Year End Reflections

By Connie Frisbee Houde, Board President

It never ceases to amaze me how successful Jajja’s Kids continues to be! We could not be here now—or move steadily into the future—without all your support, along with the energy and guidance of the U.S. Board and staff in Uganda.

After Diane and I visited the children’s home in 2024, I described the experience to my sister Ann; her simple reply to me was “It’s working.” That statement sticks with me. I personally had no idea that I would become so deeply involved with Jajja’s Kids when I joined Diane’s efforts years ago. 

Jajja's Kids Educational and Vocational Progress- Our mission is to take our children as far as they can go with their education, as appropriate to each of their goals and abilities. This year our first two young people graduated from their respective college programs.

Juma graduated from Buganda Royal Institute and is now Chef Juma, working at a hotel restaurant in Kampala. John graduated from Bukalasa Agricultural College with a degree in horticulture. He has become Farmer John, managing Jajja’s Kids’ land outside Kampala where he is creating fishponds and living close to the Jajja's Kids' land. Our third graduate will be Daphine, who is completing a nursing program at St. Francis School of Health Nurses and Midwives.

Two of Jajja’s Kids just graduated from high school, and next year will join four others already at university. Over the next few years, Jajja’s Kids will continue graduating two or three high school students each year to join the ranks of higher education.

Scholarship Fund- To meet these growing education costs, our Scholarship Fund was launched earlier this year to connect specific donors with individual Jajja’s Kids.

I have had the life-changing experience of sponsoring Sonia. In 2017, I helped Jajja's Kids take on one more child - our second girl, Sonia. While we visited, she had been “hanging out” at the house. She was a good friend of Daphine, our only female at the time.. After my next visit a year later, I was surprised and honored when she called me "Mum". Not having my own children to call me mother it was a special moment. As I have gotten to know this young woman, now in her third year of law school, I am humbled at what a gift Jajja’s Kids has been able to give her through my and other sponsors' donations.

You too can connect with a specific child and assist directly in their education. Check the web site for how to participate as a Scholarship Fund Sponsor.

Reports on Jajja's Kids Progress- Board member Scott Reinhart has nurtured the Ugandan staff in creating reports on each child that can be shared with sponsors. These reports are a measure of the children’s progress and an example of the staff’s dedication to assisting each child’s individual growth.

To acknowledge this very productive staff who greatly add to the progress and success of the program, salaries were raised early in the year.

Diane Honored with University of Albany Award- In April, Diane was honored to receive a University of Albany Alumni Association Excellence in Community Service Award. This was a well-deserved recognition for her perseverance and steady leadership of this small nonprofit. Working with Ronnie, she has led the organization from a day program for street children to the organization it is today, including a permanent home for 18 children to carry them through their education to become members of the community.

Diane and IT Specialist Volunteer Doug Williams Travel to Uganda- Diane and Doug had a successful visit to the children’s home in August. Doug’s technical skills helped make communication with the US team more stable. They also created videos of all the staff and children, providing information shared with donors at this year’s fundraiser and available for future information-sharing as well.

Annual Fundraiser- In October we held our annual fundraiser chaired by Board Member Mary Kozlowski, with proceeds enabling us to continue working with these precious young people.

Recognition in Uganda of Mark Tremont and Mark Saker- As an organization, we experienced the loss of dear Board Member, Treasurer, and friend Mark Tremont in January.

Our Ugandan counterparts placed a plaque in his honor on the well dug for the home this year, something that Mark wanted us to accomplish. This project was funded by board member and secretary Katie Suhr’s family foundation. 

At the same time, the Ugandan team placed a plaque on the house acknowledging former board president Mark Saker’s vision in creating a permanent home, his leadership in overseeing its construction, and his contribution to its physical completion. Thank you, Mark, for all of it!

I do hope that these reflections will help carry you through this holiday season and bring light and joy to your beings as we enter a new year continuing this special project known as Jajja’s Kids made possible with your continued support.

We appreciate all your support which helps us keep this project “working” as my sister Ann pointed out.

Please help us continue this important work!

Connie Frisbee Houde

Board President

An end-of-year donation would be very helpful in continuing to support these young adults to reach their life dreams and goals.

Save The Date: Sept. 27, 2026!

Our Brunch Fundraiser at Revolution Hall, Troy NY

Thank you for your support and interest in Jajja's Kids!

Jajja's Kids is grateful to our wonderful donors, sponsors, and volunteers. You make a difference in the lives of our children and staff, their families, and the broader community.

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Diane Reiner--Director, Jajja's Kids, USA

Ronnie Sseruyange--Director, Jajja's Kids - Africa

P.O. Box 1425, Latham, NY 12110

Jajja's Kids, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.