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MARCH, 2010
ADDITIONAL STUDENTS ARE SPONSORED
Six recent graduates of Primary 7 have been awarded CTT sponsorships for their next level of education: Senior 1. These students, who have consistently performed near the top of their class are:
Samuel, Willy, Nicholas, Abbas, Scovia, Joseph and Alex.
FEBRUARY, 2010
LOOKING GOOD!
CTT purchased uniforms for the St. Mary Kevin Marching Band.
JANUARY, 2010
TEAM 3: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Besides making new friends, learning to play new card games, trying to learn some traditional African dance moves, tasting matooke and enjoying the beauty of the east African countryside, the mighty members of Team 3 were responsible for the following:
art classes, yoga classes, gardening, installation of 150 mosquito nets, upgrades to the computer lab, reading groups, collection of life stories and distribution of Christmas gifts
Thanks to the generous support of CTT donors, we were able to provide the children at the orphanage with a special Christmas. Each of the 150+ children was given a bandana wrapped package consisting of a new shirt, flip flops, journals, toys, art supplies, playing cards, toothbrushes and toothpaste. A talent show and a big feast followed the gift giving!
We were all amazed that the kids picked up yoga so quickly and were doing poses that usually take months to master. We were equally impressed with the artwork and the music made by the children.
St. Mary Kevin Orphanage Marching Band
It was just a year ago that we purchased the trumpets, trombones, drums, cymbals and tubas for the very first marching band at SMK. Under the instruction of teacher Ivan, the young musicians have come a long way since then! The band has been hired five times for events like graduations and parades and is paid well. We were told if they can add a saxophone, they could be hired to play at weddings!
Thanks to specially earmarked donations by three CTT supporters, the band members have been fitted for uniforms. Now they will not only sound good, they’ll look good as well.
Dancing, Singing, Drumming
The children have really blossomed in the area of traditional cultural music. When we were there, we were treated to a couple of eye and ear popping performances. Some of these talented kids could be on Broadway! They are exuberant and animated while displaying amazing dancing, singing and drumming skills. What’s really amazing (and it’s what gets you up out of your seat dancing at some point!) is the self-confidence, poise and absolute joy that emanates from these young entertainers.
DECEMBER, 2009
FUNDS RAISED IN SAN DEIGO WILL GO TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF NEW MOSQUITO NETS FOR ALL THE CHILDRENS' BEDS. THESE WILL BE INSTALLED BY TEAM 3. OTHER TEAM 3 PROJECTS WILL INCLUDE BOOK CLUBS, GARDENING, ART PROJECTS, GROUP THERAPY, COLLECTION OF THE CHILDREN'S LIFE STORIES, COMPUTER LAB UPDATES AND COMPUTER INSTRUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO THE CHILDREN. There are ten members of Team 3: Antwain Mosher, Kaley Herman, Sara Hjalmarson, Laura Houston,Melissa Mosher, Christy Radecic, Carol Joseph, Gloria Feinstein, Eddie Feinstein and Bobbi Newman. We're from California, Florida, New York, Missouri and Kansas, and we range in age from 10 to 63. Team 3 will be on the ground working at the orphanage from December 19th - 29th.
NOVEMBER, 2009
CTT RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE GOOD PEOPLE FUND
Change the Truth has been awarded a grant from the "Good People Fund." The money was earmarked for the purchase of a brand new laptop, some software, several thumb drives and a printer for the computer lab at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage.
NOVEMBER, 2009
KUTUUKA REVIEWED IN PHOTO-EYE NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER, 2009
L.A. FILM FESTIVAL AND SAN DIEGO FUNDRAISER
The most recent documentary about our work, "Changing the Truth" by Lynne Melcher (board member and participant in the Team 1 and Team 2 trips to Uganda) was accepted into the FILMANTHROPY FILM FESTIVAL in Los Angeles. The festival featureded six short films and three longer ones about philanthrpoic work being done by not-for-profits. Hundred of films were submitted; this is quite an honor for Lynne and a wonderful opportunity for us to spread the word about Change the Truth to people on the west coast.
