Next week a Hands4Uganda (H4U) team of 16 men, led by H4U members Gabe Flicker and Randy Fowler, will make their way to Uganda in order to support the building of the new Rock of Ages Community School (ROA)! We are so excited for the members of this team to be a part of this amazing project and to see, first hand, the changes we have been able to facilitate in the community of Mbiko through ROA.
The team will be working on a variety of projects at the new two story, 14- classroom, building. Thanks to a very generous donation we received just weeks ago, funding is now available to complete the roofing - a project that will mark the completion of the building phases of the new school!
For more information on the team that will be departing next week, check out this story featured in the Idaho State Journal.
Today we would like to share with you a new video featuring a special message from ROA Founder and Director, Betty Wasswa, and the building progress that has already been made at the new school location.
Today is World Water Day and we would like to take this opportunity to share our accomplishments and future goals for Rock of Ages Community School concerning this very precious resource.
We recognize the vital role that water plays in education. Without access to clean, safe water students not only attend class dehydrated and unable to concentrate, but they often miss school due to waterborne illnesses. Drinking contaminated water use to be their only option.
Hands4Uganda (H4U) started to tackle the water issues that ROA students were facing in 2013 by funding a water spigot that connected to a local water supply. While this was a step in the right direction, the amount and quality of water that was available was unpredictable.
In 2015 a H4U mission team donated water filters that provided a fixed amount of clean water. However, with a growing student body and staff these filters could not handle the load of water needed to serve the 250 people relying on them each day.
By the end of 2015 H4U was able to secure a three-level water filtration system that holds 450 liters of water – the Impact Water system! During the raining seasons of April to May and October through December, the students and staff at ROA are able to enjoying clean, filtered water ensuring proper hydration, better school performance, and fewer illnesses. The dry season, on the other hand, continues to provide a challenge.
Thanks to Sundance Consulting, Inc. of Pocatello, ID, the new Rock of Ages School facility touts its own water well that will provide a nearly unlimited amount of water supply. Once the construction of the new school building is complete, the Impact Water System will be moved to the new location. Together, the well and the filtration system will eliminate the water uncertainty the dry season often brings as the Impact Filtration System can be filled as needed from the well! (In addition to the well, Sundance Consulting generously donated to the completion of the on-site restrooms which were required prior to the beginning of construction of the new school facility - Thanks again Sundance for your ongoing generosity.)
With water more readily available, we will be able to provide the school with additional hygienic luxuries including flushing toilets and shower rooms - things that are nearly unheard of in Mbiko homes and schools!
Today, on World Water Day, we ask that you consider helping us in creating a better environment for the ROA students by donating towards the indoor plumbing of the new school facility. Our estimated need is $5000 to complete this project. Your tax-deductible donation will allow us to bring clean water into the new school building, permitting toilets to flush and shower heads to spew water that will significantly improve the daily and ongoing hygiene of our students and staff.
She grew up walking the same dirt roads and playing the same childhood games. But she had something more than most - opportunity. An opportunity that she was not going to waste.
Her education was complete, a luxury for most. Her hard work and dedication would allow her to move forward, constructing a future to build others up.
She would begin with one tiny child in a small rented room. Ignoring the doubters, the naysayers, keeping alive the dream she had relentlessly chased.
Her one turned to twenty-five and the children doubled from there. The school was at capacity but her drive to reach more remained.
She is small in stature but her presence is mighty. Her quiet voice echo’s words that are pure and true. Sharing her vision allowed Hands4Uganda to become a reality.
Her role resides at the head of the school, her dream for 350 students is coming true each and every day as they settle into their desks for another day of academics.
She still dreams for others. Her vision is still focused on change. Her drive still comes from a place deep within her soul, a calling that has already impacted over 400 lives but we know will change so many more to come.
Thank you, Betty Wasswa, for being a dreamer, a game changer, a leader. On this International Women’s Day, and every day, we salute you, grateful for the love you pour out to the children of Mbiko and for the role you have allowed us at Hands4Uganda to play in making your vision become a reality.
