​Nuala’s family cared for this goat, it gave birth, and eventually they had six goats. For the last two years, they have sold a goat at the beginning of every school term to cover the costs of Nuala’s school supplies and fees.
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Last May, Nuala sold four goats, which covered both her school fees and enough building materials to construct a small, one-room house. She still has two mature goats, who will produce more goats, providing Nuala and her family with a greatly-needed and reliable source of income and stability.

A bright and determined student, Muhammed caught the attention of the Headmaster at Tikkun Olam Primary School, who recommended him for a scholarship. Thanks to Global Village Connect and the generosity of our donor Toni, Muhammed has had the opportunity to continue his education. Toni didn’t just support him financially—she met him on one of our community trips, deepening their connection.

Now, Muhammed is excelling in high school and is among the top students in his class. His teachers have high hopes for his performance in the 2025 national exams. School has also given him the chance to thrive in extracurricular activities, including playing for the school’s football team.
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At Global Village Connect, we do more than provide scholarships. We offer ongoing support, checking in with students and helping them overcome challenges when their families can’t. Most come from homes where education beyond the sixth grade is rare. For many, like Muhammed, a scholarship is their only chance to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future. ​

After spending a few days in Uganda, and even though it is my fourth time here, all I can think about is my feelings of gratitude and happiness, immediately followed by profound sadness and hopelessness.

Most of all, it takes so much energy to control my emotions, knowing that we are making such an impact on so many peoples' lives. You see it in their smiles, you feel it in their hugs. You feel it in their giant welcome as the earth literally shakes when our van arrives in their poor communities. But most of all I see it in their gratitude these Jews, Christians and Muslims express to our tiny organization, Global Village Connect, consisting literally of a handful of dedicated Minnesotans (mainly) who have taken it upon their shoulders to save the lives of these wonderful people.

Yesterday Debbie and I sat with our “Ugandan Kids.” These are nine kids ranging from 9-18 years old who we support in school and in life. Their life experiences included being raped and impregnated at 12 by her uncle. Another whose father beat him to the point where he lost an eye and later stole the goat given to him to help lift him out of poverty. Then there are the two little kids, now 9 & 10 whose father, with four wives and 19 kids left them on their own to support themselves. They lived in a rented room for $10 a month. When we found them doing odd labor and sick with diseases, including typhoid. Another was an orphan and was married off at 12 because nobody could care for her!

We have plucked them out of their terrible situations and now all nine of these kids are boarding at their schools. They consider themselves the lucky ones. They are now safe, have friends, go to school and are fed. 

I told them my wish for them was when they got older that they would have the opportunity to help others just like they were helped.

Debbie and I feel such sadness for what these kids have gone through and at the same time know they are safe. Debbie worries that she will never see them again. Deep down, I know she will. We gave them all hugs and told them they never have to worry again as we will keep them safe. 

How lucky are Debbie and I that we can have the opportunity to help others?

Mark & Debbie Glotter
November 14, 2024
Mbale, Uganda