Donor Spotlight: Weezy Alcott
Weezy, a long-time supporter, recently traveled to BLC. While there, we asked her some questions to understand why she loves BLC and see the program through her eyes.
Q: How did you first learn about Bududa Learning Center, and what inspired you to get involved?
A: About seven years ago, Barbara Wybar had been spending time in Beaufort, SC, where I live, and after talking with her, I became interested in helping.
Q: Can you share a bit about your personal connection to education and empowerment and how that aligns with BLC's mission?
A: As a child, I lived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with my father for three years. He was very involved with creating programs for the country to have continued success after the US had pulled out. I learned a great deal about the needs of the country and Africa as we were doing volunteer work. When my daughter was old enough, we went on mission trips to Ethiopia twice. The trips were productive, but we couldn't develop relationships with the programs to continue being involved directly. Having met Barbara and learned about BLC, I felt I would be able to make a small difference. I was eager to focus on one program where I saw the results of education and empowerment for individuals and communities.
Q: BLC runs various programs. Do you have a favorite program, and if so, what about it resonates with you?
A: They are all amazing, and I have spent time in each area. Over time, these students start assisting their families with moving from generational poverty to being able to support themselves. There are no schools in the area that provide a variety like BLC. The Children of Bududa Saturday program is my favorite. This is my 3rd trip to BLC and besides my love of children, I have seen that when they start in the COB program the statistics show they continue on with choosing a focus and their education.
Q: In your opinion, what role does education play in addressing global challenges, and how does BLC contribute to that vision?
A: Education is the pathway to success and fulfillment. The more you learn, the more doors will open for you. Maya Angelou
The global challenge is how to assist countries in becoming sustainable and independent of other sources. I have heard students in the sewing or tailoring program say they have been able to make clothes for their families and sell clothing they have made. The students are able to assist not only their families but their communities.
Q: We understand you've been supporting BLC for some time. What keeps you engaged, and what achievements or moments have you found most rewarding?
A: I would be hard-pressed to identify the moments as there are so many. The beauty of the people and the country is always a draw. Every trip I've made to BLC, I have seen the progress in the programs and the impact BLC has for students and the community. On this trip, a student I met three years ago is now employed in a tailoring shop. She stated it was so wonderful to work and assist her family. She was full of joy, showing us her accomplishment!
Q: As a donor, what impact do you hope your contributions will have on the Bududa community in the long run?
A: Children of Bududa creates early intervention for vulnerable children who often wouldn't have a chance for opportunities otherwise. Not only do the children attend on Saturday, but the school fee for them is included in our sponsorship program. At school during the week, they are also guaranteed lunch. I feel the education of one starting at a young age will impact the family and the community in the long run. One student said, "I was very appreciative of the many ways I was supported and would not have been able to come this far otherwise."
Q: What advice do you have for someone considering supporting BLC?
A: All support is needed, and a little goes a long way. For me, the most rewarding has been sponsoring a child and seeing the progress with my own eyes. This mission trip is not for everyone, but the communication between staff and sponsor allows a relationship to build, and you see the impact you are making for the child. You can look at videos, send small gifts and letters with volunteers coming to Bududa, and receive letters from your sponsored child. I would suggest donating to the BLC if you aren't able to fully commit, as it is devastating to the child to be unsponsored. The breakdown of where your donation would go is listed on the website, along with many other details about the BLC
8. Can you recall a specific story or interaction that reinforced your belief in the power of vocational education to transform lives?
A: I met Sharon on my visit three years ago. She was an outgoing and enthusiastic young woman in the tailoring program. This year, I visited the store where she is employed and saw a grown woman supporting herself and feeling successful! This story truly shows the reach and benefits of the program!
Q: Beyond financial support, are there other ways you've been involved with BLC?
A: Beyond financial support, I've joined Barbara Wybar, the founder, and Court Young, the North American Director, who also pours her energy and heart into the growth and success of BLC. The effort Court puts into moving the program forward with technology and global solutions to the issues BLC faces is incredible. This has been an invaluable experience as I've learned about empowering Ugandans to be self-sufficient as opposed to creating dependency. I have also gathered a lot of knowledge about running a non-profit and setting goals.
Q: Lastly, how do you envision the future of BLC, and what role do you see donors playing in that future?
A: My hope for BLC is that it will continue to grow and flourish. I've seen the donor base increase and hope it continues so BLC can help generations of students.