Educational Programs
US Scholarship Students
A central element of our plan to equip African children to become leaders in their own societies involves giving them an education that goes far beyond what they typically receive at home. Through our U.S. scholarship program, we identify some of Africa's most talented students and enroll them in a stateside university. This substantial investment allows these individuals to grow personally while attaining important job and life skills - which they can then use to contribute to the development of their home country.
Our Scholars
Sarah Mbabazi
My mother was the sole provider for my family. She died when I was young and all of her children went to live with our grandmother. Because of my grandmother's old age, it was difficult for her to provide for all of our basic needs, so she looked for help from Uganda Women's Efforts to Save Orphans (UWESO). At the age of eight, my two sisters and I joined Masulita Children's Village run by UWESO leaving my brothers with our grandmother.
After finishing high school in Uganda, I had the opportunity to come to the United States to continue my education. I graduated in December, 2007 from University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas with a degree in Child and Adolescence Psychology. I hope to eventually work in the arena of public health to improve the conditions in which people live in Uganda.
Teddy Namirembe
My name is Teddy Namirembe, and I am 22 years old. I was born in a very unique way. I was born into a family with seven siblings — all who were born in a hospital, except for me. I was born on the side of the road. Life was difficult in our home and I moved into an orphanage in 1997.
I had always prayed to God that I would be able to get the best education — and He answered my prayers. I was invited to come to the USA in 2000 and I attended outstanding schools in Dallas, Texas, I was even voted Homecoming Queen. Now I attend the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas where I serve on the Student Government, I'm a Student Ambassador, and I am the President of the International Students. I am studying Childhood Development in Education so that after the completion of my education I am able to go back to Uganda to help other children.
Gyavira Kasule
I was born in the northern part of Tanzania to a Tanzanian father and a Ugandan mother. I am the youngest of six children in our family, three boys and three girls, although one of the boys passed away before I was born. Before I turned one-year-old, both of my parents died and I was sent to live with my grandparents in Uganda. In the early 1990's, I joined the Daughters of Charity orphanage, which was founded by a nun named Sister Rose Muyinza. In the orphanage, I attended school and also performed cultural dances and songs.
I met Alexis Hefley at the orphanage, and in 1998 was selected to join the performing group that she brought to the USA. In 2000, I was invited to the USA to study as a scholarship student. In high school, I played soccer for four years. I still enjoy playing African drums as a hobby. I attend college at Florida Institute of Technology where I plan to study civil engineering so I can help improve the infrastructure in Uganda.
Francis Lubuulwa
Coming from an impoverished family with no father is not an easy thing. When my father passed away in November of 1997, I thought that I would also die the next day because he meant so much to me. But that was not the case. My aunt and my mother took me to an orphanage in the southern part of Uganda. Here, my hope was quickly restored. Everyone in the orphanage had a different story to tell about overcoming adversity. We shared many experiences, and I knew for sure that there was a better tomorrow for me.
I got an opportunity to travel to the U.S in 2002 because I was a member of a dance troupe at the orphanage, which eventually became Spirit of Uganda. My eyes were opened even wider. In 2007, I received a scholarship to study in the U.S., and currently attend Richland Community College in Dallas. Eventually I hope to transfer to a four-year college and pursue a career in Human Resources Management. After school, I plan to go back to Uganda and establish my own consultancy firm to improve the quality of employees and services provided in my home country.
Peter Mugga
I was born in the southern part of Uganda in a district where the HIV/AIDS pandemic originated. Growing up in such an environment, education was not a priority, but God was always there watching over me and providing for my day-to-day life.
I grew up in a big family, with 14 siblings. So far, I am the most educated of them – thanks to Empower African Children. Many of my siblings are married with children, and some are still struggling to get a basic education. But there is good news. Because I have this opportunity in the United States, I am studying as hard as possible to get very well-equipped with all the skills I need to attain a brighter future. I can use those skills to help both my family and country.
I am studying music technology with a vision of going back to Uganda, upon completion of my degree, to start a strong and widely recognized record label that will support the many talented emerging Ugandan artists. I know God is with me in this journey.
Betty Nakato
I am 19 years old. I come from a family of five children and lots of relatives, all from the southern part of Uganda. My parents died in 1997 and I was taken to live in an orphanage. From there I joined the dance troupe (the pre-cursor to Spirit of Uganda), touring the USA several times to raise funds and the global awareness of AIDS and orphans. I enjoyed being an ambassador for the children in Uganda and, today, I am a living example of how education transforms lives.
After high school in Uganda, I was awarded a scholarship to study in the U.S. in 2008. I am currently enrolled in Richland Community College with the hope of earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship and Business Management. Upon completion of school, I want to return to Uganda to start multiple businesses in my country — and to empower women, just like I have been empowered.
