I’ve traveled with Sylvia Allen and different Sylvia’s Children teams for a number of years. What can I say other than it is like breath & oxygen for me–the years I’ve missed going over to Uganda usually leave a bit of an ache in my heart for the children and the folks at the school who I’ve come to know. I love them and miss them all the time. For many of us who volunteer for Sylvia’s Children, we have seen our students for years; from the age of a toddler and now they are heading into university. This is a mighty effort. What this organization has done over the years with the integral leadership and the heartfelt passion of Sylvia Allen is breathtaking. I’ve included a picture of just one of the chicken farm buildings on the campus that Sylvia helped the Director of the School bring to fruition. One of my favorite moments was seeing the Director of the school Geofrey Kawuma this summer with one of Sylvia’s beloved “grandchildren” , Gloria. It was the highlight of 2018; among a number of moments that aced the 2018 summer trip as heart-filling. This is like no other organization. You can be hands on, or not. You can travel each year to Uganda, or not. You can go once or every year, or not. What Sylvia provides is an opportunity for other to make a difference as each are able and that is a sacred task she’s taken on in this world. 100% of your donation goes to the school for tuition, infrastructure and will also support the tuition for secondary and university students who have moved through our school. This school has produced eventual teachers, activists, nurses, artists, business owners, upstanding citizens in their communities. I believe in this organization. I’ve seen first hand what has been done. I’ve seen the lives that have been changed–both for the students and the community around the school, but also the lives of those who volunteer. People say, “oh what your doing is so wonderful, you do so much for those students!” To which I say “Those beautiful students, our teachers and each individual I meet while I travel in Uganda changes me, they offer me a gift which far exceeds anything I give–they give me their hearts and their love!” You will forever be changed by Sylvia’s Children.
I have known Sylvia for a number of years through Rotary. Our Rotary club, Lakeville Rotary, has supported numerous projects that Sylvia has asked us to support for Sylvia’s children. I now am in a position of leadership for the district 5960 grant team. The application, paper work and handling of funds for grants she has been granted are exemplary, resulting in our team being willing to support her projects.
Sylvia is one of the most amazing women I have every known. I hope to one day be able to visit with her amazing children. Peg Duenow
I have known Sylvia for several years, and her number one priority is her dedication to the children of Sylvia’s Children. I hosted an event benefitting this organization, and working with her is an absolute joy, and a lesson in efficiency! Sylvia’s attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and scope of knowledge allowed all that participated to truly understand how their donation was benefiting each child. She keeps us updated on the children’s welfare, the facility, and upcoming events. This is such an incredible organization, with a true leader at the helm. I look forward to working with Sylvia and Sylvia’s Children again!
-Kate
Sylvia is passionate about her children and their success! She is no nonsense when it comes to doing whatever it takes to help them succeed. Sylvia shares her love and passion with everyone and its hard to not fall in love with these children that you have never met.
The Mbriizi Primary School is an oasis in the dust and poverty surrounding it. The children are house, clothed, fed, educated, and HAPPY! The graduates of this school are already at work improving their communities, which will improve their country, which will ultimately improve their, and our, world. Sylvia, one woman, is making a difference. Imagine what one child can do, given an opportunity! And one more child, and another, and another…❤️
Sylvia’s Children does a wonderful job in their efforts to improve the health, education and happiness of the children at the Mbirizzii School in Uganda. This recent visit from Sylvia and her fellow travelers, of which I was one, conducted basic physicals for the pre-school and first year students, provided money and shopped for basic medicines and medical supplies, and many gifts and sports equipment for the students were packed in our luggage. These students are wonderful: curious, joyful and eager to learn. The plans to complete a computer center will give them a chance to explore the world. It was a visit I will always remember.
It is hard to believe that I’ve known Sylvia for more than 20 years! During that time, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with her in various capacities on multiple projects, but none could ever be more impressive than the tireless work she does with Sylvia’s Children and the way its impact has grown. From day one, the organization and its mission have remained unwavering, and every project, every fundraiser, every trip, every dollar, and – most importantly – every child under her care has been carefully tended to with diligence, determination, transparency, and heartfelt love.
I’ve had years of experience observing, writing about, and sharing the stories of countless grassroots nonprofits. Few of them have managed to endure as long as Sylvia’s Children, and none of them have been able to so successfully overcome the overwhelming challenges and achieve the incredible goals that this organization, its volunteers and supporters, and the students and staff of the Mbiriizi Advanced Primary and Day Care School have accomplished.
The legacy of Sylvia’s Children shines through in the stories that are shared about each person it has touched and the ways in which the organization’s work has changed a school, a village, and so many lives – all driven by the vision of one woman. This is, indeed, a Great Nonprofit!
Sylvia Allen is a member of our church in Holmdel NJ. Sylvia is an inspiration to us all. At an age when most people retire, Sylvia lunged forward, founding “Sylvia’s Children”, giving care, education, hope and purpose to thousands of forgotten children in Uganda. What “Sylvia’s Children” has accomplished is truly an amazing fete. Sylvia has shown us what determination, love, and tenacity can make an amazing difference in the lives of thousands of children. What a wonderful organization.
We have worked w/Sylvia for many years helping to promote Sylvia’s work with Sylvia’s Children at the Mbiriizi Advanced Primary School in Mbiriizi, Uganda, Africa. This organization is making an amazing difference in the lives of children in Uganda. Since becoming involved the school has grown from 4 buildings to 26 since Sylvia’s Children has gotten involved.
My wife and I have a small charitable foundation. Sylvia stood out among many organizations because the money donated truly goes to help the children. So many larger charitable organizations have inefficient expensive overhead, marketing, travel and other drains on funds intended for the people who need it most. Sylvia doesn’t take a salary, doesn’t charge for accounting and tax preparation, and visitors to Uganda pay their own way, so donations truly go to help the children. She’s a dedicated, energetic, honest, and wonderful person who we are honored to support.