Reviews

I’ve known Sylvia for decades and was able to join her on the June 2019 trip to the school in Uganda. it was a life-changing experience. I witnessed Sylvia in action with the children and the school administrators, who she holds accountable for every penny and every action (or non-action) they take. She is the real deal and so is the school and its staff. Lots and lots of love in the air. – Laurie Petersen, Jersey City, NJ

I went with Sylvia on her November, 2019, trip and was totally awed by the whole experience. I have never seen a school so well run, children so well behaved, and teachers so well prepared. The children are beautiful, but if you look at their shoes or walk through the town, you can’t help but see how poor they are. It was heart breaking to see the beds in the orphan’s dormitory lined up with their clothes trunks on them; but reassuring to know that these children are being well cared for. I have been supporting Sylvia’s Children ever since, because I know that all of my donation will benefit these children.

I went with Sylvia to Mbiriizi Primary School in Uganda in November 2019. From start to finish Sylvia was on top of the logistics of the trip for about 14 of us volunteers. She literally thinks of/takes care of everything – except getting your shots for you.
Since our team included some medical personnel, we did heights, weights, and vision and diabetes screening. We also prepared 1000 goodie bags for the children, visited classrooms and hung out wth the children during lunch and recess.
With 1000 children in the school, one would think there would be a lot of cacaphonous noise. Rather, the school which runs on the British model was relatively quiet and orderly, the children well-behaved, the teachers very enthusiastic – and everyone happy to be there. I was blown away by the children who put on dramas, concerts and a debate for us. Clearly they are encouraged to make the most of their talents and are receiving a quality education. When it came time for us to serve them their holiday meal of rice and meat, 1000 children patiently lined up to wait their turn and then ran for cover to eat inside during what developed into a huge deluge. And what a joy to witness the Kindergarten graduation with parents present, dressed in their Sunday best!
The children in this school are so fortunate to be receiving an education, thanks to Sylvia’s tireless fund-raising efforts. . We saw many less fortunate ones on the streets and roads, carrying gerry cans of water, selling nuts, shoes, fruits, etc.
The final two days of the trip were spent on an amazing safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park where the accommodations were spectacular and we saw almost all of the animals one would hope to see in Africa.
This is a life-changing trip service trip which has led me to support Sylvia’s Children as well as sponsoring children at the school.
Susan M.

Kristin Rients’ Sylvia’s Children Experience

Through a work friend, I was introduced to Sylvia Allen and subsequently given the life-changing opportunity this past March (due to my healthcare background) to accompany her and a medical team to the medical clinic, primary school and orphanage she founded and has since worked tirelessly to fund and expand in Mbiriizi, Uganda, Africa. However please do not let the phrase “life-changing” get lost in the surrounding words and paragraph, because the experience and the opportunities that have seemingly fallen into place since my taking this journey have been, for me, nothing short of exactly that – simply and happily “life changing”. I simply said “Yes,” and Sylvia took care of the rest. With the itinerary meticulously planned, I packed a bag, got on a plane and my life changed forever. Upon landing, I was greeted by the big smile of our driver – who would also be our guide and trusted companion for the duration of the trip, and someone who I am happy to say has become a person I now hold very close to my heart and will keep in touch with always. We traveled in the comfort of our safari truck to and from the beautiful hotels to the clinic and orphanage, where each day we were greeted by smiling, laughing children who were as happy to see us as we were them. Through our interactions with them while both working in the clinic and playing with them in the courtyards, we shared smiles, laughter and happiness – and took lots and lots of pictures! The clinic and school staff were happy to receive our help and the supplies we brought, and I felt our being there really made a difference to them, to the surrounding community and to the future success of their collective mission. By the last day, which marked the end of my time with them, I was overwhelmed with tears and gratitude so great that I could barely speak – taken by the surprise at my having been adopted by them as their “Nanteza Kristin” (which from what I understand means “Aunt” in their culture). I was ceremoniously and lovingly given this tribal name, so many hugs and kisses that I will treasure forever, and the gift of purpose that cannot ever truly be properly expressed in mere words. I can still hear their little voices saying my name as we said goodbye, and it brings tears to my eyes each and every time I think back on those wonderful moments. From there Sylvia resolved to show us the heart of Africa: expansive landscapes that have remained untouched for thousands of years, and the beautiful animals that inhabit their vast horizons. In her years of experience in facilitating this trip, Sylvia has created a balanced, truly wonderful and eye-opening experience that is just waiting and available to all wishing to make a difference in the world, and in themselves, as well. And the shift in focus which inevitably occurs from the vastness of the experience will undoubtedly transform the lives and thinking of anyone who participates from a perspective of seeing lack in their lives to seeing abundance in all things. This trip is in and of itself life-changing.

So often in our lives we search the horizon for opportunities to serve, and often even feel overwhelmed that there is so much to do we don’t really know where to start. We, unconsciously even maybe, believe that giving of ourselves or our time is something that might be difficult, or that the rewarding feeling we are searching for is not really something that is attainable for us. But in this it is easy, and it is right here. My decision to take the trip was one of the best decisions I have ever made, one of the best experiences I have ever had, and I simply cannot wait until I the day I can return to the all-embracing hands and shiningly hopeful faces that have captured my heart.

