One of the best things about being a member of The Pollination Project’s grantee network, is the opportunity to connect with the over 3,000 grantees from over 110 countries. To hear what these incredible change makers are doing across the world is nothing short of inspiring.
With that, I would like to introduce you to Ndungo Samuel, Founder and Director of Partners for Real Change (PARC) in Kasese, western Uganda.
Liz: Let’s start in traditional Smile Project fashion. Give me a “Happiness is.”
Ndungo: "Happiness is the “loving soul.” This means being kind and caring to everything around including neighbors and the planet. It is not about material wealth, but rather being passionate. It is the joy that starts from inside self and can be impacted both by the surrounding environment.
Liz: Tell me about your organization?
Ndungo: My organization is Partners for Real Change (PARC), a registered non-profit organization with a mandate to empower vulnerable communities in Uganda. As a child focused charity, it is a unique force demonstrating that everyone can contribute to the realization of sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The organization works on projects under three thematic areas (Education, Health and Sustainability) that have potential to create the greatest positive impact to the lives of young people (children and youth), women, and the entire community. To learn about the specific programs and projects we are working on please visit our website.
Liz: What is the driving force behind what you do?
Ndungo: People are my passion, service is my resource, and children are what drive me! The motivation behind my commitment to PARC is connecting vulnerable children to socio-health and economic opportunities otherwise unattainable - better preparing them for the professional world.
I became an orphan at the early years of life (I even don't well know the looks of my father though I remember few things) but because my mother was a strong well determined woman, she did everything alongside family members and the entire community holding my hand to care, love, and take me to school. This gives me all the reasons to reach out to those in need so that they can have access to better and sustainable future. I may not be in position to pay for their access to basic needs (schooling, medical care, etc) but I can be their voice and raise their concerns so that those in position to support will find it possible to contribute towards letting needy children and their families have a happier lifestyle.
Liz: What does service mean to you?
Ndungo: To me, service means “being a resource to others.” I am committed to enriching the leadership of our community, centralizing their influence and streamlining basic community needs (i.e., promoting long term self-sustainability). I am able to do this through my charity, Partners for Real Change (PARC) as the platform with the premise being: invest in the structures of vulnerable young people to catalyze growth for communities at large.
Liz: How can people get involved?
Ndungo: There are several ways people can help and engage in supporting my work, hence the Ugandan children. We are 100% volunteer based so all donations go to our programs! To learn more about my organization and its work, visit the website here.
Check out these respective links..
..To sponsor a child
..To volunteer onsite
Beyond the above, I am seeking funding to help PARC establish a solid foundation for the future of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) in Uganda. I want to have several friends who are willing to spread awareness on – and advocate for my organization and its work throughout the world. Anyone interested should feel free to contact me via the website to discuss possible options.
Liz: Anything else you'd like to add?
Ndungo: The journey has just started! I request anyone interested to participate and make a direct and personal contribution to my work geared towards the achieving the SDGs.
Bonus Question:
Liz: Do you have a favorite quote or piece of advice?
“Whatever good things we build end up building us.”
— Jim Rohn.
Ndungo: So it is always good to do good! I really feel proud of what I am and what I am trying to do in impacting hundreds of people in Uganda.
