URF News and Updates

Silver Mukalazi's Story

[ taken from a phone conversation with Sliver, a 17 year old Hope student and orphan in Uganda ]


"The people of Gankanga are so thankful [for the mosquito nets]. They say Malaria is now like a song: Soon it will just be talked about. When you come back I think it will be a changed village."

"I admired you because of the way you presented yourself. I admired you and you stood out to me because you made friends with everyone and you didn't discriminate. You went out to the villages and helped teh people and I really admired that."

"When people compliment me on my articles, I am thankful for the knowledge you taught me."

"My father died when i was three years old. Then I went to go live with my grandmother. When I was 16 and realized not capable of taking care of me any longer (she was sick), I left and got a job and rented a house. I was sad that i couldn't go to school and sometimes I cried when I saw others going to school because I wondered why I couldn't. I was scared about my future and what I would become. When i found out I had a school sponsor, I thought it was a lie. I did not believe it. Since then, I have praised and thanked God for the oppurtunity to go back to school. With God anything is possible."

"When I read your article about the people in Gulu, I became very sad...I wondered why can I live a good life when my fellow Ugandans are living such sad lives? I became inspired to help my country."

"Ronald is very happy for your sponsorship...Whenever I see a kid go to school, I am very happy because I was one of those kids. I had a horrible life...I know what it's like...My life is better..."

Classroom floors have been completed. The project was funded by Daniel Strandlund, a current volunteer in Uganda from the USA. Thanks to Daniel, family and friends who made generous contribution to this project.