building bridges of hope redemption . education . restoration Aoet~Uganda
AOET~USA
God found them... He threw his arms around them, lavished attention on them, He guarded them as the apple of his eye. He was like an eagle hovering over its nest, overshadowing its young, Then spreading its wings, lifting them into the air,
teaching them to fly. God lifted them to the hilltops, so they could feast on the crops in the fields. He fed them with honey from the rock, oil from granite crags, Curds of cattle and the milk of sheep, and the choice cuts of lambs and goats.
Deuteronomy 32:10-14 (Message)
Uganda - Africa’s Pearl in Peril 1.5 million people live with HIV/AIDs; 28,000 of them will die of AIDS-related illnesses. The prevalence rate among adults (aged 15 to 49) is 7.3%, and the epidemic disproportionately affects young women. Uganda’s history is full of epic tragedies. The infamous Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) kidnapped and forced 30,000 children into his army of hate, displaced 1.8 million, and killed 100,000 innocent Ugandans. Widespread and extreme poverty persists, especially in the rural northern regions, with 37.8% of all Ugandans living on less than $1.25 a day.
Imagine... You and your siblings were born in Uganda in the midst of such chaos and grief. What would your life have looked like? • There is a 1 in 14 chance that you would have lost one or both of your parents due to AIDS • You live on the street or, if you are lucky, with your 52 year old grandmother (whose life expectancy is around 58) • Your family’s monthly income is below $35 per month • Your 15 year old sister is married with a 1 year old baby • You may have witnessed your younger brother kidnapped by the Lord’s Resistance Army to become one of the 30,000 “Invisible Children” • Since you live in the north, it’s likely your family lives in a UN refugee camp
Congratulations... Imagine... you worked hard and overcame incredible obstacles to graduate from 6 years of intensive accounting studies. Now you begin to search for corporate job opportunities to apply your passion and skills.
But the competition is tough. In 2017, 40,000 graduates will contend for 8,000 jobs. 73% of your fellow classmates will fail to transition into professional careers and be foreced to learn a basic trade skills just to keep from going backwards.
While waiting and hoping for your real life to begin as an accountant, you do what you can to help your parents work the cops of the family farm.
What keeps millions of Ugandans trapped in the cycle of extreme poverty? Answer:
LACK OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
but what if new opportunities could be developed for the next generation?
HOPE
RISING
Meet Sam Tushabe. He was born in Uganda in 1970, lived in the central region and witnessed firsthand unspeakable atrocities and the resulting wake of grief. His father disappeared when he was very young and his mother carried water and sold firewood for pennies on the side of the road. Uganda’s HIV/AIDs infection rate at the time was nearly 15%, and Sam’s mother died of the disease when he was 13. He became one of the 2 million HIV/AIDs orphans. Before she died, his mother had made him promise that he would go to school.
Sam kept his promise and in 1995 Sam founded the AIDS Orphan Education Trust (AOET~Uganda). The work began as an independent, grassroots effort to live out one of the most basic commandments in the Bible:
Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world (James 1:27)
This verse, and hundreds others like it, motivate and direct AOET~Uganda to bring God’s Good News to orphans, impoverished youth, widows and single women, and struggling families in Uganda’s suburban and rural communities.
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AOET~UGANDA Christ Centered
Local Leadership
AOET~Uganda is inspired and motivated by faith in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible as the Son of God.
All the AOET~Uganda board of directors, leadership, and support staff are locals from the communities they serve. They take the ownership of programs and promote communal and collaborative initiatives that meet the real needs of the people.
The Gospel of Christ is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes… This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. Romans 1:16-17 Everything AOET~Uganda is and does flows from God’s Good News that all experience His rescuing, redemptive, and relentless love.
AOET~Uganda works to establish relationships with influential community leaders, strategic Ugandan NGO’s, businesses, churches, government agencies and officials, and local elected council members. Endowed with local knowledge, cultural awareness, and language, these partners work collaboratively to meet the needs of vulnerable children, their families, and the entire community.
Robert D. Lupton, Toxic Charity 10
3 DISTINCT VALUES Holistic Development AOET~Uganda integrates faith, education, health, and life skills. All this functions in the context of the children’s family, the local church, student clubs, sports, and Christian organizations like FCA. The underserved and vulnerable children have opportunities that include: • • • • •
Education from preschool, through primary and secondary school, and into university (for qualifying students) Preventative and diagnostic health and medical services Foster Home Villages where children experience a healthy and loving family environment Life skills and vocational training Special camps, career guidance workshops, specialized clubs
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AOET~UGANDA CORE COMPETENCY #1
AOET~Uganda schools are very different from existing private and public school models. The schools are “integrated,” meaning children from all levels of society, affluent and poor, HIV/AIDS positive, and all levels of skill and abilities study together in the same classrooms with no distinctions. Another distinction is AOET~Uganda recruits teachers who are well-equipped to teach and passionate about their student’s success. These teachers view their role less as a career path and more as a high and sacred calling from God.
