Rural Orphans & Widows Aids Network

This organization directly benefits the needs of the widows and orphans as they strengthen local leaders and their resources. We as Antlers for Orphans are so thankful to be their partner!

After have been on the ground in Uganda twice now, I can say with confidence that this group operates with integrity. It was such a joy to get to see the staff and board members in action and their hearts for their people is unmatched.

Kelsey is great to work with on any details concerning sponsorship. I love seeing her celebrate everyone involved on all sides. The work they do here is real time impact!!

Great team of people really making a change in the lives of the families of Mawanga. We run a charity which has been supporting ROWAN from time to time and we've been able to see the way our support has been perfectly used on the field. Well done to everyone at ROWAN.

Rowan is always so transparent and keeps donors up to date with the work that's going on.
In the last 8 years I've seen how their founders have poured out so much of their hearts and efforts into seeing the community grow and thrive and it is such a blessing to see the work they have been doing!

ROWAN is a deeply rooted and has years of good standing. This ministry loves? Supports, teaches and grows orphans and widows in Rural Uganda. Any donated resources is used wisely and carefully for the maximum kingdom impact!

ROWAN is truly an advocate and inspiration for a massive community. They are excellent financial stewards, work with the community leaders, are conscious of the complexity of development work, and deeply love the people they serve. They are a model for development done right and I only wish more would implement their example.

Despite the many challenges this world gifts day after day, this ministry continues to follow the command of Jesus to care for the neediest in Uganda.

I value ROWAN's transparency and communication throughout the year as they serve hundreds of widows and orphans. I know they are supporting the community in this current mining crisis, and thankful they are there supporting the voice of the people.

I have worked with many agencies that provide support and promote services for various groups in need. I have been overwhelmed with the efforts of Rowan to serve the people of Uganda! Well done and keep up the good work!

ROWAN is an organization that you can trust and I appreciate that.

ROWAN is focused to those in need in central Africa, specifically Uganda. I have met the leadership and know they are dedicated to helping others. Sharing love is one of ROWAN's best characteristics. It is an excellent ministry to support.

It has been a great privilege to support ROWAN since it's inception. They have achieved so much to be able to help so many children and adults in great need. I know that the great people in charge at ROWAN are of the highest integrity. Every part of my donations will always serve the most important goals to help.

What I appreciate about ROWAN is that I know every dollar I donate will "hit the pavement" in meaningful ways that directly impact the lives of people living in Uganda. I trust every decision this organization makes, because I know they seek to truly love people through tangible and practical programming. We are so happy to a small part of the ROWAN family!

I sponsor a beautiful little girl whose family is amazing. Rowan has allowed me to give back for all that God has given me. The family keep in touch with me and of course I do the same with them Rowan is a blessing to all of the people who depend on them for help during a very difficult period of their lives. I love the fact that they help these families by showing them how to learn to take care of their future by using their talents to build business skills and trust in the world outside of their villages.

Their stories shared elicit such hope. The opportunities presented to spread hope are impactful.
I’ve purchased several pieces from their merchandise line and use them frequently, good quality products + the purchase benefits ROWAN, win/win!

Rowan is a wonderful ministry. They communicate well with me and keep me informed with
what is happening with the ministry. I love feeling connected to the people I support. Knowing that the money I send is being used wisely is something I really consider in giving. I feel confident with ROWAN.

We love how ROWAN works hard with integrity to use resources wisely to make the biggest impact. Our Uganda board stretches every penny to the fullest.

I love that this organization is Ugandan-led and US-supported. And when I donate or sponsor through ROWAN, I have confidence that my money is going to help orphans and widows in Uganda.

I have worked with ROWAN for many years and now have the opportunity to sit on the board. I love working with Kelsey and Pastor Paul to overcome challenges and be a good steward of the money entrusted to the ministry. It is wonderful to work with such amazing people.

I have been donating money for about a year now and it makes me feel so good to know that I can help people this way.

I have been donating for a year now and I have found that the community is extremely friendly.

I have worked for many nonprofits, and what never ceases to amaze me about ROWAN is the way we ultimately rely heavily on our Ugandan leadership to guide and direct us. They understand their own culture and community better than anyone. They understand the needs they face, and we trust them implicitly. I have also sat under many leaders over the years and Kelsey and Pastor Paul Nyende are truly some of the best most godly leaders I’ve ever had the honor of working under!

I have worked with ROWAN for over 10 years, and the local leaders have become a part of my family. They love without limits, bring transformational hope through Jesus, and do it all with joy.

We love working with ROWAN. The organization really works to create sustainable support for the Widows and Orphans in Uganda. They act with integrity and are great at communicating with us. We love ROWAN.

