Bill Woods asks you to support Penda Charity School's Future

Many of you in bcc here may have received a copy of our trip booklet from this past January when my two nephews and I traveled from New England to Masaka, Uganda to visit John Gift Musiime and the Penda Charity School. This is the school where we collected used musical instruments from many friends in RI, packed them up and sent them on a long voyage to Mombasa, Kenya, then over the road to Masaka.

For two years now, I have been very active in the success of this school, and its kids. John founded the school with the initial goal of providing shelter, food and education to vulnerable children; some abandoned, homeless, and in many cases, starving.

As the kids grow and mature within the Penda community many are resourceful enough to make themselves eligible for private schooling, as there is no public schooling in the Masaka area.

A close friend of mine of 68 years, Steve Hosselet, and I have sponsored two such students, Joseph and Antonio, and both are doing quite well.

So, the 41 musical instruments arrived in Masaka, and the kids were overjoyed. John states that in Africa learning to play an instrument is like learning mathematics or a foreign language, as it instills discipline and teaches self-assessment.

I must confess I have never seen so many smiling faces when we met these children this past January.

So, here comes the ask............and I ask for your donation knowing full well that we have many issues in the USA- that also are in need.

The funds for this GFM will go towards rent for 2024-25 and some school supplies. I personally review the budget and distribution with the Director John Gift Musiime.

In early March, Steve Hosselet and I donated funds to purchase seeds and plants to fund their crops(on site). They are now producing edible veggies, and other matter to feed the chickens, etc.

Please help us. Most statistics reveal that if the receiver does not act upon receipt, or shortly thereafter, chances are that the appeal will be passed over.

Thank you.

Bill Woods, Jr.