“Love differently” is the tagline for Hands4Uganda, but what does it mean? When one initially thinks of love, maybe ideas of marriage, family, or close friends come to mind. But love can be shown in an unfathomable number of ways. From sending a note of encouragement to a friend, to giving your time to others, to donating to your favorite cause - you are showing love in all of these ways! At Hands4Uganda we invite you to “love differently” by helping us to create opportunities for the children of Mbiko through Rock of Ages. These opportunities go so far beyond education. When children are able to find stability and routine through their daily classes, support and encouragement from teachers and staff, one solid meal each day and medical attention, their lives are truly changed. It is through your love that their lives are changed.
We believe that each dollar given to our organization is given in love and we truly cannot express our gratitude for all of the love you have shown!
Whether you’re planning something special for a significant other, a friend, or a family member, this Valentine’s Day we ask you to “love differently” by joining us in our mission to create another opportunity for students to receive food each day. We need $1,250 to begin an additional breakfast program for our primary students. While all nursery students receive porridge during their morning break, we have yet to provide this opportunity to Primary students. Since the school day in Uganda begins at 6:45 am, and lunchtime is at 1 pm, it can be a long morning for students who face food insecurities at home, as they struggle to concentrate in class with growling tummies. Only $1,250 will allow us to buy additional supplies for serving all students as well as cover the cost of porridge and morning tea.
If you would like to make your donation a Valentine's Day gift for that special someone, we have created three different printouts for you to download and give as a gift! Thank you for choosing to “love differently” with us and Happy Valentine's Day!
Hello Members,
Thank you all for the support you have given us throughout 2018. It has been a wonderful year! We managed to have our first Sports Day, which was an achievement for Rock of Ages. The students all received t-shirts and shorts, and began the day marching on the Kampala-Jinja Highway, inviting the community to join in on our event. It was just fun and we continue praising God for His goodness. We give glory and honor to the Almighty who used all the donors, friends of ROA, and well-wishers who contributed towards this event.
Our Primary seven students took their Primary Leaving Exams on the 4th and 5th of November. There were 18 students and we believe all will make it to join high school. Their results will be sent out to us in the 1st week of January 2019. Top class graduated on Wednesday (12/5). It was a fun day with all classes performing different activities like singing, dancing, and reciting poems. Our dear parents were present, especially the moms and a few dads. It was a colorful and lastly day as food and drinks were also served!
Most of our students were promoted to next classes with only a few retained (held back). Our teachers have done a great job with the learners. Most of our learners do read and write (even those in nursery!). Those who were retained had a challenge of reading for themselves during the exams.
During this term, we haven't registered any serious illness or accident, apart from malaria and cold. Thank God for the protection upon our kids and it's our prayer that He protects them during this long break.
Construction is still on going (at the new school facility). Thanks to all for making a difference and making ROA a better place for the children of Mbiko. We strongly believe God will use these kids to transform the village of Mbiko though education and knowing the love of Jesus. It only takes one child be the world changer.
Once again thank you so much and have a Merry Christmas,
Betty Wasswa
Founder and Director of Rock of Ages Community School
Last week 18 students from Rock of Ages completed their Primary Leaving Exam (PLE). This two day test will determine what high school they are able to attend in the new year. We honored the graduates on Oct. 31 with a private party at the River View Hotel, a quaint local place that overlooks the Nile River.
Students began the celebration with a pool party. Splashing was definitely their favorite water activity! Swimming is a very special treat for children in Mbiko as it's often a luxury reserved for the wealthy. No one wanted to get out of the pool when dinner was ready to be served!
All teachers and staff including the cooks and the night guard were invited to join in on the fun! We were able to bring the game "Corn Hole" with us, and debuted the boards for the first time at the P7 party. While the students were more interested in dancing, the teachers and staff competed until the end of the night!
Dinner followed the pool party and shortly thereafter teachers and administrators presented speeches to the students, commending them for their hard work and dedication throughout their time at Rock of Ages. Then the dancing began and didn't stop until the party was over! There was some downtime dedicated to cake, but then it was straight back to the dance floor!
It was a wonderful evening celebrating these amazing students and their hard work in preparation for their PLE. Students will receive their PLE results in January. They will then begin their secondary education at the end of February at their respective schools.
