UGANDA, Africa – It’s not every day you see a bus in Uganda with a thank you note for the people of Clarion, PA — USA.
The Sparkling Gems Nursery and Primary School Bus in this African country proudly lists it was donated by “Heart for Uganda” based in Clarion.
The spirit of support for helping the most impoverished and needy children in the small village in Africa stretches all the way from Clarion County to Kyenjojo, Uganda, thanks to the efforts and leadership of a Clarion-Limestone graduate.
Alissa Cooper-Sande quit her teaching job at C-L over eight years ago and had a one-way ticket to Uganda armed only with a desire to fulfill her childhood dream of rescuing children in Africa.
(Pictured above: Alissa, Vanea, Caleb, and Pastor Victor Sande.)
“The ‘Heart for Uganda’ non-profit organization is based in Clarion County, and all of the board members are local to the area,” said Brad Coulson, a member of the local “Heart for Uganda” non-profit organization, in an earlier exploreClarion.com story .
“Many of the local churches know of and support the organization. There are a number of us that have traveled to Uganda, my wife and myself included, who would be more than willing to share more information.”
The work of Alissa and her husband, Pastor Victor Sande, has been impressive over the years adding needed educational and medical facilities to their base of operation but never losing track of their spiritual mission.
“Our primary purpose for existence is to carry the hope and love of Jesus to the despairing in Uganda and empower them to create a better future for themselves,” states heartforugana.org.
“We endeavor to do this by rescuing the orphaned and vulnerable children, providing educational and medical services to the community, encouraging spiritual development through church and discipleship programs, offering employment opportunities, and inspiring children and adults by our words and actions.”
The group also holds prayer meetings on the last Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the first Presbyterian Church in Clarion. All are welcome.
Related article: C-L Graduate Leads ‘Heart For Uganda’ in Rescuing Needy African Children, Tackling Education & Paper Jams
