UUBN Will Discontinue Supporting New Life School in Uganda

It came to our attention via two NLS volunteers, a couple, a  geochemist  husband and his wife, a teacher, that the partnership money of 9 UU churches was not spent as intended.   When this came to the attention of the UU Partnership Council in Boston, they decided not to remain the fiduciary agent for the 3 year old project to include relinquishing their leadership role.  

The All Souls Tulsa Church decided to rewrite the project.  Their commitment to this rural school of 500 children is remarkable.

As part of the All Souls proposal:

"All churches will provide a representative on a rotating basis to go to Uganda to disperse funds to targeted projects at NLS."

This did not rest well with us because of the safety issue and the rudimentary facilities at New Life school.  What a huge responsibility to deliver the funds and to disperse them accordingly plus check that the money is spent for what it was intended.

Tomorrow I will send an email to our UUBN New Life School Committee so they know the project will not be continued.  Our minister asked me to say a few words at a congregational meeting  April 27.

The benefits to UUBN will not be forgotten, especially the UU Uganda Festival.  We learned about a culture vastly different from ours.  Personally, my trip to Uganda with Gretchen will forever remain with me.