We have been engaged in supporting the ROWAN programs for over 4 years. Their reach into the communities they serve are unparalleled as they address poverty mitigation wholistically and persistently. They are accountable for the funds provided for their work as well as the challenges which they face. We are grateful to be part of their ongoing service to the people in Eastern Uganda. We look forward to participating in the ongoing services of ROWAN in coming years.

ROWAN, or Rural Orphans & Widows Aids Network Inc, is a great organization, and one that I have been supporting and following closely for several years. I continue to be impressed by the professionalism, personal communication, and follow up on community involvement. My husband and I first discovered ROWAN several years ago while researching organizations we were considering supporting and volunteering with. Although it did not work out for us to volunteer with ROWAN while we were in Uganda, we continued to follow this incredible organization; we remain inspired and encouraged by the very valuable work they are accomplishing. It is amazing to see so many lives changed for the better by the mission and work of this great group. We will continue to support and encourage ROWAN as they continue to make the world a more beautiful place.

I've been working with ROWAN stateside with Kelsey for about 2.5 years, and everything I learn only makes me more proud to partner with this incredible nonprofit. My favorite thing about ROWAN is that the vision comes exclusively from Ugandan leaders who grew up there and still live in their communities. It's not us telling them what they need -- it's THEM telling US. Also, one of the coolest programs we have is a micro-financing model with savings/loans classes and groups to enable widows with dreams to start their own businesses. SO COOL!! My husband and I are proud to be part of the sponsorship program. 100% worth joining. :)

I traveled with ROWAN in May 2019. My wife and three children joined me on this trip to meet the widows and orphans of the Mawanga area. The work done on the ground by ROWAN is incredible. We were able to witness the growth on the ground and could see how much passion and purpose is going towards the self sustainability of the Rowan widows.
We look forward to the future of Rowan and those who are blessed by the program.

Rowan is an amazing organization that helps orphans and widows in the small village of Mawanga. I knew the founder and co founder of this organization, and they do a fantastic job with this program. I traveled to this small village in 2014, and it was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had! Everyone there is so humble and kind. Rowan talks about the kids that live in the village along with their back story. These kids are extraordinary. Rowan is an amazing program that more people should become apart of!

Lovely organization that personally interacts with the sponsors and sponsered. I appreciate the way that practical needs are met through this ministry. ROWAN has had my support for the past 4 years and will continue to!

I have known the folks at ROWAN for several years and they and they're work are top-notch and always above board. They are doing great work in Uganda and are worthy of support.

ROWAN is a non profit dedicated to truly helping others. The staff is "boots on the ground" and focused on implementing their mission; to help orphans and widows effected by the AIDS virus. They use their funding in a smart and judicious manner and the love they have for their mission is palpable. My family sponsors two of their children monthly and we love to receive updates and photos which is often. If you are interested in truly making a difference in the life of another human being you won't be disappointed with ROWAN.

I love how personal this ministry is as a sponsor I see where my support goes and get updates on the child I support! It is led with integrity and passion to empower the widows and orphans in Uganda!

My daughter introduced us to ROWAN several years ago. My husband and I were touched by their story, and supporting ROWAN became our Christmas gift to each other. We first purchased goats and were able to watch video of the goats actually delivered to the villages. How delightful! We next purchased beds and netting and saw the joy on the faces of the recipients. A bed for the first time! It just warmed our hearts. Now we sponsor a widow. A house was built for him and his children this summer, and we saw the photos of their beautiful faces on the steps of their new home. Wow!
As you can see, supporting ROWAN is a tangible experience. We see the actual results of our commitment. And we get to be a part of the hope and love that ROWAN is spreading in Uganda. What a blessing!

ROWAN is a world-class nonprofit! The donor-recipient oversight in the US and in the ground in Uganda defines. Professional, compassionate team that is above reproach in its operations. I have visited Uganda physically on two occasions and they are performing as reported by their leadership.

ROWAN continues to grow and thrive, making wise and helpful impact in the lives of widows and orphans in Uganda. I am continually impressed with their expanding and thoughtful vision and stewardship of resources. Lives are changed through healthcare, education, food and housing sources and relationship. It’s hard to describe the impact—but each life that’s changed affects several others so the hope and real-world solutions for a host of needs continues to grow.

I began sponsoring a child through ROWAN and was given the opportunity to go with a team to Uganda earlier this summer to meet my sponsored child. While in Uganda we participated in many home visits. Never in my life have I seen so many people with so much hopefullness. ROWAN was the reason for this hopefullness. ROWAN offered hope to them in what most of us would feel was a hopeless situation. The trip was life changing. I sat and cried and prayed with these amazing widows and orphans. I saw first hand what my sponsorship money was being used for. I entered homes that were built for the women and children enrolled in Rowan. I also saw the tremendous need for ROWAN and sponsorship. The things that ROWAN is doing in Uganda is nothing short of miraculous. While in Uganda I also was there for the grand opening of the Hall Of Hope, these amazing widows and orphans now have a place to go to learn and worship inside away for the hot African sun and African rains. If you are debating as to weather you should sponsor a widow or a child through ROWAN, you absolutely should!! You would be changing the lives of these incredible, incredible women and children!

