September 26, 2005
For Immediate Release
For more information:
Megan Laurie
(801) 863-7149
Written by:
Garrett McGuire
(801) 863-8504
UVSC Student Largely Contributes to Children and Women in Uganda
This past summer David Ssejinja, a senior at UVSC majoring in history and political science, spent two months in his native country of Uganda acting on behalf of his non-profit organization, the Ssejinja Children’s Foundation, delivering much needed supplies.
The Foundation, located in Ugandan village of Bira where David was raised, provides education, water, clothing, wheelchairs and other necessities to the orphans of families devastated by war or AIDS.
While in Uganda, Ssejinja and other volunteers also built the foundation for a new two-story women and children’s clinic, where the first floor will be used for women to deliver their children in a clean and safe environment. The second floor will be dedicated to aid the children where bumps, bruises, hygiene and general sicknesses will be attended to.
Ssejinja spends all year raising funds for the children’s foundation. Funds are obtained from individual donors, special concerts at UVSC and a monthly African shop in the Hall of Flags that sells clothing and paintings made by the women of Uganda.
His compassion for the children of Uganda stems from his own experience with tragedy. Victims of civil unrest, both of Ssejinja’s parents were killed. Since then Ssejinja has dedicated his life to their memory and helping other orphans like himself who are less fortunate.
“I want to fulfill the dream of my father,” Ssejinja said, “and give an opportunity to the children in Uganda to receive an education and aid.”
Ssejinja is planning his next trip to Uganda for the summer of 2006. He invites any donations for the Ssejinja Children’s Foundation and volunteers who would like to travel to Uganda and assist him. For more information visit www.ssejinja.org or contact David Ssejinja at (801) 687-2003.
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