The Christmas trip was absolutely delightful ... sharing the joy of Christmas with over 1,000 children is heartwarming. However, it did have its share of bumps! Five of us went November 15-22 ... every boy got a new shirt and every girl got a new dress. And, of course a "goody bag". Thanks to Betsy Ann Gilbert and her team of seamstresses, each goody bag was made of cloth so that the children could use then later to carry things. In the bag was a pair of sunglasses, two mardi gras beads, several pieces of candy, crayons, a coloring book and, of course, stickers! They LOVE stickers!
This was the trip where we were going to bring Joan Nakidde back for left hip replacement surgery. However, it didn't quite work out like that! The American Consulate denied the VISA because they were worried about child trafficking! Those of you that know me undertand how TOTALLY upset I was; However, there is a new hospital in Entebbe (CorSU ... please look it up) that is surgery and rehab for children under 18. To make a logn story short, she is having the surgery on Wednesday, January 22. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Secondary School
We now have 91 children in secondary school ... S-1 to S-6 ... very exciting since the statistics for Uganda are only 20% of boys go beyond P-7 and only 17% of girls. Of course, we always need sponsors for the children ... both primary and secondary! For those of you who already sponsor and haven't gotten your renewal letter I am just a little behind! :)
Medical Trip
We need people for the medical trip. The dates are March 13 to the 25th and we currently have a pediatric physician, a nurse and me! You don't need medical experience to come on this trip as there is other work to be done, helping the doctors with weights, height and updating the records. The trip is only $3,500, we would leave from the NYC area (EWR or JFK) and it is all inclusive ... air fare, hotel, food, driver/car, and a three day safari! The only thing you have to do is get a VISA (which I will teach you how to do) and money for crafts! Please consider this trip ... you will be working in the new clinic which is absolutely beautiful!
St. John Vianney High School
Talked to over 600 high school students at St. John Vianney High School on Friday and what a wonderful experience. The entire school is so supportive of what we are doing in
Africa at the Mbiriizi Advanced Primary School ... clothing drive to help us raise money, bake sales so we can buy stickers, sponsorship of children, even students who want to go on the trips. It's wonderful to see young people comprehend how valuable the education is and how they want to help.
Jos. J. Catena School
This school currently sponsors three children and, like SJV, is totally supportive of our school in Uganda. These are children from Kindergarten through fifth grade. Each year they raise enough money to support the three students plus more. One yhear they raised enough money so that one examining room at the clinic is in their name!
In Conclusion
A very special thanks to ALL of your for your care, concern and support of Sylvia's Children. Please know that you are making a difference in their lives by taking them out of poverty.
How you can help:
1. We are still collecting musical instruments so they can have a band;
2. We do a year round clothing drive since we get 15 cents a pound (and they then re-purpose it ... it is not turned into rags);
3. Sponsor a child ... $360/year for primary and $500/year for secondary.
4. Just make a donation :) The "Donate Now" button on page will allow you to navigate right to the giving page.
From the children at the school and those of us at Sylvia's Children (Michele, Tony and Sylvia)
Best wishes for a joyous holiday season and a happy new year!
This was the trip where we were going to bring Joan Nakidde back for left hip replacement surgery. However, it didn't quite work out like that! The American Consulate denied the VISA because they were worried about child trafficking! Those of you that know me undertand how TOTALLY upset I was; However, there is a new hospital in Entebbe (CorSU ... please look it up) that is surgery and rehab for children under 18. To make a logn story short, she is having the surgery on Wednesday, January 22. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Secondary School
We now have 91 children in secondary school ... S-1 to S-6 ... very exciting since the statistics for Uganda are only 20% of boys go beyond P-7 and only 17% of girls. Of course, we always need sponsors for the children ... both primary and secondary! For those of you who already sponsor and haven't gotten your renewal letter I am just a little behind! :)
Medical Trip
We need people for the medical trip. The dates are March 13 to the 25th and we currently have a pediatric physician, a nurse and me! You don't need medical experience to come on this trip as there is other work to be done, helping the doctors with weights, height and updating the records. The trip is only $3,500, we would leave from the NYC area (EWR or JFK) and it is all inclusive ... air fare, hotel, food, driver/car, and a three day safari! The only thing you have to do is get a VISA (which I will teach you how to do) and money for crafts! Please consider this trip ... you will be working in the new clinic which is absolutely beautiful!
St. John Vianney High School
Talked to over 600 high school students at St. John Vianney High School on Friday and what a wonderful experience. The entire school is so supportive of what we are doing in
Africa at the Mbiriizi Advanced Primary School ... clothing drive to help us raise money, bake sales so we can buy stickers, sponsorship of children, even students who want to go on the trips. It's wonderful to see young people comprehend how valuable the education is and how they want to help.
Jos. J. Catena School
This school currently sponsors three children and, like SJV, is totally supportive of our school in Uganda. These are children from Kindergarten through fifth grade. Each year they raise enough money to support the three students plus more. One yhear they raised enough money so that one examining room at the clinic is in their name!
In Conclusion
A very special thanks to ALL of your for your care, concern and support of Sylvia's Children. Please know that you are making a difference in their lives by taking them out of poverty.
How you can help:
1. We are still collecting musical instruments so they can have a band;
2. We do a year round clothing drive since we get 15 cents a pound (and they then re-purpose it ... it is not turned into rags);
3. Sponsor a child ... $360/year for primary and $500/year for secondary.
4. Just make a donation :) The "Donate Now" button on page will allow you to navigate right to the giving page.
From the children at the school and those of us at Sylvia's Children (Michele, Tony and Sylvia)
Best wishes for a joyous holiday season and a happy new year!
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