Speaking of the west coast, Team 2 volunteers Tom Maddox and Randy Clark's friend MJ generously hosted a San Diego fundraiser for CTT. Tom and Randy spoke to the group about their experiences at the orphanage, showed Lynne's video and sold beaded jewelry. Thanks to our new wonderful new San Diego supporters, $1800.00 was raised for the kids at St. Mary Kevin's!
JUNE, 2009
SECOND ANNUAL FRIENDRAISER/FUNDRAISER TOPS FIRST ONE!
The 2nd Annual Friendraiser/Fundraiser was a wonderful event! Over 350 people attended. Given the current state of the economy, we were thrilled to have raised even slightly more money than we did last year! Lots of great artwork by the children at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage found new homes in the living rooms and offices of many Kansas Citians. Kutuuka sold very well, as did the banana fiber dolls made by the children. The highlight and centerpiece of the evening was the screening of Lynne Melcher’s new movie entitled “Changing the Truth” a film that documents the most recent Team 2 trip to the orphanage and the amazing changes that have taken place since our initial involvement 2 ½ years ago. Thanks to all who joined us for a spectacular night at the Screenland Theatre!
MAY, 2009
KUTUUKA (To Reach)
Yellow Bird Press is pleased to announce the publication of Kutuuka a collection of photographs, drawings and dreams by Gloria Baker Feinstein and the children at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage Motherhood in Kajjansi, Uganda.
Essays by Thatcher Hullerman Cook and M. Ann Thomas
46 photographs by Baker Feinstein (30 tri-tone and 16 four-color)
21 color drawings by children from the orphanage
112 pages
Designed by Lindsay Laricks; printed by Meridian Printing
Publication date: June 11
Hardcover: $55.00
Softcover: $35.00
FIFTY SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION COPIES ARE AVAILABLE:
Autographed hardcover book accompanied by a signed, limited edition print by Gloria Baker Feinstein or an original child's drawing featured in the book: $500.00. Please email Gloria for more information.
The cost of production of the book has been generously underwritten by a friend of Change the Truth, allowing all proceeds from the sale of Kutuuka to go directly toward providing much needed assistance to AIDS and war orphans living at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage Motherhood.
To order your copy of Kutuuka:
MARCH, 2009
ADDITIONAL STUDENTS ARE SPONSORED
Once the children in Uganda have completed the primary school years, they are ready for secondary school (the US equivalent of high school.) Change the Truth has taken on several new sponsorships of children who recently graduated from Primary 7; now they have begun Senior One thanks to our many generous donors! These students are:
Catherine Achieng
Amanda Magdalene Anglokin
Marvin Serwanja
Sheila Kirungi
Eddie Nakibinge
Rafakah Nankabirwa
Latifah Mutesi
Rachael Namata
There are more children who want to enroll in Senior One. Please let us know if you would like to sponsor an eager high school student. (The cost is $285 for the year.)
DECEMBER, 2008
CTT FOUNDER RECEIVES AWARD
For her work with Change the Truth, Gloria Baker Feinstein was given the Bodhisattva Award at the 23rd annual World Peace Meditation at the Rime Buddhist Center in Kansas City, MIssouri. The award is given to an individual who works to benefit others.
DECEMBER, 2008
TEAM 2: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
During December, the eleven members of Team 2 worked hard at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage and accomplished the following: a garden was designed and planted on the grounds of the orphanage, and a team of kids learned how to cultivate it and tend it. Practically every child received a medical checkup and good advice on healthy African living. Many children spent time in therapy, visiting their painful pasts, but also learning to place an emphasis on where they are now in tandem with hope for the future. Children were given the opportunity just to be children – learning to play Go Fish, Sorry and Twister and competing in friendly games of basketball, volleyball and soccer. Their dorms were given a fresh coat of paint, and their beds were outfitted with comfy new mattresses and colorful, warm blankets. A marching band evolved before our very eyes as we equipped the children with trombones, bugles and drums. (Once the musicians/marchers are ready for prime time, the band will be able fetch up to $100 US per performance.) A couple of faulty, old computers were repaired. A lot of wonderful art was made. Old friendships between CTT team members and the children were deepened, and new connections were made. The best news of all is that the children are markedly improved since our trip last year. They are better fed, more hopeful, happier and more focused than ever on their education.
