Stories from Grove City College Visit

Kaitlyn’s Story

As the team leader, I had been having conversations with Barb Retelny, President of Partners in Mission-USA, and Rev. John Mulindabigwi since February of 2023, trying to form a vision for and plan this trip, but no amount of planning could have prepared me for the absolute blessing it was to visit KSVS. 

It was a dream come true to be able to walk around the campus and meet the amazing teachers and staff. I loved being able to see with my own eyes the building projects that I have read about and seen pictures of over the last three years. We were blown away by the hospitality that was shown to us, and the way we were welcomed in so quickly. 

Rev. John and his son Josh quickly became family to me, and I was so thankful for their openness and willingness to share their passions, visions and hopes for the future. 

I think my favorite part of this experience was being able to attend the graduation ceremony for refugee students trained in vocational skills. To watch the students that we had gotten to know all week wearing their caps and gowns, and to celebrate all their hard work was such an honor. That day specifically was a tangible reminder that the work being done there is changing lives for generations, that through education, so many people now have hope and possibilities they never could have before. 

The KSVS community is now deeply rooted in my heart and I am excited to continue seeing the way that Grove City College will be able to partner with the school.

Kaitlyn

Here is a link to Kaitlyn’s newsletter she sent after the trip if you would like to learn more.

PHOTOS FROM THE TRIP

Dirk’s Story

I was blessed to be able to join with the “Project Okello” team from Grove City College (GCC) to travel to Kamwenge, Uganda this past May. The team consisted of two students, Kaitlyn and Elise, Dr. Barrios and myself (Kaitlyn’s father). The purpose of the trip was to further develop the partnership between the two schools. Rev. John was very happy to have the first professor from GCC to visit KSVS and GSK. 

Over seven days Rev. John unfolded how the Lord called him into this ministry and how God continues to not only provide but expand the vision for the Kamwenge area and Uganda. This story is one that you know well. However, it bears telling again and again because it is one of inspiration and faithfulness. 

God has been faithful to the vision, and expanding it over time and Rev. John is faithful in serving his Lord. Just as Moses was trained in Pharaoh’s courts and Paul was trained in the priesthood, Rev. John was trained in business. It is that training, partnered with a heart for the Lord and his people, that advances God’s kingdom here on earth for heaven. 

I am a retired “technology/ shop” teacher so it was great to spend a little time with the carpentry students as well as tour the new building for them and welding. It is amazing what the students have been doing. It is exciting to imagine the potential for what is yet to come with the new facility. The vocational skills the students are learning is setting them up to impact not only their lives but also the communities where they eventually settle.

The potential for students who gain a vision and think through how they can make a positive impact in Uganda is astounding. Rev. John and KSVS/ GSK are examples of that story unfolding for God’s glory.

Dirk

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE TRIP

Elise's Story

This past May, our team of four had the incredible opportunity to visit KSVS, and to see firsthand the specific ways that the school is working to transform the lives of young people in Uganda and in surrounding countries! 

As we represented Grove City, which is in partnership with KSVS, it was such an encouragement and inspiration to our team to not only hear Reverend John tell of his vision for the school, but to go out and actually witness his vision coming to life through KSVS. 

Everything about the school, from the incredible methods of utilizing the land to sustain the student population, to seeing students’ love for learning be spurred on by truly passionate teachers, KSVS is truly a testament to the goodness of God in this community!

Elise

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE TRIP

August 3, 2024

11th Annual Bike Ride

The Fox and the Hound Ride

Join us for the scenic ride along the Illinois Prairie Path and Fox River Train. The 50-mile route allows riders to start and end in Glen Ellyn in the early afternoon.

We love Two Hound Red Restaurant’s warm welcome of riders following the ride with friendly servers, craft beers, wine, soft drinks, and sandwiches.

The ride this year will support operations and students at Kamwenge Secondary and Vocational School.

If you aren’t a rider, you can still support us!

Sponsor a rider

Make a donation

JOIN US !!

Thank you to Our Ride Sponsors and Supporters

Our Sponsors

• Fellowes, Inc.
• Darwill, Inc.

Our Supporters

• First Pres Church Glen Ellyn
• Borter Heating & Air Conditioning
• Luke Widmer, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones
• Pattie Murray, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway



This is an important fundraiser for Partners in Mission. 

Plan now to gather with friends for a fun day while supporting 

Kamwenge Secondary and Vocational School. 

August 10, 2024

3rd Annual Walk

WALK THE WILDWOOD

Join us for our 3rd Annual Walk the Wildwood in Portland OR. All donations will support building a boys and girls dormitories for vocational students of Kamwenge Secondary and Vocational School. This year you will be able to choose from one of three walking routes:

Option #1 – For those with strollers and/or new knees!! About 1 mile, follow trails through the wedding meadow and out to the Redwood Deck. 

Option #2 – A great tour of the Vietnam Memorial, the Hoyt Arboretum, and sections of Washington Park.

Option #3 – The best views, and a great workout on a Saturday morning! This walk is about 7.5 miles and, with the climb up to the Pittock, has a total elevation gain of about 1000 ft.  

