Uganda Mission Trip

My name is Oscar Anderson. I am seventeen years old. I live in Ankeny, Iowa, and I am a martial artist currently employed by the Academy of Martial Arts. I am a black belt in Taekwondo, a purple belt in Combat Hapkido, and an orange sash in Asian Weapons. I currently instruct and assist children, teenagers, and adults of all ages in traditional Taekwondo classes. My highest priority, and that of the Academy, is to build students’ confidence. Discipline, physical and mental strength, in addition to learning self-defense and the cultures and history of martial arts are just a few of the many benefits. My goal is to get students sweating and smiling before they walk out of the building.

This January, I will be traveling to Uganda, Africa through the organization Children’s HopeChest. It was formed to help impoverished communities survive, thrive, and succeed under their adverse conditions. Throughout two weeks, I will be working in three Ugandan villages: Ogoloi, Bukedea, and Ongongoja. While I am there, my goal is to give the people in these communities the gift that martial arts has given me throughout my life.

I have been involved in martial arts since I was seven years old. My journey started after seeing the likes of Bruce Lee and The Karate Kid on TV. I went to my parents and told them I wanted to do what those guys were doing; they enrolled me into Taekwondo. I cried during my first night, but I quickly learned to love the art. I earned my black belt when I was ten years old and began teaching shortly thereafter. Recently, I was offered a position as a full-time instructor and have been doing so since August. Throughout the last ten years, martial arts has taught me to have confidence in myself, something that I don’t think I would have fully learned without. My goal is for these communities to gain confidence as well as building upon what my academy preaches: discipline, physical and mental strength, and learning the history and culture of these arts.

This is where I’m kindly asking for your help. Between the cost of transportation, facilities, and food, this mission trip will cost roughly $3,000. Any donation amount helps! Additionally, please consider sharing this GoFundMe with friends and family. I am very grateful to be given the chance of this educational opportunity to help people less fortunate. Thank you for your consideration!