In 2009 my daughter Blythe and I traveled to Kampala, Uganda. While there we met Pastor George, a pastor and administrator of a fledgling church school in Bukasa village called Ever Increasing Children’s Center. Bukasa is a slum on the outskirts of Kampala near the shores of Lake Victoria. As leader of his church, Pastor George shared with us his vision: change the life of the children of his village by providing a biblically based education. He knew this was the means to improve the quality of their lives. As they grow into adulthood, hold jobs, provide for their families, he hopes some would eventually take leadership roles in civic and national government and thus positively impact the future of their country.
We learned that for the small amount of $40 a student could attend school for a month. That sum was clearly within the means of most of the people we knew, especially considering that in America $40 is roughly equal to:
– a movie and popcorn for two
– a fraction of the cost of Disneyland for the day
– a “fast food” family meal
– an impulse buy at the mall
– a smaller amount than most utility bills
The same $40 in Uganda equals:
- education
- a shared desk and all materials
- one hot meal each day
- a portion of teacher salaries
- a more hopeful and promising future.
We were committed to participate in whatever way we could to help Pastor George reach his goal. With the Lord’s leading, the challenge seemed very do-able. We were in!
Our iheartBukasa Ministry has grown out of our desire to help. After returning home we began organizing fundraising events and collecting donations. Ever Increasing Children’s Center began with fewer than 20 students and now has grown to accommodate more than 200, offering instruction from pre-school through 7th grade. The school employs 10 teachers, a headmaster, a cook, a security guard, secretary, and treasurer.
Uganda does not provide funds for education, and since an average worker’s daily income is about $2 USD, most families are unable to afford schooling. For these families, receiving help to educate their children is a dream come true.
We invite you to partner with us to help Pastor George realize his vision- to educate and impact the life of a child forever! Browse through our site, see the happy faces, read about our current projects, and explore the various aspects of our ministry.
Click the donate button to contribute a one-time amount or select “monthly recurring donation” for on-going giving. Become a Student Sponsor if you have a desire to help a specific child. See their faces, read their stories. Our Student Sponsorship page provides all the details.
Thank you in advance. We appreciate your partnership with us and Pastor George as he continues Educating children – Changing a nation!
~Bob and the iheartBukasa team
