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For the Petersons, Helping and Making a Difference is a Family Affair

Lily (a high school junior) and Ethan Peterson (a college sophomore) in an Ugandan home. In Uganda, Lily is helping build new classrooms, work with Ugandan children and is providing strategic assistance.  Ethan is helping create the classrooms and is also working as Mwebaza's videographer, photographer and film editor.

For the Petersons, Helping is a Family Affair



We took some time to get to know Lily (16) and Ethan (19) and wanted to introduce you to these extraordinary teenagers.
Ethan and Lily are spending their time, energy and summer volunteering for the Mwebaza Foundation in Uganda.

Lily and Ethan's father Dale Peterson founded the Mwebaza Foundation and is the Chairman of the Board.  
Mom Jennifer and younger brother Paul are tireless supporters and champions of Mwebaza too.

What do Lily and Ethan want readers to know about Uganda?

We first asked Lily what she wanted readers to know about Uganda and she said, "It's a wonderful place. 
People are just happier here than they are in the United States.  The people of Uganda are caring, warm and extremely joyful."  Lily continued, "People have terrible misconceptions about developing nations and I would love to play a part in changing that!   Everyone I have met is working tirelessly to improve their situations.   I would encourage everyone to visit Uganda."

"Please do not choose NOT to come to Uganda based on unproven assumptions or fears," Lily implored.  "If you take the time to visit Uganda you'll see and learn the culture and truly get to know what a wonderful place it is."

Ethan continued, "People make a concerted effort to make you feel valued and important.  While, of course, there are differences, you learn really quickly how similar people are... regardless of where they were born or what languages they speak."

What has been Lily and Ethan's favorite moment so far...

Lily, at first, protested the question.   "They're too many to count!" However, she did share one memory, 

"Watching children in the local parade was a special highlight.  Having the opportunity to hold hands with many of the local school children -- while they beamed with pride, marched joyously and exuded love for their school was a memory I won't soon forget."

Before the parade passes by... Mwebaza Volunteers (including Ethan and Lily) marching with the students of Mwebaza, their families, teachers and community!

Ethan, marching in the Mwebaza parade, with new school friends



Ethan also shared a special memory.  Ethan spoke of his sense of awe when seeing Kampala.  
He said of Uganda's capital, "Kampala has a vibrancy and an energy I've not seen anywhere else...ever. 
It is different from any city I have ever seen or imagined and the vitality was remarkable."

Ethan and Lily also agreed that the opportunity to meet new people, hang out with local children, 
share games and dances from our culture and learn new Ugandan dances and games was nothing short of amazing. 

The teens were then asked to share one wish for the people of Uganda. 

When asked one wish the teens had for the people of Uganda, Lily's answer was succinct and meaningful.   
"I want the people of Uganda to believe in themselves.  I want them to believe change is possible.  I want them to dream big and know that even large goals are achievable. "

Ethan concurred.  "Everyone is so determined, capable and kind.  I just desperately want them to believe in their hearts that progress is possible!"

Ethan and Lily at the Mwebaza School.



Finally, Ethan and Lily were asked why people should support the Mwebaza Foundation.

When the teens were asked why readers should continue to support the Mwebaza Foundation, Ethan enthusiastically responded,

"Every penny donated goes so far at the Mwebaza Foundation.   The board, staff and the volunteers go the extra mile and then some."  

Ethan continued, "Our partners in Uganda have one goal... self sufficiency.  They take the funds that are contributed and do so many different, meaningful things with the donations!   They help school children, they ensure progress at the school is continuing and they seek to create micro industries.  One gift goes so very far!"

Ethan explained that "these micro-industries solve so many issues for the school and the community!   Adults and children alike learn new skills.  Then, the investment can turn into a needed revenue generator when goods or services are sold. Or, even simpler, goods can be used by the creator of the good and this will limit the need to spend hard earned funds on products that can now be made by hand - because of the newly received knowledge."

Lily shared, "It's not just that we have an amazing mission.  We have amazing results.  There is no one who is not transformed by Mwebaza's work. Students, parents and the community -- in Uganda and in Colorado-- grow, evolve and flourish because of new partnerships, friends and connections."

"Everything Mwebaza does is geared, aimed and strategically planned to help people help themselves.  Every decision is made by and with community. Without one another supporting, listening and working together, there would be no Mwebaza. "

To learn even more about Mwebaza, or to support Mwebaza's work and transformative mission, please visit: https://mwebaza.org/help/donate/

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