For 5 years Ugandans, Global Missions of First Lutheran Church in Kelowna, and Niteo Africa Society partnered together to provide over 50,000 children a safe place to explore literacy and learning. At the Eva Ruf Resource Centre in Kampala, Uganda children had access to picture books and computers, often the first ones of their lives. The partnership between Canadians and Ugandans resulted in the following achievements:
- offering over 50,000 child visitors a template of safety and a focus on literacy
- hosting Niteo teams and others each year
- hosting dance classes, bible study classes, art classes, career education classes, leadership development classes, and computer training
- hosting the neighbouring preschool children each week for literacy classes
- the network and internet cafe remained open and functional for the entire 5 years
- the books and resources were cared for and remained accessible to children
- there was never an unsafe child in our centre
- 50 volunteer travellers had clean beds, good food, and supported a worthy cause of literacy for children, including two long-term volunteers: Bob Vorontiskis and Bree Bootsman
- Betty Kabagambe faithfully served her entire 5 year contract as a capable and devoted manager
- All funds have been accounted for and used according to plan
- Sam Turya has served as Country Director and Overseer for the project for all 5 years
We celebrate the huge successes of Global Missions, Niteo Africa, and the Ugandan leaders who have a vision for investing in the reading culture of Uganda!
We believe these contributions are part of empowering a people to lift themselves to new heights so we all experience the “Magnificence of Africa!”