High school (more commonly called Secondary School in Uganda) is very costly as nearly all schools require boarding. As we move towards the end of November, quickly approaching "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" please consider joining us on "Giving Tuesday" (November 27) in fundraising for the continued education of these students!
If you would like to make an immediate donation towards the secondary education of the ROA P7 graduates click here. If you are interested in sponsoring a student throughout their secondary education please email us at info@hands4uganda.org for more information.
Betty’s dream to have a full school facility began nearly 10 years ago in a small house. Today the foundation of a two story, fourteen classroom, Primary Building has been laid!
This building is the first of seven that will eventually be built at the new Rock of Ages site. The completion of the Primary building will allow the current student body to be moved to the new site once construction is complete. With ten classes the ground floor and part of the first floor will host student classrooms from Nursery section through Primary 7. The remaining four rooms will be used as administrative offices, teacher workrooms, and the library.
While we are still desperately in need of funding for this project we hope to complete the Primary building by the end of 2019. The current school site is rented property and the lease for that site will end in December of 2019. Rather than committing to another two-year stay, we hope to use those monies to further a permanent home for Rock of Ages where (eventually) up to 500 students can look forward to a brighter future!
To donate towards the new Rock of Ages Primary building, or for more information please visit our building page
We received over 70 blessing bags directly from sponsors. Thank you so much to those who were able to send those to us! Students love the personal touch, receiving letters and pictures of your family and knowing you have them in your thoughts.
We were also able to collect so many donations from the Bellingham, WA community and I want to personally thank all of those who participated in our local packing party where we stuffed bags for over 150 students!
While in Uganda we stay in Mbiko with Betty Wasswa, the Director of Rock of Ages, and her family. My team and I enjoy going for a nice stroll each evening when the sun begins to fade and the air cools to a more agreeable temperature. We often see children who attend Rock of Ages. They yell our names from their yards and come running towards us as we pass by their homes. We definitely added to the excitement of Blessing Bag day by sharing with a few students that we had a big surprise for them the following day! Word spreads very quickly through this small village and by the time we rolled up to school with giant duffle bags and boxes bumping along in the bed of the truck, hundreds of little brown eyes peered through windows and doors and a the soft hum of their excited whispers overtook the school.
We began with nursery students. Those in Baby Class (pk-3) and Middle Class (pk-4) were very unsure about what was happening at first. Each of these students received a beanie-baby or a baby doll in their packet and once they realized these large bags also included sweets, stickers and other goodies, the nursery area was full of squeals and giggles as they broke open their bags and explored their gifts.
Within the hour, faces were covered with sticky slobber from lollipops, stickers of all shapes and kinds and smiles that would remain consistent through each class for the rest of the day.
Following lunch, we began passing out packets to the Primary students. The content of each packet was consistent within each class although every student received a toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloth, pencils, erasers, stickers, candies, and some kind of toy! We later learned the 34 mini play dough tubs we passed out to first graders could have used some explanation as many students were caught trying to eat the brightly colored dough, thinking it was a sweet treat! With giggles and excitement all around the afternoon ended as we finished passing out bags to the Primary 7 students. This small class (only 18 pupils) will be sitting for their Primary Learning Exam (PLE) in just one week and following that their time at Rock of Ages will have come to an end. It was such a blessing for us to deliver special goodies and messages from their sponsors, as a reminder of the love and support they have moving forward!
Anna and I arrived here in Uganda Friday night with all of our bags. This was a BIG DEAL. We were originally allowed only two bags per person on our flight. After contacting Delta directly by phone, and then applying for a baggage waiver, we were then given three bags per person. For those of you who sent blessing bags, you can imagine how many pieces of luggage 320 blessing bags translated to (nearly 16!). So a 6-piece luggage allowance between Anna and I was not going to work. We decided to take 6 each for a total of 12 (Brooke would have to bring the extra 4) and we would have to see what we could do.
I was quivering walking into the airport, unsure of what I would do if they said no to our mounds of bags and if luggage fees were too costly. How could I take blessing bags for some classes and not for others? I prayed and prayed, unnecessarily reminding God that He’s the one who put this whole thing into my head and if He wanted kids to get these blessing bags He needed to figure it out! Luckily, despite my somewhat regular sass, He remains faithful. Pushing our giant carts towards the ticket counter, over 600 lbs of luggage, a Delta manager caught my nervous eyes.
