School reports received this week by the six children currently receiving educational support through Rose Canada show that they have performed well during the first term of the school year. The photo shows Tony (left), Marvin, Ronny (who achieved First Grade) and Marjorie – the others are Doreen (who is beginning A level studies) and Umaru.

Doing homework is complicated for these children by the frequent power outages that occur in Kampala that leave them without light – to help with this Brighter Smiles has provided headlights and ‘crank’ charged flashlights to enable the children to read and revise at home.

Children from African Hearts and their leader Lutaaya Abdul celebrate their part in the 2012 Rose Charities International ‘Rose Award’ in Kampala with Andrew Macnab. The recognition has encouraged the children and leaders alike. The Brighter Smiles program continues to work with these children in the Kampala slums where most of them live – the recent month has been a particular challenge due to a Measles outbreak in the slum. None of our children have the benefit of immunization, and Measles has a high morbidity and significant mortality amongst African children – fortunately none of the children we cared for died during this epidemic.

The computers generously donated by Rose Singapore for use in Uganda by the Brighter Smiles Program have been delivered and are already in use. Delivery to the African Hearts Primary school took place on the last day of term. As the photo shows the children were excited and immediately began to get acquainted; a formal computer instruction program will begin next term. Another recipient was Doreen a high school student who receives educational sponsorship from Rose Canada, and who ‘blogs’ regularly for Rose about life in Uganda. The gift of these computers will make it possible for a great many children to acquire computer skills and learn the benefits of access to the web.

   Carol began her schooling when she was five. After kindergarten she attended Grace of the Lord Primary school and on graduation moved to Muwanguzi High school. In High school she was soon recognized as an excellent student who is hardworking and responsible, and someone who developed real confidence and the ability to express herself effectively in public by participating in music, dance, and drama.

   As she says “All my dreams lead to me becoming a nurse and helping to care for people in the medical departments of my country. I want to be a nurse because I want to help people and save lives here in Uganda. And for me nursing is one of the best things that I can do with my life.”

   “Having your heart in service can help changes lives especially if one is a nurse. I believe I can make an impact by helping people to be aware that the strength that is within us is greater than the problems we meet on our way in life. To be able to give people this assistance would bring me great joy.”

   In order to study nursing Carol needs educational sponsorship to cover the fees required for her training.

   Traditional drumming skills are highly prized in Africa. Schools have teams of drummers (see photo) who play for dancers who compete against each other in competition at cultural music festivals. Many hours are spent in practice to train the drummers, perfect the rhythms, and prepare the dancers for these events. In a competition this month Ronald Mukisa was named best drummer, and his team took top honours. Ronny (see photo) is a student sponsored by a Rose Charities donor to attend Mengo Senior School in Kampala Uganda, and he has trained the school’s drummers since he joined Mengo last year.

   Ronny is a gifted musician who also plays guitar, and is the official trumpeter leading support at school soccer matches. His skills have made him popular with teachers and students; and he also has music videos on YouTube of songs he has written and recorded as a vocalist – look for Ronny and his brother Marvin in Njagala gwe (I love you) and My World. Other boys like Ronny can be sponsored via the donations page on the Rose or brightersmilesafrica.ca website.

Marjorie Nakakade  (

Since her mother died Marjorie has been cared for mostly by her aunt and grandmother. Marjorie is in the P5 class at Kyaggwe Road Primary School, where her elder brother used to be head boy, She has been doing well in her studies, especially in math, and when she leaves school she wants to work in a bank to help people save money. However, at present she cannot go to classes, as her father is very ill, has lost his job as a bus conductor and is unable to pay her school fees. Sitting at home she tries to keep up with her studies but misses her friends. Marjorie urgently needs sponsorship to return to school, continue her studies, take the exams she needs to pass to be promoted to the next class, and be amongst her friends.

To sponsor Marjorie, it costs $250/year, please read the sample sponsorship agreement and then donate online through Canada Helps here. Please select “African Hearts” from the drop down menu and write “Marjorie Nakakade” in the message section. A specific sponsorship agreement will be mailed to you after you donate. Thank-you.

Umaru Setongo is a member of African Hearts and urgently needs a sponsor to enable him to go to school.

He is 12 years old, has lost his father, and lives with his mother who has HIV. Umaru loves music and plays the trumpet in the band, he has had to miss a lot of school because he has not had anyone able to pay his school fees for a long time. In spite of this, he is always cheerful and ready to help those around him. He is quiet and hard working, loves bright colours and animals, and dreams that on his birthday he may be able to go swimming and have his favourite thing to eat – chicken!

To sponsor Umaru, it costs $250/year. Please read the sample sponsorship agreement and then donate online through Canada Helps here. Please select “African Hearts” from the drop down menu and write “Umaru Setongo” in the message section. A specific sponsorship agreement for the child you sponsor will be sent to you from African Hearts.