Unified for Uganda is a nonprofit, student-run organization that is starting to gain awareness on Miami University's campus. This organization started in 2005 at Moeller High School in Cincinnati but has now grown to 37 active chapters. Its goal is to sponsor destitute youth in northern Uganda to gain a valuable education. U4U is a life-changing organization that everyone should be aware of, so here's what you should know.
1. $300 sponsors a Ugandan child in primary school for one year.
U4U currently raises on average of $100,000 per year for their sponsorship program, with all chapters sponsoring 71 children in Uganda.
2. Miami's chapter is functioning as a small PR/Marketing agency.
Not only is the U4U chapter on our campus doing amazing things to give back, they are also in turn receiving valuable experience from working in a business setting.
3. U4U focuses on breaking the cycle of poverty.
They identify the children who possess the greatest need for their help and then provide them with an opportunity to receive a brighter future and not be defined by the conditions they are currently in.
4. The students receive tuition, lunch, shoes, a school uniform, mentoring, and emergency medical care.
Raising just $300 helps one child receive so much. Sometimes that one school lunch is all they will be able to eat for the entire day.
5. You know each child you are helping.
The goal of this organization is not to just raise money and have that be the end of it. Each chapter knows exactly who they are working to raise money for; because supporters know a face and a story, each dollar raised seems much more important.
6. U4U is helping children like Joel.
U4U is doing incredible things in each chapter. A lot of college students are too busy with school or work to focus on giving back, but this amazing opportunity offered at Miami University is hard to ignore. Even if you don't have time to commit to joining another organization on campus, just knowing that this chapter even exists and being aware of everything they do is a step in the right direction.
If you would like to get involved or receive more information about Miami University's chapter, contact U4U President, Michael Rojas.
