tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63368374169806754792024-03-19T14:50:49.971-07:00African Children Today | NewsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-57231862618672518882017-04-01T19:38:00.001-07:002017-04-01T19:38:39.573-07:00One Story - One Life Changed Forever<h3>
THANK YOU for investing your prayers and your support in African Children Today... here’s a story of one life changed by your gifts of love!</h3>
It was dawn on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 when a young woman walked into the office gates. <b>She was weak and wet</b> from the morning dew, and with swollen eyes she asked for Mr. Richard. Through exhausted tears, she shared parts of her story, and revealed her name as Marion. Even before finishing her story, she fell into a much needed sleep.<br />
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A few hours later that same day, two more children walked into our Rakai office, 8 year old John and 10 year old Carol. They were desperately hungry and asked for help finding their older sister. As their story unfolded, we learned that their mother had recently died and they were staying with their only sister. But now that sister had disappeared and Carol said, “We need a place to stay and our sister is no more.”<br />
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It was now dusk, the same day and Marion woke up from her nine hour ‘nap’ while we were still listening to our ‘visitors’ and praying for ways to find any family members who could help. Carol was first to see Marion and she ran quickly to her. They hugged and cried and hugged some more – for you see, Marion was the big sister that Carol feared was “no more”. They had lost their mother two weeks before and survival was very challenging. Their dream for education had been shattered.<br />
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Isn’t it amazing how God makes connections?!? The next day, we found temporary homes for each child. And the very next day, Marion started volunteering in our office. We quickly realized Marion’s gifts and potential. As one staff member commented, ‘her smile, energy and enthusiasm are going to be a blessing for this world.’ With God’s guidance, we found several ACT sponsors for Marion so she could continue her education. With much excitement and a grateful heart, Marion started at the University in August 2013.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAu7bDiJGBRWIx_u77ce5mVTJ_3QeRPX5CKJVOkkiW9VCI1V38rHojI-rHYWk6weQlljoTbbhHtSf_K4vyZLOetZXMHOyhUUbKEDMtt6b_TFf3VgWDCb3HFDa-PAOYIkh5vKK2_Nh7hpF/s1600/marion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAu7bDiJGBRWIx_u77ce5mVTJ_3QeRPX5CKJVOkkiW9VCI1V38rHojI-rHYWk6weQlljoTbbhHtSf_K4vyZLOetZXMHOyhUUbKEDMtt6b_TFf3VgWDCb3HFDa-PAOYIkh5vKK2_Nh7hpF/s200/marion.jpg" width="143" /></a>On February 24, 2017 – exactly 1,422 days later - Marion graduated with a degree in social work and administration. Her smile in this picture is a testimony that her world has been unlocked! Marion is now determined to raise her siblings and help Carol and John get their college degrees also.<br />
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<b>One Story – One Life Changed! </b> Marion’s story is a true testimony of what ACT sponsorship can do! Marion is now an equipped leader, ready to serve the community of Rakai, starting with her own family.<br />
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Your gifts and sponsorship make a world of difference in the life of one person, one family, one community! <b>THANK YOU! </b><br />
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May God Almighty bless you!<br />
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<i>Richard Mutaawe</i><br />
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<b>Know someone who might sponsor a child?</b></h3>
<b>There are more children who need a loving sponsor to help them get the education they need to reach their God-given potential.</b> It doesn't cost much...only $30 dollars a month for one child. Perhaps you might consider adopting another child OR passing along this blog post to someone who might decide to sponsor one of the following girls and change their life forever!<br />
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<b>Jennifer Nakaggwa</b> is in 4th grade (primary) and wants to be a pilot! She lives with her grandmother, Cissy who has challenges that cause her to occasionally leave the family. Jennifer and her 4 sisters not only struggle to get food but attend school sporadically. She could really need the help of a sponsor!<br />
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<b>Sumayiya Nakalema</b> is in 6th grade (primary). Her father is Muslim and has abandoned the family. Without his support, Sumayiya and her family struggles for survival. She dreams to become a doctor and with her hardworking attitude and someone to sponsor her, she will make it!<br />
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<b>We're Making Progress at the School!</b></h3>
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Things are moving! The walls are going up on the Teacher House brick by brick. Soon there will be children filling the classrooms to learn, to grow, and to be given the important keys for success! Thank you for your faithful support, encouragement and financial gifts! You are making a big difference in Rakai, Uganda!<br />
<br />African Children Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065968232662057990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-62452072882286880052016-12-26T07:52:00.001-08:002016-12-26T07:57:05.046-08:00A Word of Thanks!<h2>
Giving Thanks...</h2>
