A new program director, a new year, a new school!

November and December have brought me to my knees with gratitude and excitement.  Since my arrival, I have been immersed in the programs, events, and a lifetime worth of education about all things Uganda.  This year 201 students attended school thanks to your hands, 130 pigs and goats are being raised to create a sustainable income stream, 79 coffee projects are growing to provide a livelihood to families.  This is your hands at work.  You amaze me!

I think the biggest news comes of course, from Uganda.  In November, Barbara Beek joined the team as the new Program Director in Uganda.  Barbara Beek, 23, of Belgian nationality, is a brand new member of the Into Your Hands team in Makondo, Uganda. She graduated from the University of Dundee in Scotland having studied Illustration and has until recently been in eastern Uganda working with youth in a livelihoods and entrepreneurial capacity.  Her international upbringing coupled with her passion for community empowerment and education are what motivate her in working towards achieving Into Your Hands Africa's mission and vision. Barbara is excited to be back in Uganda to support the growth and development of Into Your Hand Africa's programs and sustainable development efforts in the community.  She brings so much talent and educational programming skills to the group and is a joy to work with. 

 

The first week of December brought a huge programming opportunity to Into Your Hands Africa.  We are very excited to announce that Into Your Hands Africa will be extending it programming efforts to St. James Secondary School in Jjaga, Uganda.  Thanks to some extraordinary caretakers, Kris Fitzgerald-Rohr and Dean Rohr, this school is coming to life.  We are excited to welcome the school aboard and look forward to a vibrant program developing at a new school.  St. James Secondary School is a four year school perched on a mesa in the remote village of Jjaga, Uganda.  Since 2008, the Jjaga community has labored long and hard to make their school a reality because there were no other schools nearby and students were walking 10+ miles one-way to attend school (or dropping out after the completion of primary school).  

Now under the leadership of  Headmistress Nakyeyune Juliet  the school has made immense progress. Over the past year and a half, the community has responded well to the school's needs and has demonstrated the desire to be self sufficient.  To assist with this need and to supplement funds, Kris and Dean  Rohr created a student sponsorship program in 2010 which they have since coordinated and managed.

While visiting Uganda in June 2012, Kris and Dean spent much time at St. James S.S. and held meetings with the headmistress and staff, the Board of Governors, the PTA, and the students and community; talking about strategic plans and the vision for St. James S.S. to become as self-sufficient as possible. 

Now in partnership with Into Your Hands Africa and with the continued dedication of Kris and Dean Rohr, St. James S.S. is moving forward in becoming a strong, thriving, vibrant school which will continue to be a source hope and support for the Jjaga community.