What I've Learned

Americans have clean water to drink and a free opportunity to public education. We can go to a hospital or choose midwifery to ensure safe childbirth. We are working hard to eradicate the HIV/AIDS epidemic spreading worldwide, and for those infected in America, offer the support and treatment necessary to get through a very difficult time. In third world countries, these needs are dreams. Ugandans live in fear. Fear of death, genocide, abduction, rape, and exploitation. Children are afraid to sleep at night not knowing what the dark hours will bring. Most would rather sleep outside in large groups, squeezing together tightly for safety and warmth rather than sleep at home where they are at risk for abduction. When they wake, a million of these children do not have a school they can attend. Some will walk 5 or more miles for fresh water. Women are passing the HIV/AIDS virus to their babies and many are dying in childbirth. And on top of all this, the Lord’s Resistance Army threatens civilians’ safety 24 hours a day.

I’ve spent the past couple weeks diving deep into Uganda’s political and social history. Emotionally, this has not been easy. Uganda is a small country with many problems. It has birthed a generation of people who live in constant fear, and it is truly affecting the world on a psychological level. Every time we see a photo, a video, hear a news report about what’s happening in Uganda, fear is imprinted somewhere in us. The same fear and horror Ugandans live with every day gets lost in us if we do not acknowledge what is happening. Once we start to learn, we can never go back. It is impossible to ignore. There is no “us” and “them,” there is only “we.” And WE must ALL accept the emergency happening in Uganda if we intend to heal, moving from fear into love.

Shanti Uganda, Building Tomorrow, and YouthAids are already helping this war-torn country. Off the Mat, Into the World will bring additional funds to these organizations. With our help, Shanti Uganda will build a clinic and teach women how to midwife. The transfer of the HIV/AIDS virus from mother to child is easily prevented when safe birthing practices are applied. Getting children into schools will help the country and its people on a multitude of levels. Building Tomorrow will not only bring children into schools, but also provide housing for the teachers and their families. The government will pay the teachers salaries and with additional funds, we can help improve their academics. With enough support and funding, YouthAids can educate the population of Uganda on how to reduce and eventually eliminate the spread of HIV. It takes time to heal, that’s why Off the Mat has designed this Seva Challenge to ensure we will leave a legacy in Uganda, a lasting impact to improve their present and future.

As of June 29th, you’ve helped me raise $10,164 for this cause. My goal is to raise $20K by December 15th, 2009. A donation of $5 or $5,000 will be instrumental in its inevitable success. Together, we can change the lives of the people living in Uganda, because it’s no longer “us” and “them.” There is only WE.