I hope you had memorable Thanksgiving & Christmas weekends with your family and friends. It is a special time of year to pause for a moment and give thanks for the many ways we have been blessed in the past year. You have shared those blessings with the women and children of Rakai, Uganda. On behalf of African Children Today, thank you for that love and support!<br />
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A team of 10 hearty souls traveled to Rakai this fall, where we had an opportunity to visit the children sponsored through ACT. We also were able to see all of the projects that are providing a sustainable income to so many women.<br />
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<li><b>Amazing Grace Bakery</b> employs 25 people, supports many more by providing bread at a wholesale price so women can sell it in their shops, and produces 1500 loaves of bread every day.</li>
<li><b>Welding and Carpentry Shops</b> are busily providing for local construction needs and job training.</li>
<li><b>Hope Again Women’s Ministry</b> - 150 devoted women producing jewelry and baskets providing sustainable income.</li>
<li><b>Construction site</b> of the new school which will provide 1500 children a quality education and training to become the Christian leaders of tomorrow. </li>
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It is such an uplifting experience to see the smiles on the faces of the women and children, and understand first-hand how the entire community is benefiting from your love and support.<br />
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As I look back over the 20 years I have been involved in Rakai, one child exemplifies the change you can make through your support more than any other. Emmanuel was a 2 1/2 year old boy who could not stand due to severe malnutrition and neglect and was close to death. Two years later he is an energetic boy who loves school and has a beautiful smile. This is the kind of difference you are making. You are saving lives.<br />
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Wishing you a blessed New Year!<br />
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<i>Ann Hill</i><br />
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P.S. If you'd like some ideas about year-end giving, see below<br />
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As you consider year-end giving, please consider a gift for a child in Rakai - either your sponsored child or a child in need. A gift that “keeps on giving” will be greatly appreciated. For $20 you can give a pair of chickens, or $40 will purchase a pig - ways to provide family income for years to come. When you make a donation to your sponsored child, the staff will visit the family to determine what is most needed and will make sure your child receives a special gift.<br />
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Perhaps you would like to make a donation toward the construction of the new school - every gift is needed to realize our dream of opening the school next year. Give a gift to friends and family by making an ACT donation in their honor - we will send them a card acknowledging the gift. (If you choose to do this, please send an email to <a href="mailto:ann@africanchildrentoday.org">ann@africanchildrentoday.org</a> with the name and address of the person or indicate you would like to receive the card!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-9191518959176329562016-05-29T20:23:00.000-07:002016-05-29T20:23:30.323-07:00Healing Lauza<div class="separator" style="clear: left; padding-right: 30px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://fmscblog.com/from-the-field/healing-lauza/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhE2b9w9j_6BPuyUhJnJHPX3KJLyJAALxWMSbNXe3copC2NAzS3kZbuuY4qcgAzuCK1q7Cawx28A1CAUflR4ybzvd2ZpEryJxc93qotwMnEg3ctpkLgHPUQ7pIYwgvnwaEa91Cs7aopI/s1600/lauza2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Feed My Starving Children just published a blog post about little Lauza in Rakai. We are so grateful for the meals we receive from FMSC – good, balanced nutrition every day that is saving children like Lauza, Emma and thousands more. <a href="http://fmscblog.com/from-the-field/healing-lauza/" target="_blank">Read Lauza's story on the FMSC blog</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-23737213399974076442016-04-16T15:39:00.003-07:002016-04-16T15:39:49.396-07:00The Amazing Grace Bakery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9FBU4mIBP_T_doDIfJkCo0FjmuuA69QItaM_Zcd7uVIrsqXeISizJD_7Jqk9amgQdCD5c61zQZMkgfBQtaKkDDh1SVdneuMuBjd5r7ByWleUCvfFVkqoWzqjYsqNLVhMJVBC8xCc98U/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9FBU4mIBP_T_doDIfJkCo0FjmuuA69QItaM_Zcd7uVIrsqXeISizJD_7Jqk9amgQdCD5c61zQZMkgfBQtaKkDDh1SVdneuMuBjd5r7ByWleUCvfFVkqoWzqjYsqNLVhMJVBC8xCc98U/s1600/a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">In the past, bread and other bakery products sold in Rakai and surrounding areas were transported from over 60 miles away and did not arrive on any regular schedule. Often weather, bad roads and lack of fuel meant that no bread was delivered to the area for some time. The bread which did arrive for sale in Rakai was old and very expensive. RODI determined there was a great market potential for bakery products. A bakery would bring income to women in the Hope Again Women’s program while at the same time providing an important service to the community.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">And so the <b>Amazing Grace Bakery</b> was conceived. Through generous donations from Grace Lutheran Church in Andover and gifts that came from communities from Maple Plain, Minnesota to New York City, the bakery has been built and is open for business. Generous donations funded a truck needed to distribute bread to local trading areas throughout the district. Thanks to you, the bakery is a bustling business in the heart of Rakai.