The IMPACT of Sharing a Meal...

The IMPACT of Sharing a Meal...

Back in May, Turn the Page Uganda hosted a meal of Ugandan food for some in our community. We shared chapati, rolex (rolled eggs), samosas, chicken skewers, fruits common in Uganda- watermelon, pineapple, jackfruit, mango, wine and Ugandan iced tea. People came together at Eling's Park to hear our story of schools desperate for textbooks in a region often forgotten by the rest of the world. They viewed photos and talked with board members who shared personal stories about the needs of students and teachers who live in abject poverty. And they responded from their hearts to give us the means to meet some of those needs.

Over the next two months, textbooks chosen by the teachers of 33 schools were gathered up, packaged into boxes, sent by bus up to Arua, Uganda, then transported by van by the Rotary Club of Arua. It took four separate trips to reach these remote schools on very bumpy, muddy roads. In fact the van broke down not once, but twice! Since these schools are remote, many of the teachers thought it would never happen, and they would never receive anything. SURPRISE! Every one of the 33 schools received just the books they requested, which will help teachers and students prepare for exams in the future. Press releases were put out, local administration was informed (and were encouraged), and each school sent photos of happy students and teachers sharing their new textbooks along with a few footballs that were also donated.

In two months: 33 Schools...494 Teachers...46,638 students...now THAT is an IMPACT! We are so appreciative of all our donors, large and small. Together we are making a difference in the lives of many.