Greetings! Several years ago, I met a special friend named Joshua Kiswiriri who was supporting orphans by housing fifteen of them in his own home! He had reached out to me for help with paying for books and other school supplies for these children. Since that time I have assisted with education supplies and incidentals. And I have received many thoughtful videos of the children holding their new books with huge smiles on their faces, saying "thank you," and "God bless you!" It is an honor to share their story with you, today! (From Fall, 2025)...

...Update: Sept 2, 2026: the infrastructure of the new orphanage was completed near the end of 2025--and the children were able to move in around Christmas Time! I was delighted to receive photos and videos of huge piles of bricks and sand for mortar being delivered onsite around the middle of October (see photos above!)--day by day the orphanage grew right before our eyes. The six room structure, built in part by Joshua's own hands, is now bustling with activity--and the children are learning many things in school, and in their new home--they really know how to take care of each other. Please consider a generous donation today so that the children can continue to enjoy food, shelter, clothing, education, job training and help in finding placement in loving homes. Your generosity means more than you may ever know ! Thank you.

Recently I spoke with the children on WhatsApp and one of them, emboldened by her smiling peers offered this: "Thank you...my best subject is math--I want to be a doctor!" Your decision to help support these aspiring children realize their dreams gives them the advantages they need to rise above unimaginable challenges. Please put yourselves in their. shoes for just a minute.

Dear friends, as we come up on the one year anniversary of breaking ground, we humbly request your continued support for the maintenance of the orphanage property and the continued expenses incurred in caring for the 20 young souls who now call it their home.

And, this winter, I have been invited to meet with the children in Mafubira, Uganda to help them plant, build and add a pottery studio (there is a lot of clay in the area!). In fact, much of the funding came through the sales of pottery I make from wild clay I process in my home studio and gallery. in Rockford, Illinois We have great plans for the future for these children. Please help get me to Africa and back to implement the next stage of the plan for these precious kids!

Thank you in advance for your generous assistance.

Mario Caputo,

Kiswiriri Joshua,

and the Village.

Peace!