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Within the first two months of operation, the bakery was generating a profit. In February alone, the bakery produced <b>5,341</b> 2-pound loaves, <b>9,218</b> 1-pound loaves and <b>124,166</b> assorted buns. Each sponsored child received a 2-pound loaf of fresh bread at Christmas. And now the RODI team is developing new products and new distribution methods to increase revenue, with the goal of supporting more women and ensuring more children receive quality education.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">We are so grateful for the gifts that made this dream a reality!<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Would you commit to <b>one new way</b> to support Rakai? Here are a few ideas:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">We are growing our email distribution list. Do you know of anyone who would like to receive updates? Send their name and email address to <a href="mailto:ann@africanchildrentoday.org">ann@africanchildrentoday.org</a>.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Make a donation to help fund another container of Feed My Starving Children food for children in Rakai. The last shipment will run out soon and another is ready to go – we are only waiting to raise the necessary shipping funds.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Please pray for strength, wisdom and energy for Richard, Johnson and the entire RODI staff. And pray for discernment as they develop plans for our next project – a new boarding school for orphans!</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-39922503558851054802016-02-10T05:30:00.000-08:002016-02-10T05:30:25.891-08:002015: A Mustard Seed Grows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear Sponsor,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I would like to take a moment to thank you for your support of the women and children of Rakai. I am humbled and excited to share the highlights of the past year:</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>170 children</b> are now sponsored through African Children Today.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Amazing Grace Bakery was built and is now selling an amazing amount of bread. Last week the bakery produced<b> 1,668 2-pound loaves, 2,893 1-pound loaves and 17,094 buns</b>.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The bakery is run by the Hope Again Women's program and is now producing an income which will be used to pay fees for children who were previously unable to attend school.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>275,000 meals</b> from Feed My Starving Children were delivered to the children in Rakai.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New products from the Hope Again Women have helped sales increase dramatically.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Construction has begun on a new welding shop which will provide apprenticeships for sponsored children going into the building trade.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A huge milestone: <b>$1 million</b> has been sent to Rakai since the inception of ACT and RODI.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>These accomplishments would not be possible without the support of YOU! We are so grateful! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please take a moment to read <a href="http://africanchildrentoday.us12.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=24b9521d2b6fd953801cf47cb&id=80d87753ee&e=bb264c0eaa">Richard's thoughts</a> as the year comes to a close. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is so much work still to be done. All of the administrative expenses of the RODI staff members - those in Rakai who care for the children and provide support and encouragement to the women - are raised separately from any sponsorships or designated gifts. Please consider a</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> tax-deductible </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">donation, sent to PO Box 390123, Edina, MN 55439.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would love to hear from each with you (and buy a cup of coffee for those of you in town!) to hear about your sponsorship experience and any thoughts or suggestions you might have to improve the work of ACT and RODI. Lives will be changed if we all work together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blessing to you for a wonderful New Year!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ann</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-4425364480850195942015-11-17T19:10:00.003-08:002015-11-17T19:11:24.717-08:00There Was a Boy Who Was About to Die<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 19.2px; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 20px;">Emmanuel ("Emma") was 2 1/2 years old and weighed 9 pounds when members of the Hope Again Women’s group told Richard that <b>there was a boy who was about to die</b>. Emma, his sister Joan (5), and his brother Joseph (7) were cared for by their step-brother Brian, who is 11. All of the children were severely malnourished. <b>RODI stepped in to save the lives of these children.</b> They now receive Feed My Starving Children food and Emma weighs 22 pounds! Their health has improved dramatically and RODI is enabling the older children to go to school.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;">Thank you for caring about the children of Rakai. Look forward to regular updates! Hear more by watching Emma's video at </span><a href="http://www.fmsc.org/Emma" target="_blank"><span style="color: #da1f27;"><b>fmsc.org/Emma</b></span></a><span style="color: #222222;">. You will feel like you are in Rakai having a conversation with Richard and Johnson!
