Our Values in Action - Loving Joshua as Our Own

It was with great sadness that our Global Peace Ambassador (GPA) community learned of our brother ARK’s passing in 2021. The GPA community is an international network of 250 former World Vision Youth Ambassadors and staff from over 60 countries who were members of a youth leadership program and performing arts ensemble from 1995-2000. We shared a life-changing experience and decades later, maintain a deep fellowship and collaborate to have a positive impact in our communities around the world.

ARK represented his home country of Uganda as the Youth Ambassador in 1997. The GPA community remembers ARK’s wonderful gifts of laughter, music, and always seeing the bright side. When ARK passed, his young son, Joshua, was left without a father. Through this GoFundMe campaign, we are seeking to formalize our commitment to Joshua and demonstrate that we love him as our own, in ARK’s memory.

Just as each of us would hope that our children would be taken care of, it is time to come together to take care of Joshua. Those who can contribute can ensure that Joshua will have a childhood free from concern and fear about completing his high school education. We cannot bring his dad back, but our community can provide a level of stability and support that he will otherwise struggle to find.

About Joshua

Joshua is 14 years old and started high school this year. His favorite subjects are math, geography, and physics. He loves playing basketball and chess and enjoys drawing. His dream is to become a pilot.

Joshua has gotten to know several former Youth Ambassadors since his dad's illness. He has a natural talent for connecting with people and would make an excellent Youth Ambassador himself! He is a diligent and bright student and hopes to study abroad in the future.

His dental and educational needs are a priority, and our help would allow him to concentrate on his studies and ease the pressure on his mom.

How You Can Help

Since ARK’s passing, a small group from the GPA community has generously supported Joshua by contributing to his medical and education expenses. We are now seeking to raise a minimum of $8,000 USD (up to $10,000 USD). This campaign, and your generous contribution, will ensure that Joshua’s education and dental costs are covered through high school graduation.

Expected Breakdown of Expenses

In the interests of clarity and transparency, the Leadership Team has outlined what the fundraiser goal of $8000 will cover over the next four years: $6,000 will provide for 4 years’ schooling, including school fees ($4150), textbooks ($215), uniforms ($300), development fee ($180), and additional school requirements ($1090). An additional $2000 will cover costs associated with ongoing dental treatment.

Dispersing the Funds

Funds will be held by the Chang family on the GPA community’s behalf. Betsy King (Leadership Team member and daughter of Papa and Mama Chang) will distribute the funds on a scheduled timeline. Betsy will provide regular updates and fund balances to the Leadership Team and all transactions will be noted in the meeting minutes, to provide a governance process for oversight and accountability regarding the use of funds.

On behalf of Mama Chang and the Leadership Team, we want to thank you for your generous support. Once we have finalized Joshua’s campaign, we plan to establish a general GPA fund to ensure that future needs within our community can be supported in a transparent and streamlined way.

Simunye. We are one. Together we stand.