My husband sold his music CDs to as a fundraiser for Rowan. They are a joy to work with and are impacting lives with work they do. We hope to continuing to partner with them in the future.

Spend some of a summer in the wonderful village of Mawanga with ROWAN. Amazing organization which truly empowers all they serve - true community based partnerships that OVERFLOW with the love & focus on Jesus.

ROWAN is a great outreach to the orphans and widows in Uganda. Over the past 10 years I have seen so many lives touched and empowered by ROWAN. The cofounders Pastor Paul and Kelsey love God so much and it is shown by what they are doing For God’s glory.

I love working for ROWAN! There are only 3 of us stateside... everything and everyone else is all UGANDA! work doesn't feel like work when it means orphans get educated and learn to dream big, widows become entrepreneurs and take pride in who they are, and those infected with/affected by HIV/AIDS get access to quality medical care and learn to stand tall! all efforts are inspired by active compassion and HOPE, and all programming/projects are hand-picked and implemented by local leadership... not by out-of-touch foreigners. So proud to be a small part of the ROWAN team!

The folks at Rowan work tirelessly for those they serve. They do so with open eyes, hearts and minds. I’m honored to be able to support then in their endeavors. God Bless!

I went out to ROWAN with a very good friend of mine, and I was very impressed with the clinic, and the other work they are doing! The clinic is top notch, and is definitely helping this community tremendously! Amazing work!

I've been at the site of ROWAN in Uganda many times and every single time, everyone is so so friendly and welcoming and they are really do amazing things!! i love what they are doing so much ❤❤ its really changing the community for the better.

I have been working with ROWAN for five years now, and have visited the village three times. Each time my understanding of cultures, nonprofits, and foreign aid has increased exponentially, and each visit has changed my life in a different way. The people and experiences impacted by ROWAN have greatly influenced my career path and the motivations behind it. The people in Mawanga, Uganda have even greater stories to tell, however! It has been a great joy to see the growth over the years, and to see and hear the success stories in both the children and the adults! It’s a rare nonprofit that can focus on empowering every aspect of a person’s life (again, child and adult), and ROWAN does it so well in so many pioneering ways! Pastor Paul Nyende and Kelsey Hargadine are two of the most humble and committed people I know, and their teamwork has created an incredible organization!

ROWAN has been a pleasure to work with and we've supported them for several years. When we signed up as a business sponsor they even took the time to match a sponsee that matched our business - a baker - which we thought was quite fitting. They do a phenomenal job serving the windows and orphans with the supplies and needs that they have directly. I love to see their reach grow and expand so successfully.

Such a worthy and sustainable cause! ROWAN is truly doing big thing in Eastern Uganda and is changing the trajectory of so many lives. I love how Kelsey the director is so ready and willing to jump in with what the community needs. I would recommend getting involved with ROWAN to anyone!

Rowan is a wonderful organization that serves the poorest of the poor in the Eastern Region of Uganda. They strive to empower widows and children and help them reach their full potential! They truly empower locals to lead within their own committees.
I have loved working with this organization as they truly have the heart of a servant and have completely good and honest intentions. I trust them completely and know they are truly having a positive impact and helping make a change.

The people who run ROWAN are truley the hands and feet of Jesus!

I have been volunteering with ROWAN since 2012 and have been so impressed with the quality of their organization. They continually develop and re develop programs to best fit the community they serve. I have traveled with them to the villages in Uganda and have seen the projects first hand. They are exceptional at valuing the community members they serve and the donors funding the projects. With all the programs developing they are closer to self- sustainability than ever. A great organization!

ROWAN first caught my attention as something special when I learned that they help the villagers with money management and business development. The focus is on helping the people use their gifts and talents to create income, thus alleviating poverty for a lifetime. I had the pleasure of visiting ROWAN in Uganda last year and it was such a blessing to see how much Pastor Paul and the ROWAN team pour their lives into helping Orphans, Widows, and HIV/AIDS patients overcome obstacles and achieve their potential! ROWAN is the real deal!

ROWAN is a remarkable and impactful nonprofit that has been and continues to transform lives. This is what nonprofits ought to be.....hands on, real life, compassionate service that meets the needs of people right where they need it most....I encourage everyone I know to become a sponsor.....

I grew up with Kelsey and I always knew that she was the type of person to truly make a difference in the world. How she has taken a passion project and turned it into something beautiful and successful and full of love is just amazing!! It's a wonderful thing to support her, support my boy Sulaiman and know that it is actually helping!! Love, Love, Love!!

