UVSC Student Battles Aids Epidemic

Edward Ssejinja, a well-known figure among members of his village in Bira, Uganda, was an advocate for education. As a result, appreciation for learning developed in the hearts of villagers, as well as his son, David, an integrated studies (history and political science) major at UVSC.

When political extremists killed his parents, an orphaned David Ssejinja came to the United States in pursuit of higher education at UVSC, a move he knows his father would be proud of. In an effort to honor his father´s legacy, Ssejinja established the Ssejinja Children´s Foundation in 1999, a non-profit organization that has since built the first certified elementary shool in Ugands, which also serves as a shelter for orphans. The Foundation also provides shool supplies, clothing, food and water, sleeping mats and shoes, among other items.

"Education is a lifetime investment," he said. "I want to reach the children of Uganda at an early age because they are the leaders of tomorrow and they will pass on what they learn to others."

With the children´s basic needs now convered, Ssejinja is focused on AIDS awareness education. Staggering numbers of children in Uganda have been orphaned by the effects of AIDS, left to raise themselves and their siblings. To combat the ods, Sssejinja created a program allowing people in the United States to sponsor an orphaned child who parents fell victim to AIDS or civil war violance in Ugands. In addition, he is creating methods for educating orphans about the effects and dangers of AIDS, in the hopes of future prevention.

"Many of my own family members and dear friends have died of the disease,: he said, "So the cause is very important to me."

To support the AIDS awareness program, Ssejinja continues to organize various fund raisers and events on UVSC's campus to raise money and awareness.

In March, Ssejinja approached Governor John Huntsman Jr. with his concerns. Huntsman signed an offical declaration designating April as "Aids Awareness Month" in Utah.

"Governor Huntsman's support sill motivate others to provide help in the fight against AIDS," Ssejinja said. "The people of Utah an truly make a difference in the lives of children battling the AIDS epidemic in Africa."

Ssejinja and UVSC advisors are now working with the governor's office to plan a fund raising reception for fall 2005. They hope to raise $30,000 to build a medical clinic and recruit top AIDS doctors from the state to share their research and support the Foundation.

The organization also hopes to secure grants for medical supplies additional education in the villages as well as an AIDS testing clinic in Uganda. "AIDS is a global issure," Cannon said. Ssejinja plans to earn a master's degree in the U.S. before settling in Uganda permanently.

"I will always go back to my country to help out," Ssejinja said. "Especially for the children."