Kayla's Journey to Uganda
My name is Kayla Cunningham, and I am a Chemical Engineering senior at the University of Oklahoma. This summer I have the exciting opportunity to study abroad and volunteer in Africa. For the month of June, I will work with a team of engineering faculty and students to bring clean water to a women's shelter in Gulu, Uganda. But to get there, I'll need your help!
My study abroad experience will take place at the St. Monica Girls’ Tailoring Center. Activist Rosemary Nyirumbe started the organization to offer a safe haven to Ugandan women who have suffered human rights violations. Many of these women were abducted and forced to become child soldiers for the warlord Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Since the LRA’s presence in Uganda ended in 2006, St. Monica’s has provided refuge, education, and job training to over 2,000 former child soldiers. While at the women’s shelter, these women are given hope as they learn the necessary skills to re-build their lives.
This summer OU is sending a team of engineering students to complete a water project at the women's shelter. As a member of this team, I will learn how to design a drinking water system that meets the needs of the shelter residents.
Over 1 billion people worldwide lack access to clean water, and as an engineer, I plan to join the effort to provide a solution. In the past, I have traveled to beautiful Peru, as shown in the picture above, and completed service projects in the capital with my OU classmates. I look forward to serving abroad again in the future. Lord willing, I will continue to participate in water projects on mission trips in the years to come.
After saving from my 3 part-time jobs, I am still coming up short for my trip expenses. To get to Uganda, I will need to raise $3,500 by April 28. This money will cover my flight expenses, housing, and tuition and fees for my courses. If you are willing and able to help, your donation would be greatly appreciated!
I will also be taking orders for my famous pumpkin bread, which will be sold for $5 per loaf in the Norman, OK area. Visit my Facebook event to place an order by April 1st. Pick-ups will be April 2nd and 3rd at Westside Church of Christ (726 McGee Dr., Norman, OK).
For more information about St. Monica Girls' Tailoring Center, visit Pros for Africa online.
Thank you for your consideration!
With love,
Kayla Cunningham