Pastor Paul came to U.S. this year and shared all the recent miracles ROWAN's ministry. Such a joy to hear how our giving is showing the love of Jesus in a real way and transforming lives.

It is a privilege to be a supporter of ROWAN and I feel very connected to this God-inspired ministry through the loving staff and volunteers who have shared their stories.
My daughter has volunteered twice in Mauwanga and the expeience changed her perspective on life... God's perspective of valuing every being He has created!
It is a pleasure to sponsor a student and I greatly enjoy communicating with her by email. God has allowed me to invest in her life through encouraging words and support to be able to receive an education and hear the gospel.
I am grateful for the work done through ROWAN to empower people by teaching vocations and how to start small businesses to support families. The love of Christ is the key element of success in this ministry and is evident through the many testimonies shared! May God continue to bless those at ROWAN!

Very unique charity who also focuses on the widowed women in the community, who are often neglected due to HIV. Sponsoring a widow means she has the means to get better and take care of her children. Also sponsoring them means they obtain the seed funds to build business which can then fund the health and education of herself, children and community at large.

All who are involved are selfless and are striving to make the world better by sharing what they can. Kelsey is the most genuine person, and she does a great job at making Rowan feel personal to every individual. The Rowan crew share processes, shares struggles, and always give praise where is due. It is a wonderful organization that I have had a privilege of being a part of.

ROWAN is a great non-profit! They are a very trustworthy business.

ROWAN is a reputable organization empowering the local community towards transformation, and it's happening! Local leader Pastor Paul is a man of integrity and humility - and after 15 years of serving in ROWAN the fruit has come! Highly recommend!

I have been to Mawanga, Uganda twice with ROWAN, and both times it has changed my life! The partnership between the US and the people of Mawanga is so beautiful and inspiring, and has taught me a lot about how to help those in poverty. They are making a difference in not just children's lives, but adults too! And that is rare! If you are thinking about missions (long- or short-term) I highly recommend starting with ROWAN! It is truly a model nonprofit!

Rowan is a fantastic nonprofit!! When you join you feel like you are joining a family. We can connect with our sponsor child via e-mail or hand writing notes. I would strongly recommend Rowan over other nonprofits such as compassion.

I fell in love with ROWAN after hearing about their Christmas project last year that gave goats to the families in Uganda to help sustain them economically. Just this past August, my precious 2 year old little boy passed away from a terrible accident. We asked instead of flowers that donations be sent to ROWAN. About a month later I received photos from the Great Goat Giveaway in honor of our son. It brought me to tears. This ministry is so wonderful. They were purposeful in using the funds exactly how we asked (to give goats) and they sent pictures showing us how the families were impacted by the donations. I was overwhelmed and so blessed that my son was honored in this way. This minsitry is run very efficiently and the good they do has eternal significance.

I had the joyous experience of returning to ROWAN this past June with a team of 4 people. It was amazing returning to the village of Mawanga, it felt like a homecoming. The staff of ROWAN are so filled with love and caring for not only those they serve in their region but also those who come to share life with them for a snippet of time!
I sponsor an amazing young man through ROWAN's sponsorship program. While visiting, the ROWAN staff ensured that I was able to meet Suliaman and his family! We spent an entire afternoon with them and I got to know him, his sisters and mother. It was one of the most meaningful experiences I've had. ROWAN also has a great system for communicating with sponsored individuals that is online, quick, easy to use and a fast response rate due to the staff dedicated to translate and feed the sponsored individual's replies back! I feel very connected to the staff and the young man I sponsor and I feel loved by ROWAN.

I had the opportunity to be with ROWAN in Mawanga for two weeks in June 2016. ROWAN truly stands apart from other nonprofits I have interacted with through their willingness to not just help the community but to live life with the community and this deep commitment & long term investment is what makes ROWAN so successful on a relational level. All the local ROWAN staff are joyful and willing to help whenever and wherever they can - whether interacting with children during Saturday program or working at a building site rebuilding houses for clients of ROWAN, the staff members lead with a humble grace and meekness of spirit that truly reflects God's spirit. I was so blessed to have had the opportunity to visit households and talk to men & women about their lives, their hopes and challenges. Thank you for letting us walk next to you in these weeks ROWAN & keep doing the amazing work that you're doing!!!

ROWAN is one the most sustainable and healthy ministries I have ever worked with. They are doing amazing and transforming work in their communities through empowering orphans, widows and those living with HIV/AIDS. Our team got to see how each person in their community is walking out the mission of ROWAN, it is more than just a mission statement, it is God's dream for them being fulfilled before our own eyes. It was such an honor to be able to see the fruit that people are bearing in Mawanga, Uganda.

