WHY SYLVIA’S CHILDREN?
In America, if a child does not do well in school and 'slips through the cracks' there are safety nets to catch them: special classes, tutors, after school programs. If that child still does not do well, there are alternative schools, teachers and social programs. If, in the end, the child is unable to succeed in any of the programs and slips all the way to the bottom, there are government programs, social security and multiple social programs to provide for them. In Uganda, if a child slips through the cracks, there are no safety nets, there is no one to catch them. They are out on the streets, on their own, to fend for themselves. The teachers and staff at the Mbiriizi Primary School know this and, because of this, there is a level of dedication there that you do not find here in America. They know what these children are up against because it is where they came from and they know if they don't help the children, no one will.
The teachers and staff are completely open and honest with the children, to prepare them for the tough life ahead. Classes held in the school are not only reading, writing and arithmetic but anti-drug classes, non-smoking classes and classes about abstinence and AIDS. There are no taboo subjects, they do not mince words nor do they sugarcoat them. Why should they? Most of the children walk five miles to school with no shoes. Harsh reality is a part of daily life.
What is Syliva's Children?
We are a 'direct participation' charity where you choose your level of involvement. You can make a monetary donation or, if you choose, actually travel with us to the school and help. The level of participation is up to you. For those kind enough to donate, understand that there is no middleman with Sylvia's Children, all funds go directly to the school without any filters. Therefore, you not only see where your money goes, but you can also watch it work. Unfortunately, with many charities, you send off your money and you never know where it goes and never see it work. With Sylvia's Children ... you do! You can sponsor a child, make specific donations for needed items or just general donations. There is no minimum and no maximum and contributions are 100% tax deductible.
How Did It Start ?
In 2003, Sylvia Allen went with a non-profit organization on a humanitarian trip to Uganda, Africa. While she was there, she was asked by Geofrey Kawuma, head of the Mbiriizi Primary School, to be the school’s Grandmother. With 805 children in the school, of which 216 were orphans due to the AIDS crisis, she was honored to accept the responsibility. Out of this Sylvia’s Children was born, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the lives of her ‘grandchildren'; to give the children a fighting chance.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION!
Who I'd like to meet: People who are interested in helping me spread the word about Sylvia's Children! People interested in Educating Uganda's young people! People interested in donating, fundraising, and praying for these beautiful children!
Hey Sylvia's Children Thanks for the add, friend! I hope that together, we can get over a million trees planted in the next few years. If you would like to help or have any ideas on how, please let me know, ASAP! There is a deadline looming.
G'day there guys. Let me just say thank you all so much for your comments and messages over the past 2 weeks. As you can probably tell I'm trying to share my adventures with as many travel lovers as I can and I've been so busy I haven't had the chance to reply to anybody as I've had hundereds of comments and messages flying in. I feel so guilty not replying to everyone so let me just try and anwer some questions for you.
How do I afford to travel so much?
Basically what I have been doing is getting different working visas over the years and have had many different jobs in USA, Canada, Scotland, England, Ireland, and Germany. While I've been working I've been so cheap and done as many overtime hours as I can to save big time for my travels. While travelling I've also been a complete tight arse so I can travel further for longer.
What is your fav place?
I'd have to say Thailand so far it is paradise in every way and just so much fun.
Why did you add me?
I found you on myspace and saw you love travelling so I added you as a friend to get you reading the blog. I want to get as many readers as I can to help spred my wonderful lifestyle with everyone and add some joy to your day by spreading my passion with you. Don't worry this is not spam at all it's all about spreading the word of living your life to the max and seeing the world. ...2 weeks to go before the adventure begins...enjoy
Pauly :) keep it real mate
www.paulwood.blogspot.com to start reading the adventure!!!
