Next month will be 23 years since Sylvia’s Children was formed. When I was adopted by the Mbiriizi Advanced Primary and Day Care School to be their grandmother, I took it seriously. I also saw it as an opportunity to prove that, given the tools, people could be independent and self-sustaining, not depending on others to support them. I have tirelessly worked on this concept and, as of December 31, 2025, the goal was reached!
In addition to all the capital improvements, that last being both a decent boys’ lavatory and a decent girls’ lavatory, I have given the school the tools to generate revenue through 10 business opportunities which include coffee bean sales, eggs (from our 20,000 chickens!), a sewing business, a 50 piece brass band for parades, etc., and a bus to rent out for school trips/weddings/etc., to name a few. With these businesses, they can cover the costs of operating the school as well as secondary education and college for orphans.
Now, how about the Christmas party? There is even enough money to put that on! And how does that impact Christmas in July? We have already identified another school … 600+ students …where we will be putting on a Christmas party this year. THEY HAVE NEVER HAD ONE! It is the Mustard Seed School in Lukaya, and miracle of miracles, it is run by another New Jersey woman! (As you know, we do Christmas in July to raise money … get ready!).
Now, I want to do a little teaser. We have another initiative that will expand upon the mission statement of Sylvia’s Children and could ultimately impact 75% of the Ugandan population of women and children. (50% of the population in Uganda is 17 and UNDER!). Here is the mission statement … see if you can guess the next project:
To provide quality health care and education to the underserved and underprivileged children and families of Uganda, Africa, through a comprehensive (rural hub-and-spoke model) healthcare program/ facility and a proven self-sustaining educational model
Next month’s newsletter will carry the full details of the next initiative for Sylvia’s Children. Can’t wait to share! A blessed Easter to all!