Serving with ROWAN was one of my best experiences yet! I cannot begin to explain nor can I adequately articulate how incredible the people running ROWAN in Mawanga are. I've seen in everyone there the most genuine, selfless, and giving hearts. It was nothing but a blessing to have been taken care of and lead by the ROWAN staff and I am back having learned and received so much joy, life, and wisdom from them. ROWAN is truly rooted and grounded in Jesus and that comes out in everything that they do. ROWAN is blessing and truly being Jesus to so many people through their presence, their giving, their sacrifice, and their wisdom. I hope that ROWAN continues to do what they're doing because they're truly making a difference in Uganda, spreading the raw love of Christ. Thank you ROWAN!!! I had the most incredible time meeting everyone in Mawanga. You guys truly changed my life. Thank you!!!

I had the opportunity to volunteer with ROWAN in Uganda last summer of 2014. It was honestly the most eye opening and uplifting missions trip/volunteer trip that I have been on. Hearing from the villagers about how ROWAN has positively impacted them, their families, the village of Mawanga, and the surrounding villages was inspiring and heartwarming. The work of ROWAN, in the US and in Uganda, is truly changing lives and the power of God can be greatly seen at work. I cannot wait to return to the village someday and visit the friends I have made. ROWAN is a genuine organization that I look forward to following the growth of! Please, if you haven't heard of ROWAN before, make sure to check out this organization. From helping widows and orphans to empowering communities, ROWAN is all-encompassing.

ROWAN is an ministry that is glorifying the Lord in every thing they do! They are loving people, loving God, accepting the poor, hurting, lost and building the Kingdom of God. I have been with this ministry for 4 years now and I've had the pleasure of watching it grow, impact lives, and change the face of ministry forever. God is moving in miraculous ways; the lead team and everyone involved keeps God at the forefront, always going to him in prayer-- and impossible things are made possible because of FAITH. Kelsey, the co-founder and Pastor Paul are a force to be reckoned with, God is using them in mighty ways. I recently started sponsoring a child (newborn to be exact) and I have to say it's one of the most rewarding things I've been a part of. My husband and I are truly blessed and thankful to walk in ministry with ROWAN!

I have had the amazing opportunity to spend 4 months in Uganda with ROWAN. From what I experienced I can see that God truly has plans for this organization and it is thriving, along with it's beneficiaries. The ROWAN staff have genuine compassion for all the people in their community whether they be orphans, widows or people that are HIV positive. The beneficiaries are spiritually, morally and financially supported as well as given access to health care and business trainings to help them get back on their own feet. I have learned so much from the ROWAN staff and beneficiaries about life, love and never giving up. I am grateful for having met the ROWAN family and will continue to help in whatever ways I can.

I first learned of ROWAN just a couple of months ago and was deeply inspired and moved by how this organization has helped so many. Hope has been achieved as dreams have been realized thru tireless efforts and love. The joy I've received from sponsoring a child is beyond words! This is a beautiful, well organized, incredible organization and I am so thankful! I feel a sense that even in my comparatively small contribution I'm helping make a difference- "From helplessness to HOPE".

Being a part of Rowan has greatly humbled me, seeing God transform lives from nothing to something through this great non profit organisation. Wow. All I can say.
ROWAN is exactly what Uganda needed. We can never thank you enough.

I have watched ROWAN grow from a dream and passion to a fully operational and professional international non-profit. They combine a rare combination of indigenous led on the ground programing with US based support and accountability. The program is driven and owned by local leaders with "skin in the game". ROWAN reflects the best of a local culturally appropriate approach that is designed for social and economic sustainability.

Being involved with this organization has been a catalyst in my life. For as long as I can remember, I have yearned to make a difference and looked for a worthy cause to support. Every single individual involved in this organization has a servant's heart and desires to work together to find a solution for any given problem presented. Rather than throwing money at an issue to make someone feel better, ROWAN seeks to partner by empowering and educating in order to produce sustainability. The widows and orphans are given value and made to feel valued and that is where the change happens and hope comes in. I am honored to be identified with this organization and what they stand for. Growth is evident and there are exciting things happening in communities as a result of the ministry of ROWAN.

ROWAN has become my extended family! I heard about them and went on a short-term trip to their headquarters in Mawanga, Uganda and fell in love with their staff and the people they serve.
They are not just an organization that helps rural Ugandans, they are a group of people -local and American volunteers and staff- that live missionally at every opportunity they can.
I was taken to home after home of villagers and told their stories and how ROWAN has taught them that their is hope and taught them how to dream. Because of ROWAN 30+ villages contain members of ROWAN that have improved quality of life in some way: children sponsored for school, AIDs survivors, widows supporting their families, women saving for entrepreneurial efforts, young adults sponsored for college, villagers in literacy programs, women creating their own farms and most importantly villagers relying on Jesus for their security in every way.
ROWAN is relationally structured and staff visit members homes regularly every week to check up on them, encourage them and pray with them.
They are truly remarkable, always thinking of new ways to help the people in their corner of Uganda and new ways to glorify God.

