I have been a donor to the Zozu Project for many years, with my donations increasing each year for this simple reason: Zozu = high touch/high impact work that makes a direct difference in the lives of children, families and the larger community. It is one of those few non-profits where the founders are real people with regular day jobs, who are essentially also the strongest volunteers within the organization. The work is done with absolutely minimal (are there any?) layers of intermediary organizational framework. Your dollars go directly to support the operation of the school, Solid Rock, which directly contributes to the education, health and well-being of the entire community it serves.
I have a friend who has traveled the globe, documenting what poverty means in different parts of the world. His conclusion is that poverty is the absence of hope and power, rather than the absence of money (which is often what Americans think of first). Zozu works to eliminate that poverty of hope and power in Arua, Uganda through education and health. If we each took this approach, and stamped out poverty in one community at a time, the world would be a better place. I am proud to support the Zozu Project as they work to do just that.
We became aware of the Zozu Project when the Lebens gave a presentation at our church in Arroyo Grande, California. We were struck by the amazing success they were experiencing working with such a needy population in Uganda. Clearly God's hand was on their endeavors. Being retired teachers, we recognized the value of offering these children a Christian education and were impressed with how the funds were being utilized. Such a small investment could change a child's future and positively impact the child's family and entire village. That day we decided to sponsor two little girls. After further prayer we gradually sponsored five additional children. We have been blessed with a large family and since all eight of our children have experienced God's blessings, we wanted our family to help at least eight children. One of our daughters sponsored an additional child which brought the total to eight. We pray that others will consider becoming sponsors and encourage their friends and families to do so as well.
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Why did we decide to sponsor a child? Because we love Jesus and we know He loves the poor, and we want to do that, in a small way. We can do that through compassion. Compassion makes a real difference in both the child's life and there family’s life, it’s very rewarding to be able to help in such a way. There are so many children living in poverty all around the world and we may not be able to help all of them. But, we have seen how sponsoring a child has brought a life-changing hope to their life, that’s priceless! For someone who is thinking about sponsoring a child, it serves as a constant reminder that the world is much bigger than just us. It opens up our eyes to see the world in a whole different way. Nothing will ever change our lives, break our hearts or help us see the world the way God does, more than sponsoring a child, or two or three. It’s the best, most challenging thing we’ve ever done.
As our missions partner, we here at Highlands Church are honored to work with this outstanding organization that brings hope and change to a vibrant community in Uganda. It is rare that you find a missions organization in which you give that turns that money in its entirity directly back to those in need. Educating the next generation, providing hope through our Lord Jesus Christ is a high value of ZoZu Project.
I have been aware of the Zozu Project since it's inception through Mick and Elaine Lebens. After their first visit to Arua they gave a report of what they found there to our church and that was the beginning. It has been such a blessing to be able to sponsor children and be able to actually interact with the child through letters and videos. To be able to see what your donations have accomplished. It is astonishing to read the letters from your sponsored kids and see the improvement in their language skills and to hear the hope they have for a better future. The kids are getting food, medical care and an education.
Zozu is doing life changing work in a community in Uganda. They have a holistic approach to helping children and families thrive by providing education, basic health and nutrition, and general support. They make it very easy to stay in contact with my sponsored child. They strive to use local resources and employ local people as much as possible. The school that they fund looks like such a happy place to be for the kids.
Zozu is making a real difference in the lives of Literally hundreds of children, providing free education, food, clean water, clothing, safe community, and most importantly a positive trajectory out of generations of poverty and neglect.
Zozu Project continues to be such a blessing to the children of Solid Rock Christian School. What an honor to be a part of this journey
I was lovingly provided an opportunity to travel to Solid Rock Christian School, and I cannot think of another time that has singly impacted my life as much as this. My family and I sponsor two kids through the Zozu Project and getting to meet them , know them and ultimately see how Zozu has impacted their lives was unlike anything I have ever experienced. A lot of the students come from hurting and struggling homes, but through Zozu, not only are they provided with an education, but also with hope in their everyday lives. The project was founded on faith, and by faith alone it has become all that it is. I am so grateful for the work that Zozu is doing in a place where many of us don't even realize is struggling.
