Up and Running

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Many of you know, but in case you are stumbling across this for the first time, I am traveling to Uganda this summer with a poverty alleviation group called HELP International. I am starting this blog to keep everyone up-to-date on preparations and in-country activity.

Where is Uganda you ask? Well, thank you Wikipedia. Located on the African continent, Uganda is a small landlocked country bordered on the east by Kenya, the north by Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by Tanzania.


Up until this point, my preparations have included 5 trainings, 4 hours a piece on topics such as public health and safety, security and introduction to development, project planning and implementation, inter-cultural communication and understanding yourself as a tool, and finally orphanage activity and recreational therapy. These trainings have been very useful and have given me a introduction to what to expect in third world country development and alleviating poverty. Which brings me to my next point. What exactly will I be doing in Uganda?

HELP International specializes in working with NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) in country to help the people overcome the barriers of poverty. Whatever the country needs, HELP volunteers make it happen. I plan on working in a few different projects this summer including building adobe stoves in villages to reduce respiratory illnesses, health clinics - educating the people on HIV/AIDS awareness and how it can be treated, teaching English and basic mathematics to younger children and others interested, and my personal favorite -- working in HIV/AIDS orphanages. HELP International is a unique organization in the sense that they allow their volunteers to brainstorm, plan, and implement their own projects as needs arise. I am working on launching a new program in some of the smaller HIV/AIDS orphanages that will mimic a "Big Brother/Big Sister" program in order to provide some of these children with much needed attention. More to come on this later...

If you have any ideas, please feel free to comment and let me know. These can be your projects too. I know that many people would love to have opportunities like this. I am blessed to have the time this summer to do so. But there are many ways you can help out too. Your ideas for helping will be much appreciated or you may be in a position to donate financially to the program. (See information below)

I am excited for this opportunity and express my extreme appreciation and gratitude for any possible support you can offer.



Please do not feel obligated to donate. The bottom line reason for this blog is to keep my friends updated on my summer in Africa. If after reviewing this information, you are interested in supporting this cause, I would appreciate having your donation go toward my fundraising efforts. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at my email address: james.uganda@gmail.com. Please know that 100% of all donations will go directly to sponsoring the projects my group will be involved with in Uganda this summer.

While I would not impose on others to fund my education or other important goals, I hope the charitable nature of this project might appeal to those who for many reasons are unable to serve in such a way themselves.

It is my goal to raise $4000 by June 15th. I am sure you have found many unique ways to help others throughout your life. I feel that many people would do more to help people in poor nations of the world if they only knew where and how they could help in a meaningful and lasting way. I invite you to invest in our work at HELP International. Together we can create real and meaningful change in the lives of many people who are not as fortunate as we are. Thanks for checking this out. Feel free to post questions or comments. And for sure, stay tuned.



Donation Information:

All donations are tax-deductible. Checks should be made payable to “HELP International” with my name “James Brown” on the memo line, and sent to the HELP International office listed below.

HELP International
363 N.University Ave. #110
Provo, UT 84601

You may also choose to donate online at the HELP website. Be sure to specify whom the donation is for.

*An Important Word About Tax Deductible Donations

HELP International is a registered 501(c)3 public charity with the IRS. We are registered with the State of Utah’s Department of Consumer Protection. Likewise, we abide by local laws and regulations. Our 990 forms are public documents and available upon request.

The HELP International Tax ID Number: Some potential donors, especially businesses or other institutions, will need the HELP International Federal Tax Identification Number, or EIN. You may call the HELP International office at 801-374-0556 to obtain this documentation.

Be sure to contact HELP International if you have any questions about tax deductibility issues, as it is extremely important to represent the HELP International organization and tax-deductible donations accurately.