I cannot express the gratitude I have for this organization. They have spent more time with me as a volunteer than any other organization has. They have listened to my needs, addressed all concerns, and created unique opportunities that benefit everyone. The attention to detail, care, and genuine love they have for everyone they come in contact with is unprecedented. I am truly honored to volunteer with this world-changing organization!

We sponsor 5 women and children at Rowan and their co founder Kelsey always keeps us in the loop on how they are doing. There's a Facebook group for all the sponsors too to be updated and we feel so blessed to be connected to such a responsible, accountable and transparent non profit organization that is doing amazing work with women and children. As a sponsor it really makes us feel like we know where our funds are directed to and helps us feel like we are truly making a difference even in the small contributions we can make from wherever we are - that we can play a part even if only by financial means and prayer :)

ROWAN is a grass-roots organization providing support and encouragement to so many lives in rural Uganda. Coming alongside what the community is already doing, ROWAN helps to scale up the impact, improving the lives of children and adults. It is strategic and innovative and well worth our investment of time and funding.

This is an utterly amazing organization that builds up leaders in the communities it operates within. I have never come across a group that more fluidly engages local leaders, donors, and teams from around the world in a partnership that values and maximizes the skills that each individual brings to the table. I volunteered with ROWAN in the summer of 2014 and met a group of Ugandan men and women who care very passionately about their community, especially widows and those suffering from HIV/Aids. They made it a priority to not only coordinate the administration of necessary medication, but also bring impactful change into the lives of individuals in the village by teaching them skills that they could use to build a business and thrive. Treating every person with respect and a implementing a tangible, long-term plan for success are hallmarks of this organization and things that really set ROWAN apart from other organizations I have worked with in the past. I would recommend ROWAN to anyone if they are seeking to donate or volunteer for a group with an impeccable track record who is changing the lives of hundreds of people and growing at an impressive rate. From the top down, I want to stress the character and integrity of the men and women who are a part of ROWAN and the life-changing work they are doing.

I echo all of the reviews that fellow past and present volunteers have written about their experience with ROWAN on their home soil or during their time in Uganda. I traveled to Uganda to intern for ROWAN the summer of 2011 with the intention of serving those I met, building relationships, and changing their lives in the smallest of ways. However, little did I know, the people of Mawanga had hearts that reached out, touched my soul, and changed my life forever.

One specific thing that I appreciate most about ROWAN is where the money goes and how it is effectively used. The money goes to help the orphans and widows; however, it is not handed over to them. It reaches them in the form of ARVs, urgent needs, weekly educational classes, and through a variety of programs that help the people of the village empower and sustain themselves. I have seen it first hand and am grateful that my money is going straight to empowering the lives that I have come to care so much about.

Thank you for you interest in ROWAN! We would love to hear your story and share with you the the stories of our family in Mawanga!

Stay Gold, Aubua

My life collided with ROWAN in January 2013 when I had begun searching for the right organization in Uganda to get behind. I fell in love with the business model and leadership that I saw in ROWAN. They are organized, determined, smart and practical. Their leadership comes from the inside, the very source, Mawanga, and then extends out into others here on the ground in the USA. I had the privilege of visiting Mawanga this July, and I was absolutely blown away. Their programs are built around sound, strategic models for how to make this village and these beautiful people, build lives that are self-sustaining rather than reliant on outsiders. It's so easy to rally others behind this cause, and the efforts of ROWAN, because the people that are leading the organization are honest and genuine. And the people who are benefitting from ROWAN are living stories of the blessing that has come from the time and energy spent building and carrying out ROWAN's vision.

The lives of Ugandan villagers this organization touches are truly changed and enriched. The women in these villages have learned how to be self sufficient, provide for their family's and even learn how to save enough money to buy land and have a home built. This non-profit is the best non-profit organization I have ever had the pleasure of being apart of. It is so exciting the movement and momentum this organization has had to strengthen the economy of these Ugandan villages.

I met Kelsey Hargadine, co-founder of ROWAN, 5 years ago when the organization was just starting out. This past July I was fortunate enough to get to travel with ROWAN to the frontlines - Mawanga, Uganda. It is hard to put the experience into words, but it was an extraordinary trip. ROWAN's leaders were professional in their trip planning and execution of the complex itinerary. I felt safe, cared for, and all the details were taken care of.

Now to speak to their work in rural eastern Uganda - what comes to mind is the strong leadership. Kelsey, along with the local leaders, are great decision makers with hearts of gold. They are visionaries with big dreams - God dreams - and are fully committed to seeing them come alive for this otherwise forgotten community. I was deeply moved by the complete dedication the team has to raising up HOPE in the hopeless. This is a ROWAN specialty.

