OUR STORY

by Timothy Busuulwa

"I grew up in the orphanage. From the beginning I considered each and every person that I lived with my family. In many ways, I have seen my family members get hurt when it is time for them to transition out the orphanage. Most of the students end up jobless and spiritually and financially empty. The reason why I started this organization is to raise awareness of the need. Orphans are often given tuition and education but after that is finished the supporters leave them with the expectation they will be mature adults and get jobs. However, when you help an orphan in Africa they do take you as a parent. When these parents cut off financial support and communication they feel abandoned again, just as they were by their original parents. They feel as though no one cares and therefore do not have the mentality to handle the stress and setbacks of assimilating into society. When Douglas (brother in orphanage) and I began to plan our future we realized the examples before us were quite grim. We prayed to God that He would give us work but, more than that, that God would give us the ability to help other orphans transition well and succeed in life. The most successful orphans from Uganda are the ones that are leaving the country, which is not necessarily a bad thing. However, I believe that orphans should be able to succeed, work and do well in their own society. God puts opportunities everywhere for people to grow spiritually and physically to support themselves and their families. Through our work with Plentiful Harvest we will continue to spread this word of hope by empowering young adults and aiding in the launch of small businesses."