Team 2 was made up of (back row) Randy Clark, Tom Maddox, Melissa Mosher, Gloria Baker Feinstein, and (front row) Linda Gerstel, Sarah Joyce, Bobbi Newman, Lynne Melcher and Max Feinstein. Not pictured are Carol Joseph and Fred Grossman.
DECEMBER, 2008
TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES RAISES FUNDS FOR CHANGE THE TRUTH
On December 2nd, from 5 to 8 PM, anything purchased at the non-profit fair trade store, 10,000 Villages in Overland Park, Kansas, will ultimately help the children at St. Mary Kevin's. Please do your holiday shopping on the 2nd and join us as we benefit unemployed and underemployed artisans from over thirty developing nations, as well as the orphans on Uganda. 10% of all sales will go directly to Change the Truth. 10,000 Villages is located at 7949 Santa Fe Drive in old Overland Park.
NOVEMBER, 2008
CTT PURCHASES RAIN WATER COLLECTION TANK FOR GARDEN AT SMK
OCTOBER, 2008
CHANGE THE TRUTH TEAM 2
There will be a total of eleven people traveling to the orphanage this December. We will be involved with therapy (music, sports, play, art and general counseling) medical needs, gardening, painting and repairs, etc. We have a WISH LIST, and that's where you can help! If you can provide any of the following, please contact us! (gbfeinstein@aol.com)
WISH LIST FOR DECEMBER 2008 MISSION TRIP:
Playing cards
Soccer balls/ pumps
Footballs
Basketballs
Board games (Checkers, Chutes and Ladders, Chess, Monopoly, Scrabble)
Puzzles
Markers, crayons, colored pencils, pads of drawing paper and canvas, paints and brushes
Disposable cameras
Calculators
Journals
Small stuffed animals
Socks for 3 – 6 year olds
Caps and T-Shirts for 6 – 18 year olds
OCTOBER, 2008
HIRING OF PART-TIME NURSE
We have now begun sending funds on a monthly basis for the employment of a part-time nurse. She will check the children regularly and provide necessary medications.
OCTOBER, 2008
MAIZE MILL
Thanks to the tremendous number of generous donations we have received lately, we have been able to send the funds necessary for the purchase of a new motor for the maize mill. This will enable the orphanage to produce a large percentage of its own corn meal, which in turn is made into porridge for the children (as well as providing food for the pigs that are being raised on the grounds.)
SEPTEMBER, 2008
NEW YORK FUNDRAISER
A very successful fundraiser was held at the Core Club in mid-town Manhatten on September 8th. A generous donor provided the venue, the food and drink. About sixty-five new and old friends from the New York area attended the event, the centerpiece of which was the screening of Lynne's documentary about our 2007 mission trip. We even found three people who have made the decision to join us on our next trip to the orphanage! Here is board member and filmmaker Lynne Melcher, Gloria Baker Feinstein, and board member Carol Joseph, who was responsible for organizing the event, just before the guests arrived.
AUGUST, 2008
CHANGE THE TRUTH PURCHASES A MOTORCYCLE FOR THE ORPHANAGE
St. Mary Kevin Orphanage Motherhood became the proud owner of a brand spanking new motorcycle, thanks to generous donations made by CTT supporters. The motorcycle will be used as a "taxi" to generate daily income. It will also come in handy for trips to the market and the medical clinic. Prior to this, St. Mary Kevin's did not have a motor vehicle at all. Here is Rosemary showing off the new purchase.
JUNE, 2008
FIRST ANNUAL FRIENDRAISER/FUNDRAISER A HUGE SUCCESS!