ROWAN is a part of the very fabric of Mawanga so the leaders know the needs intimately. The impact that their presence and love has had on the community will only be known in Heaven one day.

ROWAN strengths to me include pouring unconditional love on to the women and children, along with empowering them through the teaching of new skill sets and education.

Simply priceless.

JOIN our ROWAN family today and be a witness to God's work in our world!!!

http://loverowan.org/

Kate Duggan
Los Angeles, California

This August I visited the small village of Mawanga, Uganda. It is not on any map, other than God's. In the midst of what most would define as a poverty level community of the lost and forgotten was the most hope & joy I have experience in my adult life. The people there have evidence of God's love...the most visible is R.O.W.A.N. (Rural Orphans & Widows Aids Network). This non-profit was co-founded by village Pastor Paul Nyende and American born Kelsey Hargadine.

If you have ONE CENT to donate...consider the working of non-profit ROWAN in a community that receives the benefit directly from generous donors like you!

Brad Young, Retired Law Enforcement Executive
Los Angeles, CA
actonlawman@yahoo.com

We have recently helped ROWAN though our own charity organisation called Solibad through a common partnership, and I must admit that I was simply amazed by the way Rowan was run both from the USA by Kelsey and Pastor Paul and his staff on site, in Mawenga. They know where they are heading and they are going with a great smile in spite of all the difficulties. Their hearts is a big as their goal even if they have little means to achieve it. They try hard and it makes all the difference.
Most charity organisations tend to help local people financially. At Rowan, they go far beyond that, as they help them spiritually, with joy, and also, they help them help themselves. As an old African saying goes, it is better to teach the fishermen how to catch a fish than to give him a fish. This is what Rowan does.
It's been a real delight to discover this amazing network of people, who are really doing a fantastic job on the field.

My sister, Megan, is the co-founder and I have met Kelsey a couple of times. I have only just recently become a true part of ROWAN, but I have watched it grow and know that the world couldn't ask for a better, more ambitious, caring, hard-working, inspired team to help the orphans and widows in Africa. I wholeheartedly agree with their approach for building self-reliance in this village. I have witnessed first-hand the dedication and determination of the people of this organization. They truly want to help. And they ARE helping. I am very happy to be a supporter of this wonderful program.

I've been so blessed by my time spent with ROWAN. The local staff are so warm and genuine, and I have no doubt that they truly care for the widows and orphans in Mawanga. They love God, and their love for God is demonstrated in their love for the people. The organization has inspired me in so many ways, and I would love to return.

I've been doing volunteer work my entire life, but I have never before worked with an organization that I have felt this confident in. ROWAN is doing amazing things through local leaders in the areas that it serves. They're building up people to help them solve their own problems and become self-reliant. The opportunity that I had as a short term mission volunteer to walk along side ROWAN and see their vision has inspired me and I plan on supporting them as much as I can for the rest of my life.

ROWAN is the most incredible organization I have ever worked with. I have seen the healing and hope God has done through ROWAN first hand. I started out as a college intern because I knew their holistic approach and emphasis on building self reliance was the best model for long term positive impact. I had to be a part of sharing that vision! Then I had the opportunity to see the work being done in the villages for myself. That experience changed my life as well as the lives of my Ugandan friends. When visiting the homes of the widows I saw hope enter their lives when our Ugandan volunteers told them about their options for bettering their lives through our micro enterprise opportunities, or through medical aid. The intense poverty of those villages are haunting, but not without hope. ROWAN has tapped into that hope and you can SEE how the villages have improved. The students in our education program melted my heart. Their dreams and their zeal for life might not have ever been heard or encouraged if not for ROWAN. Those kids are talented and smart! They deserve an education! ROWAN is passionate about giving those kids an environment where they thrive physically, mentally, and spiritually. Every person in ROWAN knows they are amaka (family). I love my amaka! Even though I visited the village over a year ago, I still keep on contact with my dear friends from the village. It's speratic of course, but precious. I was so excited this winter when my church's youth group did the Let's Make Cents program and raised school tuition for a student I met and befriended in the ROWAN program. ROWAN works to build authentic relationships between supporters and the village. To pass over ROWAN is to pass over miracles being done. Your heart will be changed the more you plug into ROWAN! There's no other organization like ROWAN in the world!

What a blessing to walk alongside the staff with ROWAN in Mawanga, Uganda. They love Jesus, love their community, and love visitors! We were brought into their ministry as welcome participants in their life as community. Their hospitality was filled with kindness and generosity. We loved our evening chats over beans, rice, greens, hot sauce, and boiled milk! Our team of volunteers saw many facets of effective community development - from successful savings and loan groups, to adult literacy training, to developmental programs for orphans and agricultural training for widows. We wholeheartedly endorse this non-profit and look forward to supporting them in any way possible.