The Goal: The Ride this year will support a multi-year project to build 2 dorms for vocational students coming to the growing campus. ($140,000). As the KSVS campus continues to develop and grow, so the need for more dormitory space grows.

With underwriting support from First Presbyterian Church Portland, OR, 100% of the registration fees and donations from these events will go directly to support the schools in Uganda.

This is an important fundraiser for Partners in Mission. 

Plan now to gather with friends for a fun day while supporting 

Kamwenge Secondary and Vocational School. 

Martha

I am so happy to be sharing my education and life story with everyone who will read it. Gratitude to my mentor Kathryn who thought that I should share this story.

My life began amidst extreme poverty in Kasese, Uganda. I was born into a humble family, the last of six siblings, raised by a single mother. Dreams seemed distant, but I was determined, hopeful and prayerful. I helped my mother sell fruits in the market to support my primary level fees. My village is an area where most girls are enrolled in primary school, but once they reach puberty, nearly 50% drop out of school. Many have extremely low self-confidence and self-worth. Instead of being encouraged to pursue education, they are forced to become child brides.

In 2012 I joined Kamwenge Secondary and Vocational School for my secondary level. I believed in the power of education and putting God first to transform my life and the lives of those around me. My opportunity came when Rev. Canon John Mulindabigwi, a compassionate soul with a heart for uplifting the underprivileged, noticed my potential. Through his intervention, kindness, and my performance, he connected me with Kathy D. who sponsored me to attend KSVS. His act of kindness became the turning point in my life, illuminating a path towards a brighter future.

At KSVS, I flourished not only academically but also spiritually. The school nurtured my academic abilities and instilled in me the values of community service and social responsibility.

I performed well, and Rev Canon John called me to say Kathleen D. would support me at Uganda Christian University; it was such a joy and good news. I delved into the world of Social Work and Social Administration, passionately absorbing knowledge that would later become the foundation for my future dream project for girls in my community.

During my undergraduate studies, God connected me with Kathryn H. when she visited in 2017. I walked with Kathryn throughout my journey of bachelors at Uganda Christian University. She became a very big part of my life forever, a blessing and a shoulder to lean on until I graduated. Kathryn believed in me and stepped in to sponsor my graduate studies in public health, a course that I wanted to do my entire life. 

When I visited my village with my degree people were amazed since I was the first girl in my village to study up to a higher level. Since then, I have harbored a vision of empowering young girls to break free from the shackles of illiteracy, poverty, and inequality. Inspired by my own journey, I am on a mission to change the narrative for the young girls in my village. 

The support I received from these kind individuals was more than financial assistance; it was a belief in my potential, a commitment to breaking the cycle of limited opportunities, a mentorship that inspired me to reach new heights in my chosen field. I will graduate in 2025.



With heartfelt appreciation to my sponsors and the PIM team. Much love!

The first picture of me while I was still young in my primary school, second picture with my mother on my undergraduate graduation and the third, fourth picture of me with vulnerable children and young teenage mothers that are part of my project.

Become a Student Champion



An example of a student influenced by her Champion, Martha was able to join KSVS in 2012 because she had a Champion who paid her tuition. She was grateful that her dreams were coming true and studied diligently to become the first girl in her family to attend secondary school. You can read her story above in the Graduates Corner. 

Many are still awaiting a Champion. Join the current 84 Champions supporting 116 students.

Become a Student Champion and you will be Part of the Larger Story that is emerging in Kamwenge.

Please consider for $40/mo or $480/yr.

Click here to learn more.

For more information or questions, email info@pim-africa.org or call 630-913-0268.

Prayer Requests

We value your prayers for Partners in Mission and the work on the campus of 

Kamwenge Secondary and Vocational School in Kamwenge!

• Pray for several events happening on campus including the annual July Bible Conference, other academic and co-curricular activities, and preparing students in candidate classes for mock exams. 
• Pray for the 2 upcoming fundraising events, The Fox and the Hound Ride and Walk the Wildwood. Pray for good weather, engagement, and new understanding about KSVS by the participants, and successful fundraising to help support the school.
• Pray for the 17 new KSVS graduates who will be attending university and vocational programs starting this July and August, as well as the 3 students who are returning to their programs. Pray their studies go well, that they persevere in difficult classes, and that the new students adjust to their new environments. Praise for the donors who have made it possible for these students to pursue higher education beyond KSVS.
• Praise for the 4 new water tanks that were a gift from First Presbyterian Church of Portland, OR. This gift originated from a conversation in March about drought in Kamwenge between Rev. John Mulindabigwi and Kathryn Hill.
• Praise for the delivery of carpentry machinery for use in the Carpentry Shop. Advanced carpentry students will train on these machines, and the machines will also be used to begin making doors and furniture for sale. These sales will provide income for the school. 
• Praise for a successful visit in May by the Project Okello team from Grove City College (GCC). Praise for what each of the 4 participants brought to the team. Planning for this trip began over 1 ½ years ago. When school at GCC resumes in August, those who visited KSVS will seek more engagement from other students attending GCC.