EDUCATE THE NEXT GENERATION EMPOWERMENT & ENTERPRISE CHILD & FAMILY WELFARE
Many students who graduate from public primary schools have a difficult time transitioning into secondary school because school fees are higher, there are fewer schools, and many students are not able to continue due to poor performance on primary exams. But AOET~Uganda’s Child Sponsorship program ensures these students are able to continue their education that will help ensure a brighter future. Some sponsored students, however, are not able to pass their national exams or progress past secondary level 4. In these cases, AOET~Uganda provides a bridge for students through the Empowerment and Enterprise programs.
AOET~UGANDA CORE COMPETENCY #2
EDUCATE THE NEXT GENERATION EMPOWERMENT & ENTERPRISE CHILD & FAMILY WELFARE
In the cases where students struggle to qualify for University or are unable to finish secondary grade S4, AOET~Uganda guides them to connect with appropriate vocational training schools to develop marketable skills for employment and enterprising business opportunities. Fortunately there are many different private institutions that are accredited by the Ugandan Business, Technical, Vocational Education and Training Program that specialize in this sort of training. Uganda Ministry of Education & Sports has recognized and accredited 75 vocational schools.
AOET~UGANDA CORE COMPETENCY #3 The family unit is often the key to determining the success of children. A high percentage of children have lost one or both parents, have little to no support of other adults in the family, and often their only meal are the ones AOET provides at school. This creates a very unstable and turbulent home environment. The Child and Family Welfare program of AOET works with each child and family to provide: • Training and mentoring for parents • Budgeting and help to begin a savings plan • Medical support for HIV/AIDs with ARV’s, malaria, and other health issues • Foster care villages with parents for children to experience a healthy and loving home environment • Accountability and support through organizing multi-family community groups
EDUCATE THE NEXT GENERATION EMPOWERMENT & ENTERPRISE CHILD & FAMILY WELFARE
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AOET~USA AOET~USA serves AOET~Uganda in the following three areas:
1. Facilitating Child sponsorships for all education, medical care, health and wellness programs, and future vocational skills training. 2. Raising finances for specific capital projects, as well as ongoing programs such as child and family welfare, and special events like student camps, or the annual birthday bash. 3. Engaging organizations in the US such as churches, schools, businesses, foundations, and associations to establish relationships with AOET~Uganda leadership and local ministry partners.
AOET: USA:Board Bob Aylward-Chairman
Becky Ramsing-Vice Chair
Robert Aylward is the CEO of Jones & Carter, a full service engineering consulting firm. He lived in Maryland 30 years before relocating his family and firm to Houston TX. Bob studied economics at Illinois State University and received his MBA from Johns Hopkins University.
Registered Dietitian with a Masters of Public Health. She currently spends her work hours divided between her nutrition consulting/education business and a Women in Agriculture and Food Security project with University of Maryland, where she travels to Afghanistan and Ethiopia teaching nutrition and overseeing the projects.
Jim Barfoot
Kelly Aylward
Retired from Troutlodge, Inc., after 18 years, and is exploring other business opportunities. As a military dependent, he grew up all over the country and now resides in Lake Tapps. WA. Jim received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Richmond
Kelly Aylward’s favorite job has been raising her children with husband and fellow Board member, Bob Aylward. They have five children and one grandchild. She grew up in Richmond, VA and graduated from the University of Richmond with an Economics Degree.
Linda Stewart
Adam Foote
20 years combined in law enforcement/investigations and was one of the first female FBI agents, serving with the Bureau for five years. She retired in 2005, after working 15 years with the Missouri Department of Mental Health as an investigator of allegations of abuse and neglect. Linda grew up in Webb City, MO and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Senior Business Development Executive who is a serial entrepreneur who has started more than 5 small businesses using Facebook as the main tool to generate leads, create interest in product, and maintain an organic presence in the market. He is also a Licensed Realtor and currently using social media to build 2 new brands. Adam and his incredible wife Brittany have been to Uganda 3 times and sponsor 2 children with AOET.
Michael Mellott
Kelly Wolslayer
Founder and President of XPERTECHS, a leading Managed IT Services Provider to small and medium sized businesses in the Baltimore and Washington metro areas. Michael has lived in Maryland most of his life and graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Biology and MBA in Marketing. It was also at the UMD that he met Kathy, his wife of 37 years.
Director of Response for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Kelly manages emergency responses to natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, etc.), humanitarian emergencies, or other hazards in 5 states. Prior to her move to NJ, she lived in Maryland for 25 years and worked for three different federal agencies in Washington, D.C. Kelly earned a BS in Math/Systems Analysis from Pennsylvania State University and a MA in Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense) from the Naval Post Graduate School.
