Jajja's Kids – Africa

“Building A Global Family for Uganda’s Street Children”

(see updates to Ronnie’s Blog here!!!)

The Goal:
Jajja’s Kids has been created in the U.S. to help raise funds for at-risk youth from the streets of Uganda. The goal of the organization is to provide food, shelter, training and medical assistance to children previously living on their own in the slums of Kampala. Jajja’s Kids works closely with Ronald Sseruyange, a young Ugandan man who is himself a former street child. Through Ronnie’s work, Jajja’s Kids aims to rehabilitate street children to ultimately become skilled and productive members of society, with good values, moral judgment and the ability to be self-supporting.

The Need:
As a result of HIV/AIDS, poverty, and decades of wars, Uganda has the largest percentage of orphans of any nation in the world. Twenty five percent of Ugandan children—an estimated 2.4 million–live on their own with no one to feed, educate, care for, and protect them. Many orphans from outlying areas come to Uganda’s capital, Kampala, seeking a better life, only to find themselves on the streets once again and living in very harsh circumstances.

Vehicle Maintenance Training:
The initial program for 2009 provides food and shelter for young men ages 15 to 18, plus tuition to attend a one year vehicle maintenance training school. In addition to providing the students with this skill-based training, the program provides a refuge from street life and also a transitional place for social and educational development.

Study areas include: engine mechanics, auto body repair, electrical wiring, spray painting and driving. In addition to full time training in vehicle maintenance, students will also take part in an after-school program that includes training in traditional African music, dance and drama, as well as educational and recreational activities. Upon completing the vehicle maintenance training school, each student will have a certificate and job opportunities that can allow him to become a self sufficient member of society.

For 2009, funding has already been secured for rent and utilities for four young men, plus associated start-up costs–beds and bedding, kitchenware and lockers. We are now looking for additional funds for food and tuition for the coming year. The annual cost per student is $150 for tuition and $350 for food. Beyond this initial effort, Jajja’s Kids intends to expand the program to additional young men as more funding becomes available. Contributions in any amount are welcome.

All funds raised go directly to the program in Uganda, with no administrative charges. Donors will receive follow up information about the specific students who are being benefited. For more information and/or to make a contribution, please contact Diane Reiner, (518) 785-1144, email: sam11@nycap.rr.com.

Contributions may be sent to:
Jajja’s Kids,
21 Island View Road
Cohoes, NY 12047

Please make checks payable to Jajja’s Kids.
All donors will be notified once the organization achieves its non-profit status.