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #222222;">Comments? Send an email to </span><a href="mailto:ann@africanchildrentoday.org"><span style="color: #da1f27;"><b>ann@africanchildrentoday.org</b></span></a><span style="color: #222222;">.</span></span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-33662768454090231082013-09-27T20:05:00.000-07:002015-12-22T19:15:08.521-08:00Healing a Hurting Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With a grateful heart, Mike Muteesasira spontaneously wrapped himself in an unexpected gift from his sponsor. After years of caring for his father and brother, they recently died. Mike's mother predeceased them in 2009, having been an active member of the Hope Again Women. Throughout his family's struggles, Mike has consistently been a top performing student. Along with his regular school tuition support, Mike's sponsor reached out during this time of loss by sending funds to purchase additional household items to help Mike move forward. Kindness heals hurting hearts. <a href="http://africanchildrentoday.org/login.aspx" target="_blank">Contact ACT</a> to learn how you can be a part of it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-21636698181266895382013-09-06T05:59:00.000-07:002015-12-19T20:01:17.413-08:00Soccer Tournament Excitement & HIV/AIDS Education<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOySBR9Ct07n0K4FD8DngG0IDJmTmupX9EgG0XI8OYd3sNdChpvSWjDhmAabij1xe8Xkpgs8OHd-mLukC_UpDk9FVK2O8ipq1Q6R3x7JWskTh90a22-Fm_2ERcNov7VBvFmh_Er9VKi4/s1600/soccer1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOySBR9Ct07n0K4FD8DngG0IDJmTmupX9EgG0XI8OYd3sNdChpvSWjDhmAabij1xe8Xkpgs8OHd-mLukC_UpDk9FVK2O8ipq1Q6R3x7JWskTh90a22-Fm_2ERcNov7VBvFmh_Er9VKi4/s400/soccer1.jpg" /></a></div>
Our team in Uganda organized a community soccer tournament that is also bringing HIV/AIDS Education to the participating teams and their fans. Soccer balls arrived in August as 18 schools declared their intention to compete in tournament games through the final in October. The ongoing competition provides repeated opportunities to share important HIV/AIDS messages that will contribute to informed community youth. <a href="http://www.africanchildrentoday.org/login.aspx" target="_blank">Contact ACT to learn more.</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-63100135866648744672013-08-31T13:44:00.000-07:002015-12-19T20:02:29.276-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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With much excitement and a grateful heart, Marion started her first semester at the University a couple of weeks ago. Faithful ACT sponsors funded her first semester after hearing about her dreams of pursuing a higher education. They are eager to share her story with family and friends, in hopes of raising additional funds towards her annual tuition of $2,500. Could you be a part of Marion's story?</div>
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Marion has been volunteering with our team in Uganda, in trade for a place to stay since recently losing both of her parents. As she has been working with the team, most specifically helping in the RODI office, it was quickly noted that Marion would be a very capable and successful University student. Would Marion's dream be one that you could support? Do you know of someone that has been looking for a way to make a difference in another person's life? <a href="http://africanchildrentoday.org/login.aspx" target="_blank">Contact ACT to learn more.</a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-51239072198840711752013-08-16T19:03:00.001-07:002013-09-05T13:08:36.810-07:00Joyce and Her Crop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anticipating the Harvest<br />
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Joyce is anticipating a large harvest of watermelons. She funded her crop by saving part of her Hope Again jewelry income. Ingenuity makes the harvest even sweeter for Joyce and her family. Several families are making and effort to save after watching Joyce, coming up with ideas of their own. Hope Again builds opportunity and hope. <a href="http://africanchildrentoday.org/donate.html" target="_blank">You can help. Contact ACT. </a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-3002473783444404242013-06-22T15:34:00.000-07:002013-09-05T13:07:14.186-07:00New School Term Anticipation & Excitement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">There were many smiles as children received new scholastic materials just before the start of a new school term that started earlier this month. The opportunity for a child to learn is welcomed with great excitement by the whole community of Rakai! Education opens new dreams and new doors to the world. Be a part of it. Contact ACT today. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: garamond, 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-75929406372013499052013-06-08T06:57:00.000-07:002013-09-05T13:06:01.209-07:00Congratulations Richard!Congratulations to Richard Mutaawe, Co-Founder and Director of Sponsorship and Administration for RODI! Richard just completed his Masters Degree in Public Administration and Management. Besides his critical involvement with RODI, Richard has also been a teacher. We are inspired by his energy, spirit, determination and commitment. Richard and his wife, Annette, and their children, Mercy and Joshua, have so much to celebrate.