I met the co-founder, Kelsey Hargadine, last year when we were both living in Kremmling, CO. What an inspiration she is! I sat back and listen to her heart about Uganda and Jesus...and fell in love with both. Uganda, for the first time, and Jesus--well, that's continual:-) She brought ROWAN to this small mountain town and to me! Whenever I wear the beads of hope, I think of the verse that ROWAN lives out - because hope doesn't disappoint!

I first gained a passion for Uganda after studying abroad there last fall. After returning back to Colorado I had the privilege of meeting co-founder of ROWAN, Kelsey. Kelsey's love for the orphans and widows was evident in our very first conversation. I saw a lot of ministries while in Uganda that attempt to force their "Western ways"and typically end up failing, but ROWAN is different. ROWAN is family. People from around the world coming together to better each others lives, and it is one of the most unique organizations I have ever had the chance to be a part of. They are on to something great, and I can't wait to see how the Lord will continue to bless them.

ROWAN does the Lord's work, plain and simple. From supporting widows and orphans to bringing medicine and clean water to the region, ROWAN touches all aspects of the people of Uganda.

I met the founder, Kelsey Hargadine, in Singapore and we have been best friends ever since. There are so many things I could say about Kelsey, but one thing that I think stands out the most is her dedication and commitment to carrying out the mission and vision of ROWAN. She has put her whole heart and soul into this ministry and the fruits are showing as a result. She has a heart for the African people like no one I have ever seen and I can't wait to continue to watch this ministry grow and thrive through her extraordinary ability to connect people together and rally them around a common vision. God is glorified and people's lives are being changed each day through ROWAN!!

I have volunteered with ROWAN for about a year now and the experience has been simply life changing. ROWAN is a non-profit that, not only cares for widows/orphans urgent needs, but also gives them a sustainable life. ROWAN has taught me so many things about ministry and life. I love working side by side with people that understand how to live in community well.

I have known the co-founder of ROWAN, Kelsey Hargadine, for about 7 years. Through those years I have seen her grown the beautiful vision that GOD gave her into a very personal, powerful, positive and prayerful ministry organization that is doing amazing things in Uganda! Her heart for the people is contagious, her love for God permeates all aspects of ROWAN and the ministry as a whole is growing and thriving!!!

I get to know about Rowan at the year of 2010 when Kelsey was in Singapore speaking to a group of students and i'm one of the them! I graduated at year of 2011, April, and decided to go for a graduation trip, so this is how my volunteering journey with Rowan begin. I graduate as nurse and thus i'm finding way if i can contribute in anyway, after being in touch with Rowan, i realize that i can put it to good use in the village clinic. After much planning and arrangement, I flew to Uganda and into Mawanga village for 3 months and eventually came up with a needs assessment proposal for the clinic. Rowan is supporting the villagers by empowering them with life skills to eventually becoming independent with living, having them becoming a member of Rowan for those who are orphan and women who are infected with Aids. Supporting them financially for medical health care is just one of the aspect and is also the area that i'm focusing in due to my faculty. Rowan started out with tears but ever since it show how great a positive impact it has in the village, joy is what they have now, yes it tough but it can be even tougher if it's without the presence of Rowan. I always find it amazing how a nonprofit like Rowan that situate in a village like this can gain recognition world-wide, even in Singapore! Thank you Rowan for even impacting my life for good!

I began volunteering for this great nonprofit this Summer. It has been a wonderful experience. ROWAN is so open about their work in Uganda, and the ROWAN team are definitely the kind of people who live what they believe. ROWAN helps serve the widows and orphans of Uganda, Africa. They empower the village to become a self-sufficient community, and their efforts there do not go to waste! It's a privilege to write a review for this nonprofit, because I feel like they have done so much more for me than I am doing for them. Glory to the Lord!

ROWAN is an amazing organization with firm foundations and the ability to truly do the work they set out to do. I get the email notifications sent to me, and love reading about how they are teaching widows and orphans with AIDS. I am constantly surprised by their updates, as they are always full of deeds they are doing for the people of their community. I believe wholeheartedly in their ability to change lives and if given the opportunity, to grow in their outreach exponentially.

I volunteer with this organization and have been able to experience, first hand, how much it is doing to personally affect the everyday lives of orphans and widows living in a very remote part of Sub-Saharan Africa who have been affected by AIDS. They are learning how to sustain themselves and become active members of their community, and getting some much-needed supplies and support in the process. Every person on the ROWAN team has a heart for the people. The founder, Paul Nyende, is the best of men; the co-founder, Kelsey Young, is an amazing young woman with an incomparable drive and spirit for the women and children; and the other volunteers who head up the organization are all people I would call friends. Honestly, I couldn't dream up a better organization.