Tusonge Fall-Winter 2024 Newsletter

Tusonge Children's Ministries

Dec 15, 20244 min read

Sadness & Celebration in 2024

It is with a very heavy heart that we share the news that our beloved JjaJja (Grandmother) Becky Berg passed away Nov. 4th after a long battle with breast cancer. She and her husband, Ken, along with Bill & Kathy Musgrave founded Tusonge Children’s Ministries almost 10 years ago. Becky served as Executive Director and Ken as Treasurer. They led the organization out of their home where Becky and Ken dedicated countless hours to managing and growing Tusonge.

Words can’t fully express the impact that Becky made on the lives of our Tusonge children. Nothing made her happier than to see the smiles, hear the songs and feel the hugs of the Tusonge children whenever she visited them in Uganda. Every story you read in this newsletter and on our website are all testaments to her boundless energy, grace and love for our kids.

We invite you to visit www.TusongeMinistries.org to learn more about Becky and to make a donation in her memory. Together, under the new leadership of Becky’s daughter Shelley and the rest of the board, donors and sponsors, we will continue to make life-changing differences in the lives of our beloved Tusonge children.

"God Bless You, Becky. We will love you forever".

Christmas Fund

In addition to a donation in Becky’s memory, we hope you will consider making a special donation to our Christmas fund, by visiting www.TusongeMinistries.org and clicking on the donate button. Select the “Other” category and designate your gift for the Christmas fund.

Your donations provide every child and their families with staple food items such as rice, beans, flour, pasta, meats and beverages. In addition, we provide school supplies, underwear, toiletries and other necessities.

New and Exciting News in 2023/2024

High School Graduates!!

FOURTEEN of our kids have graduated from high school! Just think for a moment how extraordinary this is. Without Tusonge, these kids would most likely be living on the streets begging for money to survive each day. Because of the sacrifice of each one of you and the hard work and dedication on the part of these children their life and futures look 1000% different!!!

Many of these kids and their sponsors have been together since we started nine years ago. Today, just like proud parents, we can all celebrate their life-changing accomplishments.

"Eyes on the Future" Grants Launch Careers

We were given an incredibly generous donation several years ago that allowed us to create the

“Eyes on the Future” grant and scholarship program. That gift, along with many others who

continue to regularly donate to this program, help our high school graduates go on to

university, trade school, or to start their own business.

Unlike many organizations who terminate sponsorships when children reach 18, we are so

grateful to be able to continue helping our young graduates who seek advanced degrees or

career opportunities. Take a look at what these amazing young men and women are doing

with their “Eyes on the Future” grants:

Grant recipients

Kizza Kizza has finished a two-year cosmetology program and is working for a cosmetics company. She and her mother plan to open their own hair and beauty salon.	Erick Erick graduated from Victoria University with a BS degree in Social Work. He is currently employed by an organization that helps struggling families and children.
Olivia Olivia is currently in her second year of nursing school. Her dream is to care for children in less fortunate areas.	Nora Nora is enrolled in a one-year tailoring vocational technical school. She is excited to go to work and help provide for her parents and siblings.
Fred Fred is the happiest we have ever seen him. He attends a top culinary school in Uganda where he has been elected leader of the student body. He loves to cook, bake and create new dishes. He is learning so much!	Mary Mary is finishing up her first year in fashion and design school. She loves to sew and make beautiful clothes, hand bags, table place mats and more. These items are available for sale if interested.
Latif Latif has joined a family member and is working abroad.	Cyrus Cyrus is pursuing a degree in tourism and hospitality. He would like to be a tour guide and take you on a safari one day. He has been mentored and encouraged by our codirector, George, an experienced safari guide and owner of Primal Pathways.
Shakira Shakira is studying Computer Science.	Parvin Parvin is pursuing her dream of one day becoming a flight attendant by attending an aviation school.
Leon Leon is working on his business plan to start raising chickens and rabbits.	Esther Esther had one of the top scores on their national exams and was offered a full scholarship!! She is pursuing a law degree.
Arthur Arthur is finishing his first year in music school, focusing on keyboard and piano.	Tracy Tracy is pursuing work in the airline industry.

Tusonge House Improvements

Over the last year, your donations have helped us purchase an oven and a sewing machine for the house. These items have been an incredible blessing to all of our kids.

Fred is able to make breads and cook inside when the weather is not conducive for cooking outside.

Mary has been able to sew her clothes, handbags and other items for sale. She is also teaching other younger kids how to sew, an important life skill that they can pass on to their family

members.