Our first annual friendraiser/fundraiser, held at the Screenland Theatre in Kansas City was an overwhelming success! The main attractions included the screening of a documentary film made by Lynne Melcher, African dancing and drumming by children from Kansas City's own Operation Breakthrough, as well as a silent auction of the artwork made by the children at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage Motherhood under the tutelage of artists Jane Voorhees and Lonnie Powell. There was a "store" stocked with African crafts and Change the Truth paraphernalia. There were 450 people in attendance, and we raised just over $35,000 for major projects at the orphanage. Thanks to all of the wonderful volunteers who helped plan and excecute the event... and to those of you in Kansas City who came out for the evening even though the skies were threatening! We received great coverage in the press and feel certain that we have made a lot of new friends for the children at St. Mary Kevin's.
DECEMBER, 2007
MONTHLY FOOD STIPEND
One of the most startling truths we learned on our mission trip is that from day to day, the availabilty of food is a challenge. CTT now places a larger empahsis on raising funds to specifically address this issue. If you would like to earmark your donation for the purchase of food, please do so. It's hard for a child to do anything productive during the day if his or her stomach is empty. To make matters worse, food costs continue to rise sharply. We have now begun sending a monthly stipend that is designated for the purchase of food for the orphans. More recently, we have begin sending a monthly fee for the employment of a nurse. She checks in on the children on a regular part-time basis and provide medications when needed.
SCHOOL FEE ASSISTANCE
The main goal of Change the Truth is to change lives by providing an education for those children who could not otherwise afford the tuition and materials required for secondary school (our equivalent of high school). CTT is currently assisting the following students with these fees. Henry and Emma Vincent are featured in our video, by the way!
Florence Namaganda
Edward Male
Emma Vincent Mulindwa
Henry Semanda
Gloria Babirye
James Buyondo
Catherine Nanziri
Joseph Mukiibi
Daniel Mukoota
Habibu Muwanga
Michael Sebyetekerwa
Billy Bonny Tumusiime
Zaberah Namatovu
Samarie Nakatudde
Rosette Aikoru
Douglas Semujju
Saka Nsubuga
Martin Ojok
Daniel Okello
Paula Namugeny
The secondary school fees are US $95 per term; there are three terms per year. There are other expenses, as well, including books, uniforms, transportation and in the case of the girls, boarding fees.
DECEMBER, 2007
CHANGE THE TRUTH TEAM I
Six others joined Gloria as she headed back to Uganda on December 2nd, 2007. Two talented and well respected Kansas City artists, Jane Voorhees and Lonnie Powell, gave art lessons to the children at St. Marty Kevin's. Two social workers from Kansas City's own Operation Breakthrough, Melissa Mosher and Ann Thomas, conducted play therapy with some of the orphans and taught play therapy methodology to several staff members. Budding filmmaker and CTT board member, Lynne Melcher, made footage for a documentary about our trip that she is now producing, and last but not least, Carol Joseph, a contagiously enthusiastic supporter of CTT, who hails from New York, rounded out our merry crew. It was an amazing and profound journey for each of us. We accomplsihed a surprising amount in a relatively short period of time. Click on the PICTURES page (on the menu to your left) to see photos from our trip. You can read about our experiences at www.gloriainafrica.blogspot.com.
GIVE A GIFT THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
It is now possible to make a donation to Change the Truth in honor or in memory of someone special. Just let us know when you make your contribution who you honoring, and we will notify the recipient or your kind gesture.
REQUESTS FOR CTT PRRESENTATIONS
Several churches and youth groups have benefited from a presentation given by Gloria about the orphanage in Uganda. Gloria will arrive complete with power point, video, lecture, CDs of the kids' choir, beaded jewelry the children have made and Change the Truth t-shirts! If you are interested in scheduling a presentation, please contact us.
APRIL, 2007
BRICK MAKING PROJECT
The first major project CTT funded, other than providing school fee assistance, was the construction of a brick making facility on the grounds of the orphanage. The funds CTT granted enabled St. Mary Kevin's to purchase everything from cement, eucalyptus poles, nails, raw clay material, a pavers machine and a half brick machine to a ventilation system and brick molds. The beauty of providing this to the children is that the vocational skills learned empowers the kids, and the income generated from the sale of the bricks helps the orphanage tremendously.
Yellow Bird Press is pleased to announce the publication of "Kutuuka" a collection of photographs, drawings and dreams by Gloria Baker Feinstein and the children at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage.
