In Western Uganda lies the small town of Nyakyera. In Nyakyera sits St. Augustine Catholic School. St. Augustine, through the Archdiocese of Mbarara, fulfills the spiritual, educational, and charitable needs of 450 students, their families, and the community.

At first glance, visitors clearly see what St. Augustine lacks: classrooms made of sturdy materials (instead of straw, mud, and cow dung); windows; doors; floors; running water; plumbing; bathrooms.

Looking past all St. Augustine lacks, and upon meeting students there, the vista is beautiful. Visitors see all St. Augustine has, instead of what is missing. We see grinning, happy children. The children do not mind the miles they have to walk - some barefoot - to attend school. We see them learning and growing. We see students not focused on the lack of desks, books, notebooks, and pencils. We see smiles, prayer, singing, dancing, joy. They are full of love. Their light shines.

The goal of this fundraiser is to build St. Augustine permanent classrooms from brick, with permanent walls and roofs. If enough money is raised, the hope is to build proper restrooms and have septic installed. The attached photos show the current conditions of the classrooms and restrooms.

The fundraising is being coordinated by the Archdiocese of Mbarara Foundation, Inc., a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) out of Granite City, Illinois, USA. I, Amelia (Amy) Tapp, am a volunteer with the foundation. I will be traveling to Nyakyera in February to break ground on the first of what we hope are many new school buildings. My fellow volunteers and I learned about St. Augustine through Father Alfred Tumwesigye, a kind and wonderful man who was educated at St. Augustine and is now pastor at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and School in Granite City.

With the exception of GoFundMe's fees, all donations will go directly to St. Augustine. They will not be used for my travel or any other projects in Uganda.

Any show of support for these children is greatly appreciated, either through prayer, financial donation (no matter how small), or through sharing this GoFundMe link. Thank you for your kindness and God bless.