I recently read "God Grew Tired of Us" by Jon Bul Dau. If you don't have time to read the book, check out the movie by the same name. Dau tells the story of his life from Dinka childhood in a small Sudanese village, through his experience of being a refugee and one of the Lost Boys, to his relocation to the United States and his transition into life here.
I have historically given money to local organizations with the thought that there are many people here, in the United States, who need food and shelter. This is true. I was astounded, however, at the level of poverty experienced by refugees in war-torn countries in Africa. I've never read, or seen, anything like it.
A co-worker of mine is involved with a new program aimed at educating children from Uganda. Please read the information about Children UP and learn more, read more, and give as you are able.
Children UP
Dedicated to supporting northern Uganda from the Children UP.
http://www.childrenup.org/
or see Children Up on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/childrenup?ref=ts
Children Up is an organization founded in 2007 of mostly former teachers from Elmhurst, Illinois interested in the health, welfare and education of the youth of Uganda. An under-reported war has been raging in northern Uganda for over 20 years. In that time over 30,000 children have been abducted and used as child soldiers and sex slaves. These children have seen unimaginable horrors. As an organization, we have been supporting individual children as well as supporting reading programs. Supporting one child in primary school costs $300 a year. This includes the cost of education, school supplies, food, two uniforms, a pair of shoes and a mentor overseeing the child’s welfare. A similar arrangement at the high school level costs $900 a year.
Tax-exempt contributions may be sent to:
Children UP
% Charles Laliberte
481 Alma
Elmhurst, IL 60126
630-832-9010
