ECHOES - We Support Ugandans Who Are Helping Themselves
Three young boys dream of building their homes
In 1986, Rev. David Serunjogi, known as Romans, and his wife Sarah opened the Trinity Children’s Centre in the capital of Uganda, Kampala. The enrollment was six students including one of their own children. Today enrollment at Trinity Children’s Centre, open to families and teachers from all faiths, exceeds 1000 elementary school students pressed into four campuses.
In 1998, the Serunjogis opened Centenary High School, a secondary school located across the equator and 80 miles south, in Masaka. Enrollment at Centenary is now over 650. This is a remarkable accomplishment.
Divinor Serunjogi helps with the painting at the clinic
ECHOES Around the World, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, evolved from a ten-year relationship with Romans and Sarah and the schools they created. Six of the ECHOES Board members have made numerous visits to the schools to see firsthand what the needs are; The Rev and Mrs Serunjogi have proved their worthiness and accountability. They are a success because they are working hard to help themselves but they need our assistance. Existing programs will continue to succeed and grow with donations of money (in any amount) and work by volunteers.
Respect for the people and culture of Uganda is paramount. ECHOES Around the World helps Ugandans to accomplish their own goals. All action is designed in response to the Ugandans themselves, whose lives are directly affected. We do not impose our ideas or values. We reward their initiative, and cooperate with their personal missions; we support projects that make sense in their environment and their culture.
To ensure the survival of vital Ugandan projects,
A Centenary student has learned a trade for life
ECHOES strives to support:
- Education and literacy
- Adequate daily food
- Ongoing daily medical needs
- Consistent and fair teacher salaries
- Teacher/staff training, particularly in the area of special education
- Construction of classrooms and dormitories
- Economic self-sufficiency programs
- Clothing, blankets, school supplies, mosquito nets
The children whom we support have experienced a deep loss, the loss of family. In many cases they have lost their parents and have nobody to turn to for help. ECHOES can give them HOPE, and so much more through education and a support system that will sustain them as they build a brighter future.
2006 Annual Report
990-EZ documentation
ECHOES Around the World is classified as a 501 (3)(c) public charity.