We’ve all been traumatized and shaken by recent events. When tragedy hits a community in our country, we feel helpless and wish we could do something to show that we care.

These tragedies hit us hard because they have a way of affecting everyone, whether you're reading about it online or hearing it from a neighbor. The shock and hurt is not limited to the people directly involved, it affects the families and friends left asking questions, the bystanders, the first responders, the community, and the rest of the world. There are long-lasting and far-reaching impacts, including a sense of loss of security, immense sadness and grief, and sometimes we feel anger and hate. Tragedy can make us feel alone. It can make us want to pull back from society to protect ourselves and those we love.

We cannot allow tragedy to isolate us.  Isolation can lead to detachment from others, a feeling of us versus them, and breakdown in community. Community is what keeps us connected and gives us...

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive" 

- Harold Whitman

I knew I wanted to make a difference in the world, but I didn’t know how. 

One day I was talking to a friend who told me about a gentleman who was building a school in Uganda for 800 students and needed funding. The Garden of Knowledge (GOK) Nursery and Primary Day and Boarding Schools, Gulu, Uganda, East Africa were founded by Komakech Charles to pay forward to his community, for the education he received through the goodwill of a New York  Rotary club and other well-wishers from the USA. GOK opened in 2015 with only 70 students, mostly from disadvantaged families.. 

I was very impressed with Mr. Charles’ work and I was delighted to find that it doesn’t take much money to build in Africa. I took on the project and was able to help the school get permits...