“Can I help you with something?” she asked.
“Hi, yes, we are a mission team headed to Uganda and...”
“Oh we have been waiting for you!” she exclaimed. “Come here to this desk and we will get you all taken care of!”
Unsure, Anna and I looked at each other. I began to explain that we had more bags than we had been allowed, and without asking how many, or if any would be overweight, our luggage angle instructed the Delta employee behind our special ticket counter to take care of us. She instructed them to check us in and put all bags through to Uganda, regardless of weight or how many. No charges required. Our check in person stood there looking at our mounds of bags stunned. He asked her if she was sure. She answered swiftly, telling him to do whatever we needed and then dismissed herself.
I held it together long enough to make it outside to tell my boyfriend, Jackson, goodbye. He had waited incase we could not take our bags and he would need to hold on to them. I let out an uncontrollable sob of complete relief, excitement, and nerves as I explained that we were taking every bag and were checked in. Smiling he reminded me that a little faith can go a long ways...
I tried to find the woman who had helped us before we went through security. Our luggage angle was nowhere in sight but my heart was full to the brim with gratitude and excitement. What a perfect way to start our journey.
In Uganda, however, 33% of all children do not have access to clean, safe drinking water and 60% of all children live a minimum of 30 minutes walking distance from a water source which may or may not be clean. Furthermore, girls are more likely to be responsible for collecting water, keeping them from school more frequently. The lack of safe drinking water across Uganda contributes to the illness and death of countless children each year with diarrhea alone killing 33 children every day. Early childhood diarrhea is not only deadly, it also contributes to Uganda’s high level of stunted growth, which in turn affects children’s cognitive development and performance at school. (Source: UNICEF, Situation Analysis of Children in Uganda, 2015). The children attending Rock of Ages School (ROA) are at the heart of these statistics making the provision of clean, safe drinking water a priority for the students and a challenge for the school.
Though many children bring their own water to school, the source from which the water comes is often already contaminated. The student’s water may have come from rain runoff or from nearby streams or ponds or it may have been shared with animals such as local goats and cows. Regardless of where the students collect their water, it is rarely, if ever, adequately filtered. Furthermore, even if clean water is accessible, it is often brought to school in a tin or bottle that may be contaminated due to poor sanitary conditions in the student’s home.
At the beginning of 2015 Hands4Uganda (H4U) attempted to help ROA tackle the water issue by providing three TivaWater filters.
One TivaWater filter provided enough clean water for 10 people per filter cycle. The filtering cycle took approximately one hour to properly sterilize the water and each filter was filled three times throughout the day resulting in enough clean water for approximately 90 individuals per day.
With over 300 students plus staff in need of water each day, ROA simply could not provide enough clean water to ensure proper hydration of the students and staff with the three TivaWater filters alone. As a result, water continued to be taken directly from the tap or purchased from neighboring shops of which the source was often unknown, therefore leading to continued contamination and illness.
By the end of 2015, through the generous contribution of a Hands4Uganda donor, ROA was able secure a three-level water filtration system that holds 450 liters of water – the Impact Water system! This high-performance, water purification system fills automatically which is a bonus, however, the system fills from collected rainwater. During the raining seasons of April to May and October through December, the students and staff of ROA are able to enjoying clean, filtered water ensuring proper hydration, better school performance, and less illnesses. The dry season, on the other hand continues to provide a challenge.
With the construction of the new school facility beginning in the very near future, H4U has determined that the best option for being able to provide clean, filtered water to the students and staff of the school on a continual basis, without the fear of lack of water during the dry season is to provide the school with its own well! We are extremely happy to announce that Sundance Consulting from Pocatello, ID has provided a very generous donation that will allow us to complete the well by the end of the month. Sundance also provided the funding that allowed H4U to build restrooms for the new school which are already complete. The well will provide clean water for not just the students and staff, but for their families as well! Our students will be able to attend school more regularly rather than needing to fetch water; we can continue to curb their hunger by growing and watering our own fruits and vegetables; and fewer illnesses will occur from water related diseases!
Thank you Sundance Consulting!
