Although the distance between Dallas, Texas and Mutukula, Uganda is more than 8,000 miles, members of the Class of 2013 recently made huge inroads in bridging that distance. Uganda, home to the world’s youngest population, offered a tremendous opportunity for Lakehill Preparatory School students to make an impact by helping a student in Africa create a new future. The ninth grade class raised nearly $1500 this year to provide a scholarship for a deserving student through Empower African Children.

The student, Jengo Munawiru, is from Mutukula, a trading town on the border of Uganda and Tanzania. The youngest of three children, Jengo lost his father to AIDS as an infant. His mother works for his uncle as a shop attendant.  Jengo, a ninth grader at TaibahCollege, says he would like to be a teacher one day. He enjoys singing and dancing and in 2008 traveled to the U.S. with the Spirit of Uganda tour.

Empower African Children was founded in 2006. Initially focused on Uganda, the group’s ultimate goal is to expand into bordering countries. With 2.4 million orphans in Uganda and more than half the population under the age of 15, Uganda’s needs are great. Only 15% of children who attend public primary school in this landlocked east African country continue on to attend secondary school.

In addition to educational opportunities, children supported by Empower African Children receive professional training as members of Spirit of Uganda, a program that teaches them traditional cultural dance and music and offers a select group the chance to perform in the U.S. Spirit of Uganda presents riveting performances of music and dance for audiences of all ages. Their tour raises funds to support other children who are being served by Empower African Children.

Ninth grade class president Brooks Vickery says the class was honored to be able to provide support to a specific individual. The students will be able to exchange photographs and letters with Jengo and will be able to follow his progress. Ninth grade sponsors Kelly Oujezdsky, Jennifer Warder, and Lou Wilkin say they are proud of the group for helping one young man pursue his dreams.