My Nonprofit Reviews

We are two, long-time contributors, who thought we had a reasonably good idea of the wonderful work Connect Africa had been doing for the past six years. However, when we visited Uganda last October it became obvious that we had no concept of how important this work is and how deeply it touches the lives of the villagers. We were almost reluctant to visit because Lynn was scheduled to be in Boston. However, as Lynn promised, the co-director Kalule Charles welcomed us warmly and introduced us, with passion and love, to his Uganda and to the people Connect Africa serves.

We met the "aunties" and the “jajjas,” relatives who hugged us and cried as they thanked us for enabling their children to attend school and have the opportunity to pursue a promising future. We visited the children in their elementary schools - simply constructed rooms with dirt floors, and saw students crowded together behind rows of long benches. The children would rise en masse to greet us with shy, beautiful smiles, open arms and words of thanks. We visited students at the secondary schools where they board, and we were struck by the seriousness with which they approached their studies. Groups of adolescent girls or boys (never girls AND boys together) would gather on the ground during free time, doing homework and helping each other with their studies.

We met some of the loan recipients: Teopista is a small shop owner who sells beans, maize and household supplies. We tasted the spirits that Olivia, a spirits’ distributor, sells to local villagers – truly a “potent potable” strong enough to make your body shiver. Edward, a driver of a motorcycle taxi called a “boda-boda”, offered to give Kurt a ride around the town; but having seen the chaotic, high-speed traffic on the incredibly rutted dirt roads, Kurt declined the offer and later wished that he hadn't.

Our experience in Uganda was filled with contradictions– sobering and encouraging, depressing and hopeful. The people we visited do not have electricity, indoor toilets or running water. They are optimistic, industrious, and determined to improve their lives. The work that Charles and Lynn are doing inspires people, one at a time, to move forward toward attaining their dreams.

Do visit the Connect Africa community in Uganda. They are currently building a community center with a guest house where you can live and experience change in action. All are welcome.

With admiration and appreciation of Connect Africa
Arlene and Kurt Pressman