BOYS' DORMITORY
Construction Began February 2011!
With the guidance of the KidsUganda Adult Board, the youth pledged to raise $50,000 to build the dorm. Fundraising began in June 2010 with school bake sales, a car wash and a major letter-writing campaign. With almost 50% of the money raised by September, the students focused on organizing a community-wide fundraising event held in November at CROYA (our local youth organization). This event coincided with a previously planned visit to the U.S. by Maranatha School founders Reverend Patrick and Eva Walusimbi.
The event, Drumming Up A Dream, included African music, decorations, and a heart-felt video produced by five students who went on the service trip. The video told the story of their experience in Uganda and of the children who touched their lives so deeply. The event also included a silent and live auction featuring youth services such as yard cleanup and babysitting. More than $1000 was raised when a student agreed to shave his head at the event in support of the boys' dorm. A highlight of the evening was when the Reverend Walusimbi took the stage to talk about his home and the challenges faced daily by young people in Uganda.
The event was a huge success, raising over $13,000. Furthermore, the youth succeeded in building greater awareness by educating more people about the needs of these poor and vulnerable children. The student-organized event was inspiring for all who attended.
The Woodlands Academy Service Club showed their support by baking for and staffing their school's fall play concession stand. All proceeds from the weekend's concessions were donated to the boys' dorm project.
Through the hard work of about 25 core Youth Board members and the incredible generosity of many people, the KidsUganda Youth Board reached their $50,000 fundraising goal within nine months. Construction of the new boys' dormitory began in February 2011, exactly one year from the date of their service trip.
