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 look forward to what lies ahead.
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.
