Once again on New Year's Eve we left EWR for Masaka, Uganda to visit John Gift Musiime and our Penda Learning Center. This is the school where we collected 41 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. We changed the name from Penda Charity School las November. We are converting to a 501(3)c and the name has been approved by RI and national processes are underway.

For 4 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. We now have 10 Scholastically Sponsored Students(SSS). 6 friends have gone above and beyond and contributed towards the education of these talented children. We thank them. The 700.00 per annum covers room ,board, tuition for 3 semesters and well as uniforms. The kids going off on the first day are so proud.

A close friend of mine of 68 years, Steve Hosselet, who joined me on this past NY Eve's trip, and I have sponsored two such students, Joseph and Antonio, and both are doing quite well.

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 always looked forward to seeing many smiling faces when we meet these children each January.

This past year we raised enough funds to provide a refrigerator, clothes washer and hot water shower. Further we were able to purchase 2 clothing outfits, shoes and toilet kits for 60 children; yes, it has grown from 30 to 60, and now we are topped off.

Each year we also cover 2 plantings for crops(2K), internet and malaria shots for 65.

This past visit, we took John, Joseph and Antonio with us on a 5 day mini safari. The look on their faces(when this bull elephant blocked our safari path)... they had never seen a wild animal before!

So, here comes the ask............and we 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 2026-27 and the items mentioned above. Steve and I personally review the budget and distribution with the Director John Gift Musiime.

No funds from this GFM go towards tuition at The Bright School. That is handled directly by the sponsors, and boy do we thank them; Bo, Steve, Donnie, Michelle, Mike, Bethany, Ron, Linda, Dan, and Hannah.

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.