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-45463969087821489942013-05-26T08:26:00.001-07:002013-09-05T13:00:03.228-07:00Years Later: True Sponsorship Impact Revealed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Aloysious and his son, John</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">We are pleased to introduce you to Aloysious Kaweesa, a very proud father, and his son John. Aloysious was sponsored as a child through World Vision by John and Janice, who currently sponsor another child through ACT. After the World Vision program ended, John and Janice lost contact with Aloysious and recently asked our RODI team in Uganda to help them locate their African son. RODI was able to locate Aloysious and discovered that he still had a picture of John and Janice on his nightstand! He is married now and named his first son in honor of his American father. Aloysious is trained in construction and supports his family by building houses. Sponsorship impact makes a difference one child at a time.<a href="http://www.africanchildrentoday.org/login.aspx" target="_blank"> Be a part of it. </a></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.africanchildrentoday.org/login.aspx" target="_blank">Contact ACT.</a></span><br />
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Aloysious on the Job<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-50934262158898114062013-05-03T07:54:00.000-07:002013-09-05T12:56:08.939-07:00 Inspiration from a Community "Thank You"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recognition from Local Leaders in Uganda<br />
Our tireless team in Uganda received community recognition for their contributions in community empowerment, education and community welfare. In turn, our friends dedicated their accomplishments to the support from friends through African Children Today. Be a part of the story. Contact ACT to learn more. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-17930956041640984582013-04-20T07:34:00.002-07:002013-09-05T12:54:28.503-07:00Restoration of Home and Family's Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Progress and Excitement in Rebuilding<br />
Faithful ACT supporters recently answered Betty and Joseph's prayers by offering to finance the rebuilding and restoration of their decaying home in Rakai, Uganda. Both families will be connected in spirit forevermore through this gesture of love, and the gift's resounding message has graciously reminded a community that there is hope for the future. <a href="http://africanchildrentoday.org/login.aspx" target="_blank">Be a part of change. Contact ACT to learn more. </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-91398752527178286792013-04-05T11:38:00.000-07:002013-09-05T12:53:12.450-07:00University Dreams <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Introducing Marion<br />
Marion is currently volunteering with our team in Uganda, in trade for a place to stay since recently losing both parents. Marion has completed her secondary education, taken the national preuniversity qualifying exam and awaits her results. As she has been working with the team, most specifically helping in the RODI office during Oliver's maternity leave, it was quickly noted that Marion would be very capable and successful University student. Her smile, energy and enthusiasm have proven to be a blessing in Rakai. We hope to locate a sponsor for Marion's University tuition costs of $2500/year. Would Marion's dream be one that you could support? Do you know of someone that has been looking for a way to make a difference in another person's life? <a href="http://africanchildrentoday.org/login.aspx" target="_blank">Be a part of Marion's dream. Contact ACT to learn more.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-54797989531672682392013-03-24T19:46:00.000-07:002013-03-25T18:49:43.663-07:002012 ACT AccomplishmentsReflecting on the past year's accomplishments reminds us that many hands and hearts together can make a difference. We celebrate the <b>95 </b>sponsored and supported children in primary and secondary school, the <b>13</b> young men and women attending University or trade training and our seven graduates. There were also <b>586</b> children that received scholastic materials that made it possible for them to be engaged students. Special donations to meet specific needs purchased farm animals, mosquito nets and water filters. And <b>450</b> women participated in the Hope Again Women as trained or active product contributors. Each shared gift was maximized by the energy of the recipient, turning each donation into a result to be proud of in the community. ACT supports change that is making a difference. Be a part of it. <a href="http://www.africanchildrentoday.org/" target="_blank">Contact ACT to learn more.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-12183411903042570692013-03-12T10:00:00.000-07:002013-09-05T12:51:49.639-07:00Saturday Smiles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Saturday Meeting Smiles<br />