Having been to Uganda several times and working with local Mbale schools ourselves, we were so excited to hear our friends were starting a non-profit in Arua at a school there a few years back. So we quickly got on board and have been supporting them ever since! We love seeing how much transformation has happened in that community and how many children's lives have been changed by the support!!
They are transparent and we know exactly where our money goes and we see results. If you are looking for a non-profit, where you know where 100% of your money is going and you see the lives of many be transformed then you need to support Zozu!
I was first introduced to the Zozu Project through our church, Templeton Presbyterian Church. I watched a video at church and saw such amazing people in Uganda, Africa. Though they were living in such poverty (living in huts with dirt floors, a hole in the ground for a restroom, and little possessions) I saw their beautiful smiles and joy on their faces because they knew God loved them and that God would take care of them. There was hope through the Zozu Project. I was also impressed by the fact that the majority of financial support that goes to the Zozu Project goes directly into the hands of the people who need it. Sometimes charities take some of the money for other costs, but Zozu project does not do this. I made the decision to sponsor a child. I sponsored a young girl. For $35 a month, you can sponsor a child and this will pay for the child to go to school and receive daily meals. This cost is minimal compared to what we pay for things in the United States. My sponsored child writes me letters and I have seen pictures of her and her family. As God blessed me, I also sent extra monthly gifts which purchased roofing materials, clothes, a bike and shoes for my sponsored child and her family. It has truly been a blessing from God to see directly how my small contribution has such a positive impact on such a beautiful family. I would love some day to go and visit the Zozu project in Africa and meet my sponsored child and her family. If you have not had an opportunity to sponsor a child from the Zozu Project, I strongly encourage you to reach out in faith and do so immediately. It will bless you in so many ways. There is much more work to be done through the Zozu project. The school is in need of more buildings to house their teachers so the teachers do not have to travel miles and miles every day to teach. God is doing a great thing through the Zozu project. Sponsor a child today!
I first heard about Zozu Project one Sunday while attending church. I was moved by how joyful the children looked and by their love for God and for learning. I immediately knew that I wanted to get involved. It is amazing how many lives are being touched by this Project and I am so thankful that I can be a part of it! The Zozu Project helps to enrich the lives of the children and their families in Arua, Uganda by providing meals, education, health care, and so much more. I look forward to letters and pictures that I receive from the child that I sponsor. He always tells me about his love for school and his hopes and dreams for the future. Even giving a small amount makes such a big difference in the lives of the children. Being involved in this Project has been a truly wonderful experience!
Having just returned from a visit to Solid Rock Christian School we came back even more committed to the wonderful work that is being accomplished there. We witnessed first hand the joy and excitement of the students, the extreme dedication and faith of the staff, and how effectively and efficiently our gifts are making a difference. Praise the Lord for the privilege of being a part of His service and for the growth in faith that we experienced as a result of our time in Area.
Interning with Zozu Project during the Spring of 2018 was the most enjoyable and valuable experience I was involved in throughout my four years in college. I worked with the Director of Communications, Elsie, to essentially build a Social Media Strategy from the ground up. So, while I came in expecting to change Zozu Project, Zozu Project actually changed me. Even to the point of booking a flight to Arua, Uganda! The way that Zozu Project works showed me that a nonprofit can have a real impact when it brings people from around the world closer together. My experience here also taught me more about the importance of letting the communities you serve take the lead. Overall, the genuine, God-guided approach of Zozu Project has led me to fall in love with this kind of work, which has greatly impacted the course of my life and future career for the better. To anyone thinking about working with or supporting Zozu Project - trust me, it's worth it! The kind of work that God is doing through Zozu Project and in Arua should not be underestimated, and if you get a chance to be involved in that, I promise it will be a blessing to you, too.