I’ll never forget the day I met Father Muggaga and when he first shared the stories of the plights young orphaned women in Uganda were facing. I was so inspired to take action and help in any way I could; and thus Hope for Hearts was created. For years we have worked tirelessly to continue in our mission to help children living in conflicted areas lift themselves up from poverty to prosperity through education.

There are many reasons that bring these children to our school. Some may have been orphaned after losing their families to the AIDS epidemic; others lost family due to the war and conflict spread throughout the country. Earlier this week I was reminded of yet another reason children, particularly young girls, are in need of our services.

On May 14, the New York Times posted an article exposing the many allegations of rape, sexual harassment, and women who were impregnated then abandoned by Ugandan forces. Their stories are truly heartbreaking. In addition to the accusations of sexual abuse, several Ugandan soldiers promised to provide for young girls they met if they birthed a child. Lacking the ability to provide even basic necessities such as soap for themselves, the young girls entered into these relationships for the chance at a better life. Sadly, shortly after being impregnated, many of these girls found themselves abandoned and alone yet again.

You can read the full article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/14/world/africa/joseph-kony-lords-resistance-army-uganda.html

Their stories leave me deeply saddened to hear that these struggles are still abundant in Uganda. However, it has also added to fuel to the fire which continues to light my passion for providing assistance to Ugandan children in need. Just as our priests and nuns in Uganda will never stop searching the streets for children in need, and providing them with the best educational opportunities available to lift themselves from poverty to prosperity; we too cannot give up the fight to continue providing resources necessary to make these efforts possible.

If, like me, this article has had a profound impact on you, I highly encourage you to be a part of the change by making a donation to help more young women lift themselves from poverty to prosperity.

With Courage, Passion and Gratitude,
Cristen