Speakers for Africa was established in May 2023 through the solid belief that we, Penny Randell and Peyton Thomas could make a valuable difference in the lives of Ugandan children. From the beginning, our dedication has accepted no boundaries as we studied other NGOs, learning from their successes as well as failures. First and foremost, the need for real-time video footage was apparent, showing donors exactly how and where their donation was put to use and each child who benefited.
Learning as we grew, we eventually turned our attention to a school in one of the poorest areas in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Upon visiting the school, we discovered that the children didn’t attend because there was no food available at lunchtime. Again, we used Facebook to help us grow and in return we were able to buy many 50-pound bags of millet. This grain was mixed with water to feed all the children at the school. Since then, we have maintained a strong relationship with this school and recently we have given them an abundance of school supplies. In addition, a school in northern Uganda is in dire need of a building for classes and we have promised our help.
Explaining how all this came to be, we must start at the beginning. It was 1997 when we moved to the industrial section of Kampala. I was to teach at a mission school and homeschool my son Peyton, who was 12 at the time. My dream of living in Africa finally came to fruition and every day was spent learning the culture and becoming known. Eventually, we were asked for help from a group of women trying to survive by making and selling crafts. Reaching out in any way we could, we created the Skylor Self-Help Foundation. Originally, it was my job to teach these ladies how to effectively create worthwhile products that could compete with other countries. Sadly, the efforts were in vain and we just did not have a way of making money.
We returned to our Alaska home three years later. However, we never once lessened our commitment to Uganda and have returned regularly, offering any services we could afford. In the meantime, Peyton grew up and learned how to video and communicate successfully within the culture along with me. It has taken years for us to appropriately communicate with the Ugandan people. As of today, we are known and trusted by many and travel to villages to offer food and, if possible, school supplies. It remains our heart-felt desire to see these children graduate and learn how to make a living on their own.
Speakers for Africa will celebrate its first fundraiser Aug. 31at Cactus Jack’s Saloon & Grill from 6:30 p.m. until closing. Live music, world/African cuisine, silent auction and raffle are part of the agenda. For more information, Penny Randell | info@speakersforafrica.com | 360-441-5351
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