School in Uganda, now Ocean City's "sister school. "As a child, Father Lawrence was separated from his family during the 1980s civil conflict in Uganda," said Vetter. A couple in Chicago sponsored his education from grade three through the priesthood. Education changed his life, and is the gift he promised to bring to the children of Uganda. Jean joined that effort and so have we. "Each year it grows, by word of mouth," she said. "Education is the greatest gift you can give Africa. Father Lawrence does not want it to be a program where 'Americans just give you money.' He wants to make that ...Read More