Laurie Gift Harris-Executive Director 25+ years experience in nonprofit fundraising and friendraising, she is delighted to be part of such an incredible organization, serving God’s children in Uganda. Laurie also serves on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Urban Core Champions Board
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2016 Year in Review
• Held our 6th Annual Birthday Bash • Welcomed 2 new Church partners • Sent 8 service teams • Awarded 3 University student scholarships
• Conducted our 3rd annual children’s camp • Gave out hundreds of bags of food for children’s families • Sponsored 173 new children • Provided every AOET child with new shoes
Financials
In October 2014, AOET~USA was accredited by ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability).
AOET~USA A BRIDGE TO CONNECT YOUR HEART WITH GOD’S PEOPLE IN UGANDA AOET~USA is a two-way bridge where US and Ugandan lives intersect and hearts connect. Get on the bridge and experience the power of rebuilding and changing lives that have been ravaged by warlords, civil war, disease, poverty, and corruption. You may just find that by the time you reach the other end of the bridge, the lfie that is transformed is yours!
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Sponsor a child: $38 each month provides consistent education, medical care, and
health and wellness services. Children may enter pre-school, graduate to primary, secondary, and then begin vocational training or enrol in University. Sponsorship is the best way to ensure children make it all the way through their education.
Make a donation to the greatest need. Each quarter the AOET:Uganda team prioritizes the projects and programs that will most impact student success rate at the schools. The list is reviewed and approved by the AOET:USA Executive Director for accountability and effectiveness. Get your church on the bridge. Nothing has more power to ignite a revival like connecting with the vibrant faith of brothers and sisters who are building God’s Kingdom around the globe. Host a Vulnerable Children’s Sunday, engage small groups on the bridge, or throw a sponsorship party. Your church will never be the same! Connect your company. AOET:USA works with you to create a custom program to effectively engage your company and employees in ways that demonstrate your company’s values and commitment to investing in and rebuilding the lives of those with the greatest need. Make a planned gift. Join your legacy with AOET:Uganda’s tireless staff to leverage their impact of transforming the next generation. Consider, for example, a living will, charitable annuities, or memorials and tribute gifts. Start a personalized support campaign. AOET:USA gets your campaign kick-started to tell your story, share media, and promote your cause to friends and colleagues. Whether it’s $5 or $50,000, you’ll bring everyone with you across the bridge! Join others and cross the bridge. Join an 1-2 week AOET:USA team to experience the
work up close and personal. Whether you’re a teacher, physician, plumber, politician, pastor, student... God will put your skills, experience, and passions to good use.
Partner with the staff of AOET~USA to create and invent something new! The
opportunities are limited only by your imagination and willingness to partner with what God is doing in Uganda to bring the Good News of Jesus to rescue, redeem, and restore people to himself.
O Eternal One, You have heard the longings of the poor and lowly. You will strengthen them; You who are of heaven will hear them, Vindicating the orphan and the oppressed so that men who are of the earth will terrify them no more. Psalm 10:17-18
Imagine... Differently
Ernest Masaaba and Tae Pae, Mission Pastor Grace Community Church, Maryland
Dear Friends, AOET~Uganda is very grateful for your generous support over the years towards our causes. My entire staff and I would like you to know that your thoughtfulness is truly making a difference in the lives of so many orphans and vulnerable children. The children are always excited to know that they have someone loving them and caring for them. It is only with support of people like you that we are able to register success in all our efforts to show the love of Christ to these children. Your ongoing faithful kindness is truly appreciated! Thank you. Respectfully, Ernest Masaaba AOET~Uganda Country Director
Solomon was among the ones was application was submitted to the child welfare office for consideration. However, there was no sponsor for him, and his hope of continuing with schooling narrowed. He became the full time breadwinner for his siblings. He continued practicing gardening on their family garden to produce food for consumption as well as on other people’s gardens that needed his labor for a fee. While on a trip to Uganda in 2008, I met and decided to sponsor Solomon. He was very receptive and ready to continue with school. AOET helped him identify a school of his choice and he excelled. This was the beginning of hard work and success for Solomon. He continued to study until he sat the final high school exams.
Solomon, his younger brother Haggia, and Kelly Aylward
During this time Solomon continued to serve as a community volunteer with AOET during vacation coordinating caregiver groups in Akia parish. This involves conducting home and school visits/assessments for orphans and vulnerable children as well as serving as the secretary of the caregiver group where he is enrolled as a member. It thrills my heart to know that Solomon is now enrolled in a nursing school and continues to excel. Solomon completes his nursing course in May 2018 and hopes to come back and serve his community as a qualified medical nurse. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to meet and spend time with Solomon. Our relationship has increased my awareness of the great needs of this world, our ability to learn from others living in very different circumstances, to appreciate the unique gifts and talents God gives each of us, and the great privilege we have in being part of God’s work in the world.
On behalf of both AOET~Uganda and AOET~USA, I offer my heartfelt thanks for your involvement and support. By engaging and partnering with us, you show that you are committed to bringing hope and transforming the lives of vulnerable children across the land of Uganda. Laurie Gift Harris, Executive Director
WWW.AOETUSA.ORG : P.O. Box 19006 : Portland, or 97280