No More Fences
One of my most memorable hobbies as a teenager was growing kitchen gardens. I liked planting stuff: tomatoes, papers, beans, carrots, letters, eggplants, ochre, and the like. I couldn’t wait to implement whatever I learned from my agricultural science class. It’s weird but I enjoyed the challenge of nurturing plants.
The biggest challenge each year was how to protect my crops from stray dogs, goats, sheep, and chickens. They were everywhere! So fences were erected around the parameter to keep the wildlife at bay.
Since then I have learned much more about the importance of fences or “boundaries.” They serve to protect what’s valuable to us and also tell others how we want to be treated. A fence could save us from abuse, provide peace of mind, and give us a sense of security. Fences are good!
Recently during my trip to Uganda, I had a negative experience with a fence. It was bad and I wanted that fence to be completely gone.
Dave and I were attending the Rays of Grace Primary School end of year Thanksgiving celebration. It was a day full of all kinds of festivities with over 800 people in attendance on the (1.5 acres) compound. There were dignitaries from the community and the government. The students sang songs, recited poetry, and performed traditional folk dances. The foods were tasty. The entire event was outstanding.
But there was one imaged that tormented my spirit. Towards the very back of the school, children were gathered behind the chain-link fence. The group consisted of about fifteen to twenty boys and girls. Some were toddler-aged while others were much older. Their innocent faces were pressed against the gray-wired fence.
The wired fences are there for a reason. Rays of Grays is a school with classrooms, a library, computer lab, clinic, dorms, teacher’s quarters, kitchen, and much more. Even more important are the 450 students who attend during the school year. As such, security is paramount. Robert Kiwanuka, our HFF Uganda Director has also included cameras and 24-hour guards.
Fences are important. They do serve a purpose, but I was deeply moved with compassion for these children. The initial thought was to remove the wired fences. But that wouldn’t solve the problem. You see, the problem for many of these children is the fence called “lack of funds.”
What if you and I could help remove the “fences” or “barriers” many of these children were experiencing? What if you and I could change the life of one child by our prayer and our giving?
Will you consider helping us bring these children inside? Will you help them to be included? Will you consider becoming a Guardian Angel Sponsor? This program helps provide education, food, uniforms, and much more for these children.
Help us make a difference today.
No more fences!
Originally published in The Dispatch
