What is the Vision?
Many of you may know that Vision of Destiny (VOD) was the dream of Cari Nash: to have a Christ centered school that allowed orphans and vulnerable children access to education. In Uganda, education is the biggest expense a family has. Since many families cannot afford school fees, many children simply do not go to school. Or, if they are able to afford school fees, the schools are overcrowded and lack a Christ centered education.
VOD started in 2009 in Cari’s fourth story apartment with 6 children and has since grown to 140 children currently in 2012. The mission and goals remain the same: to share the love of Jesus with this young generation and break the cycle of hopelessness. Statistics from various sources estimate that 50 – 60% of all Ugandans are under the age of 14. With an average lifespan of about 50 years and a total population of about 34 million, that is a LOT of young people.
In the words of Katie Davis, one of our fellow missionaries working in Uganda,
“Children in Uganda must learn to read and write, to add, subtract, and multiply. They must learn about science and social studies and everything else school offers in order to be productive citizens in the future. Their nation needs them to move it forward, not hold it back. It needs them to be equipped to provide good leadership and support in positions of government, medicine, technology, social services, and other areas of society. Uganda truly has the potential to live up to its moniker, “the pearl of Africa,” if today’s children can gain the knowledge and experience they need to usher their country into a bright future.” - Taken from the book “Kisses from Katie”
Where are we going?
Eight acres of land has been purchased just outside of Kampala for a boarding school as we move forward with plans to re-locate. Maybe you are asking the question of “why a boarding school? Isn’t it best to leave the children in their homes with their families?” The answer is complex. Family units with many of our children are almost non-existent. Most of them live with aunts, uncles, and distant relatives. For those who do stay with their families, many of them consistently see un-Christ like behaviors. It is not uncommon to hear of our children who daily see alcoholism, prostitution, drug abuse, and theft. The hope and prayer is that if our children are at a boarding school for 8 months out of the year, if they are shown a positive, Christ like example, that not only will their families be impacted during the 4 months they remain at home, but also the cycle of hopelessness will be broken as they move on to raise families of their own.
While the key to eternal life for these children is Jesus, the key for a better life here and now is education and breaking the cycle of hopelessness!
Many of you may know that Vision of Destiny (VOD) was the dream of Cari Nash: to have a Christ centered school that allowed orphans and vulnerable children access to education. In Uganda, education is the biggest expense a family has. Since many families cannot afford school fees, many children simply do not go to school. Or, if they are able to afford school fees, the schools are overcrowded and lack a Christ centered education.
VOD started in 2009 in Cari’s fourth story apartment with 6 children and has since grown to 140 children currently in 2012. The mission and goals remain the same: to share the love of Jesus with this young generation and break the cycle of hopelessness. Statistics from various sources estimate that 50 – 60% of all Ugandans are under the age of 14. With an average lifespan of about 50 years and a total population of about 34 million, that is a LOT of young people.In the words of Katie Davis, one of our fellow missionaries working in Uganda,
“Children in Uganda must learn to read and write, to add, subtract, and multiply. They must learn about science and social studies and everything else school offers in order to be productive citizens in the future. Their nation needs them to move it forward, not hold it back. It needs them to be equipped to provide good leadership and support in positions of government, medicine, technology, social services, and other areas of society. Uganda truly has the potential to live up to its moniker, “the pearl of Africa,” if today’s children can gain the knowledge and experience they need to usher their country into a bright future.” - Taken from the book “Kisses from Katie”
Where are we going?
Eight acres of land has been purchased just outside of Kampala for a boarding school as we move forward with plans to re-locate. Maybe you are asking the question of “why a boarding school? Isn’t it best to leave the children in their homes with their families?” The answer is complex. Family units with many of our children are almost non-existent. Most of them live with aunts, uncles, and distant relatives. For those who do stay with their families, many of them consistently see un-Christ like behaviors. It is not uncommon to hear of our children who daily see alcoholism, prostitution, drug abuse, and theft. The hope and prayer is that if our children are at a boarding school for 8 months out of the year, if they are shown a positive, Christ like example, that not only will their families be impacted during the 4 months they remain at home, but also the cycle of hopelessness will be broken as they move on to raise families of their own.While the key to eternal life for these children is Jesus, the key for a better life here and now is education and breaking the cycle of hopelessness!
Courtney Wrinkle
Vision of Destiny Volunteer
So glad you're doing this, Courtney! Thanks a ton!!!
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