It’s a Slam Dunk!
Joseph and Hilda and the kids with their new shoes!
The joy was off the charts when these kids got their first-ever pair of sneakers this week (and for some, their first-ever shoes)!
So much of life for kids in rural Uganda is hard for us to even imagine. I'm a bit choked up seeing the pics and just telling you about it!
Several months ago, we teamed up with Gorilla Hoops Basketball Academy to help get their sports program for vulnerable children started in Kamuli.
This week, thanks to several donors through our DonorSee platform, the kids received new (to them) sneakers, basketballs and other supplies for the program.
Gorilla Hoops was started by my longtime friend, Joseph Ssozi. Joseph was himself one of those vulnerable kids in Kamuli. Now, he owns Gorilla Creatives, a successful recording studio in Uganda, and he wants to give back to the children in Kamuli.
Joseph's idea was to bring kids ages 8-16, both boys and girls, together to learn not only basketball skills, but also other important life skills. In addition, it gives kids the opportunity to connect with adult mentors and get social support. We know that for kids, even one caring adult can make a big difference in their lives.
What we see each week is kids having fun!! That is something we don't often get to see because of all the challenges and responsibilities children face, especially those who are orphaned, just trying to survive.
One of the high schools has allowed the program and the kids use of their court (yes, it's dirt). Most of the children didn't have shoes, but still showed up to play.
All the kids' feet were measured, and last week, Joseph went shopping in Kampala for the shoes. These are used sneakers that come to Uganda from the US and the UK.
If you've seen those donation boxes in parking lots, that is where the journey to Africa starts for the shoes, and most of the clothing. The donations get baled up and shipped overseas. When the bales arrive, they are bought by a broker, who then resells the shoes and clothing to shopkeepers. (That's why you often see people wearing t-shirts with logos from the US.) Yes, it's a money-making business, and actually, the surplus of clothes is now quite an environmental problem. Unfortunately, the excess is never given away to those most in need.
No matter the journey or source, the kids in Kamuli were absolutely thrilled with their new shoes, and it's going a long way to more fun, and healthier feet!
Hearing the kids' laughter and seeing the fun they are having has lifted all of us. I'm so proud of Joseph for creating this important program, which will help break the cycle of poverty for these children.
This is one of the ways CLP works from within communities and with people who have lived the challenges and know best how to help others.
You can check out Joseph's recording business, Gorilla Creatives. He has also started a wonderful podcast, Birds of Uganda. He really is quite amazing!
And you all are amazing too! Thank you for investing in the future of the children!
With Gratitude,
Mary
P.S.- If you are enjoying our Impact Updates, feel free to forward them to a friend and maybe it will lift their day!