Upon my return, I decided to put action behind my newfound faith and make dedicated service to others my life’s work and mission by volunteering, and ultimately joining Sylvia in her dream of replicating her successes in Mbiriizi and sharing them with other African villages and people. And I use the courage, strength and faith I gained in both myself and in life itself to teach my young son each and every day that he is strong enough, and has been given enough to always, always reach out to help those in need. As he has volunteered his time already, I hope that this experience will serve him in his life and life’s work as well as he grows older and sets out into the world to bring positive changes, future learning transformations, and help to those who need someone, anyone to care.
My advice to anyone who is searching, really open to service and helping those in need: if you are looking for your life purpose, or even to spend your time in a more rewarding way, please reach out to this wonderful woman – who truly is the facilitator of purposeful service, self- discovery, and life change.
As every moment is an opportunity to serve, this one is easy and it is here, always waiting – for you. It is an experience in the pure joy that comes from helping someone who has been neglected and is in pain to simply feel better, and it is an experience in seeing a big smile emerge on the face of a small child who once was scared, but now because of you, feels cared for and loved. My advice to anyone who is even considering taking a step in faith to help another is to just do it. Let go of your fear and instead exercise your faith and your strength. Say “Yes,” and watch the magic happen in your thinking, in your experiences, in your life, and in the lives of those you know and love.
Your circle of family will be forever expanded, the world will be within your reach, and your dreams will begin to come to light.
Thank you for taking the time to focus on this wonderful mission, Sylvia’s Children, and hopefully my words will help to inspire others to take the steps in faith they need to in order to join in the task of helping those in need – in this case, children just like yours and mine who need someone, anyone to show them they are safe, cared for and loved.
Kristin Rients

Sylvia’s mentoring and advise helped the Heritage Foundation double the sponsorship dollars for our 3 annual community events in Franklin, TN. She has “been there and done that” and is happy to share her expertise. Her consulting style is fun and approachable. Once you are part of Sylvia’s Children team—she is phone call away. I think she is a rock solid investment of your time and money!

Mary P

I am a volunteer for Sylvia’s Children. The most amazing reason that I support Sylvia’s Children, besides the great work being done, is that all (really 100%) of the monies donated go to the Mbiriizi Advanced Primary School in Mbiriizi, Uganda, Africa. I was so impressed with what Sylvia Allen is doing with her charity that I wanted to help with more than monetary contributions, so I have been volunteering in the office for more than 8 years.

November 2016 I had the opportunity to join Sylvia with a work group of nine to help with Sylvia’s Children Project in Mibiriizi,Uganda. It was great to see and help with all that is being accomplished at the school, orphanage, clinic, and farm for the children and people of Uganda. I truly believe it is education and health care most needed in Uganda and all of Africa . Well, this is what is where it is happening. With hard work and real dedication of Sylvia Allen, all her volunteers and the wonderful staff at Mibiriizi much has been accomplished and results are very evident. The children were so appreciative and happy. Thanks to Sylvia and all those donating or helping with Sylvia’s Children. This is definitely a help effort where your time or donations are well used and paying off. Marjorie Spiel

There are many organizations out there that you can give donations to but, for me, I was able to experience this one first hand. The work that is done to help these children is more than just exceptional. I was able to see their classrooms and get to see how intelligent these beautiful children are. I truly believe they would not be where they were today without the work Sylvia has put in to help them. I would highly recommend this organization to anyone.

Over tens years ago, after I heard Sylvia talk about Sylvia’s Children, I wanted to help so I asked if Sylvia if she could use some help in the office and I have been there ever since. I can vouch for Sylvia when she says 100% of your donation goes directly to the school.

Sylvia is planning a wonderful celebration for Sylvia’s Children ‘s 20th anniversary in June of 2023!

The orphans are not only helped through primary school but also Secondary School and College or technical school, even beauty and catering school. Sixty-Six orphans have already graduated and are teacher, plumbers, beauty operators and nurses – the nurse in the clinic at the school started at the Mbiriizi Advanced Primary and Day Care School in grade primary 2.

When Sylvia was adopted as “grandmother,” called Grand Sylvia, there were 4 buildings and 439children, 139 of which were orphans. A well was put in, many buildings were built including more classroom, dorms for the orphans(one for the boys and one for the girls), a library a playground and the 6,000 sq. ft. medical clinic for the whole village.

Businesses were established to bring in much need funds -a chicken business for selling eggs (20,000 chickens) and a pig business for selling piglets to potential farmers (100 prolific pigs; 10 piglets per litter with two litters per year).

I have heard directly from at least two people who have gone on the trips to the school. These trips are life changing experiences and the telling of them was and is inspirational. Anyone can go on these trips. They are listed on the website (www.sylviaschildren.org). Join Sylvia on her 32nd trip!

This organization has surprised me with it’s grass roots gumption! From the moment my wife and I came to be aware of Sylvia Allen and the work she has done for the children of the Mbiriizi Advanced Day and Boarding School, we have heard about the processes Ms. Allen has put into place in an effort to help make the school a self-sustaining model of success. We have heard of chickens being donated, clothes, toys, sewing machines, classroom blocks, nursing services, etc., all to help these children, many of them orphans, live a better, more fulfilling and healthier life. Sylvia’s Children is an organization I am pleased to know exists in our world.