Monthly Saturday meetings bring smiles, laughter and learning. Thanks to a donor's ingenious idea and gift, the Uganda team is holding monthly meetings with supported and sponsored children in Rakai. These gatherings provide a wonderful opportunity to share HIV/AIDs education, as well as providing the Uganda team with another chance to check on the health and welfare of each child. We all know that a caring conversation can make a difference. And when you pair that with a treat and friendship, the smiles begin. <a href="http://africanchildrentoday.org/contact.html" target="_blank">Contact ACT</a> today.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-23091336981110482642013-02-24T20:27:00.000-08:002013-09-05T12:49:54.550-07:00Mosquito Nets and Water Filters Bring Smiles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Delivered Gifts of Mosquito Nets<br />
Mosquito nets and water filters were recently gifted by the generous hearts of the Women of Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, Texas. They have shared their love and support with the children and families of Rakai many times over and we are thrilled to share these grateful smiles with you. ACT and the Women of Holy Trinity know that generosity changes the lives of both the giver and the recipient. Learn more about a change in your life that is just a gift away.<a href="http://africanchildrentoday.org/contact.html"> Contact ACT today.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-78147384524298638072013-02-21T11:51:00.000-08:002013-02-24T18:14:33.058-08:00Welcome to Our Long-Time Supporters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are excited about the launch of our new <a href="http://www.africanchildrentoday.org/">African Children Today</a> website, as well as a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/africanchildrentoday">Facebook </a>page. As you have been a faithful contributor, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">we hope that you will follow a</span>long as our story continues.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-83210518344897208612013-02-08T11:48:00.000-08:002013-02-08T11:54:30.669-08:00Innovation in AIDS TestingRead about <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680596/aids-test-results-via-text-message-can-save-childrens-lives" target="_blank">Project Mwana</a>, a pilot program using mobile phone messages (SMS) to transmit HIV/AIDS test results. <br />
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Fatality rates drastically decrease when HIV/AIDS is detected early so treatment with anti-retroviral medications can begin immediately. However, many who have the disease do not even have access to the drugs.<br />
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Advancements in technology are imperative to waging the war against HIV/AIDS, but so is education about prevention of the disease. African Children Today (ACT) is dedicated to helping children in the Rakai district of Central Africa affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. With your assistance, we can offer a bright, hope-filled future. Our goal is that each child receive a solid education, life skills and training about HIV/AIDS.<br />
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Change is happening. <a href="http://www.africanchildrentoday.org/donate.html">Be a part of it. </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.africanchildrentoday.org/contact.html">Contact ACT to learn more.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-49960963564792428342013-02-06T10:31:00.000-08:002013-02-08T11:56:31.467-08:00Hope Again WomenACT is committed to supporting the women and children suffering from the social and economic ravages of AIDS. One solution that is changing lives is <a href="http://www.fmscmarketplace.org/catalog/category/view/s/uganda-products/id/15/" target="_blank">Hope Again Women (HAW)</a>. Through this endeavor, the entrepreneurial efforts of the women in Uganda are supported by promoting the sale of handmade jewelry, baskets and soccer balls. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBQH6D2r0KCVMcJUY96uddANH2r5j2wmnE93WLtUZpO-klB8qSw0xLUFLCWl-pjxlIKiJ4OLzlxUnS2UGP5w5kAAZ3D9WHT_GQ5KfmKiNz5F_XDoX67rhtKDyfhdaMJcbaTPXfVkLn78/s1600/Hope+Again+Women+making+baskets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBQH6D2r0KCVMcJUY96uddANH2r5j2wmnE93WLtUZpO-klB8qSw0xLUFLCWl-pjxlIKiJ4OLzlxUnS2UGP5w5kAAZ3D9WHT_GQ5KfmKiNz5F_XDoX67rhtKDyfhdaMJcbaTPXfVkLn78/s640/Hope+Again+Women+making+baskets.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">A proceeds from the sale of this basket will be used for things such as medication and housing.</td></tr>
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Proceeds are divided up according to how much product each woman
supplies. The women use the proceeds as they see fit—to pay for tuition,
