Sponsor Amim's College Education

DOB November 1988

Amim Asiimwe is the eldest of four children. After his father died in 2005 his mother struggled to keep her son in school, but the following year they found out about Bwindi Orphans Group (now Bwindi Orphanage Development Centre). The orphanage was able to support Amim in completing his education, and during his vacations he worked as a volunteer at the orphanage, working with the younger children and showing visitors around the orphanage.

Amim says that the orphanage has taught him life skills and social skills, and also leadership skills from his experience of working with children.

'My ambition from childhood was to see me and the community prosper, which I plan to achieve. After my education I plan to go back to the village and help the people of Bwindi'.

His hobbies include visiting new places, reading, dancing and singing - he loves music, as you can see from the photos! He enjoys volleyball, badminton, table tennis and chess.

Amim is currently studying in Kampala, at Makerere University Business School. He is enrolled on a two-year (four semester) course leading to a Diploma in Business Studies, and needs funding to cover tuition fees and living expenses. The course began October 2007.

This is an incredible achievement and could be a completely life changing experience for Amim. Kampala is a 14 hour journey from his home in the rain forest and Amim has never visited a city before. Very few young people from the orphanage are able to attend secondary education as it costs £240 per year, an amount unattainable unless they have a sponsor parent from another country. The secondary school is also a 3 hour walk from the orphanage, and as there is no transport that means 6 hours walking for each day at school. Students are amazingly dedicated and motivated and so proud to have the opportunity to get an education. For Amim to now go on to be awarded a college place is an impressive accomplishment.

Jo Simpson spent time with Amim during her visit to the orphanage this year. She found him to be a friendly and intelligent young man, energetic and motivated, and a talented dancer! She is confident that he would make the most of this opportunity.

We hope to find a sponsor to support Amim's education. Amim would be very happy to keep in touch with his sponsor and let them know how his course is progressing.

The full costs (paid via 'Friends of Bwindi Orphanage' and including a contribution towards transfer fees) would be as follows:

First semester £ 420-00
Second, third and fourth semesters £ 360-00 per semester

We need to find a sponsor urgently, as the course has already begun. 'Friends of Bwindi Orphanage' have already covered the first semester's fees so we would be happy to find a sponsor for the remaining three semesters. We could arrange for installments to be paid by standing order to our account (this is controlled by the donor who can alter or cancel payments at any time), with expenses transferred each semester to Amim.

The growth of the tourism industry in Uganda, particularly around the National Parks including 'Bwindi Impenetrable Rainforest', means that there are opportunities for educated young people to help transform their lives and those of the community.

If you are interested in sponsoring Amim or know of a business or organisation that might be able to help please contact us. We would also be grateful for any donation towards Amim's first year - if we subsequently find a sponsor willing to cover these costs we would either return your donation or use it towards another project.

We can accept donations by cheque or postal order, made payable to 'Friends of Bwindi Orphanage'.
Please enclose a note with your contact details; Name, address, email and telephone if possible - we will not pass on your details to anyone else, but we will add you to our newsletter mailing list unless you prefer not to be included. Please mention that the donation is for Amim's education and specify whether you would like your donation returned if a sponsor is found for the first year.

Payments should be sent to:
Friends of Bwindi Orphanage
c/o Jo Simpson
A House Called Dave
5 Vale View
Radstock
Somerset BA3 3QD