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HAW is just one solution among the many successful programs that ACT supports. Learn about changing a life <a href="http://africanchildrentoday.org/donate.html" target="_blank">through our child sponsorship program</a>. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-32097111819034816202013-01-15T12:03:00.000-08:002013-02-08T12:03:44.552-08:00Sadik's LegacyACT is sad to report that <a href="http://blog.africanchildrentoday.org/2012/04/getting-children-back-into-school.html" target="_blank">Sadik, a brave and hardworking older brother to Abubaker Jjemba and Unusu Sekkininga</a>, has passed away because of lack of Antiretrovirals. The brothers were orphaned at a very young age and, admittedly, their situation was desperate. <br />
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Sadik's wish was to see his siblings back in school. Abubaker said, “I want
to go study and work with a charity organization to help other children
and my brother.” Education is the longtime hope for this family.<br />
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Can you help even in a small way? <a href="http://www.africanchildrentoday.org/contact.html" target="_blank">Contact ACT today.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-24286905745968025402012-10-25T10:35:00.003-07:002013-02-06T08:49:28.206-08:00A Growing FamilyMany view the children they sponsor as an extended branch of their family. This story comes from a Minnesota family who has built a special bond with three children in Rakai:<br />
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“Sponsoring three incredible children has been such a blessing. For a minimal amount of money, we have been able to provide three children with opportunities and in return receive an incredible amount of love. We live in such a wealthy society that we forget that half way around the world there are those who have no bathroom, no mattress to lie on and limited educational opportunities. Our dollars enable them to go to school and obtain an education and make a difference not only for their family but also in their community. The payback we have received is much greater than we could have imagined, because helping the children was not about us—it was about them. Yet we are the ones who are blessed.<br />
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“We exchange letters with the children; Matia calls us Mommy Karen and Daddy Greg. Tears come to our eyes every time. We have watched Steven and Matia grow up to be very handsome young men and Lydia, a beautiful woman. We are so proud of all three of our children!<br />
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"We are so blessed to be part of African Children Today, Inc and Rakai Orphans Development Initiative. The love they have for these children is amazing and we are so grateful to be a part of this initiative. We would encourage you to consider sharing a small part of you by sponsoring a child, because the amount of love you receive in return for the few dollars you spend will be more than you can imagine.”<br />
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ACT knows that generosity changes lives—the lives of the volunteers and of the sponsored children. <a href="http://africanchildrentoday.org/about.html">Learn more</a>. <a href="http://africanchildrentoday.org/contact.html">Contact ACT today.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336837416980675479.post-90014857683795766082012-10-25T08:48:00.001-07:002013-02-08T11:55:11.447-08:00An Irreplaceable RODI Asset <style>
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{page:WordSection1;} </style>Oliver Namirimo is the first female to start working with RODI and the only paid employee of RODI at the moment. She joined RODI in 2011 after administration recognized the need for someone who could talk to young girls about sensitive topics. In addition to being a great listener, Oliver holds a certificate in secretarial studies and has extensive knowledge in record keeping and accounting, which has greatly helped move RODI forward. Oliver and Michael plan to marry in September. The two knew one other before Oliver joined RODI and both share a passion for improving the lives of the less fortunate. Oliver feels like it is a dream come true to finally become a member of the RODI team.<br />
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ACT celebrates dedicated individuals like Oliver whose gentle nature and warm personality help connect with the children who benefit from various RODI programs. Today, many children even refer to Oliver as their mother!<br />
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ACT supports grass-roots community efforts in Rakai, Uganda that directly impact women and children suffering from the social and economic ravages of AIDS. With our child sponsorship program, change is happening. <a href="http://africanchildrentoday.org/donate.html">Be a part of it.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://africanchildrentoday.org/contact.html">Contact ACT to learn more.</a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0