In February 2024 I visited Naswadi for the first time. I stayed only one hour. What I saw gave me goosebumps – signs of stunted growth and malnutrition, many children without parental care, and some children who appeared to have developmental differences, quietly making circles in the sand.
I knew I had to come back.
In February 2026 I returned for a full week.
One afternoon I sat with two boys on a low wall. When I asked what they wanted to become when they grew up, both simply shrugged. They had no answer. No dream.
During the week we distributed school supplies and full hygiene kits to every child – toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, tongue cleaner, washcloth, handkerchief, and nail cutter. For the girls we also brought nail polish and hair accessories so they could feel seen and valued.
We used personal funds to buy a large pressure cooker and proper serving utensils because the ones they had were old and too small.
One boy had a growth on his finger that was itching and sometimes felt hot. He had kept quiet because he thought it was “not a big deal.” I reported it immediately and spoke to all the children about the importance of speaking up about any injury or change in their body.
Most of the children are shy. Some have difficulty seeing clearly. Medical checkups come only once or twice a year.
When it was time to leave, the boys called out, “Come back and serve us milk and treats!” The girls, softer and shyer, said, “Do not forget us. Come back again.”
These are the simplest desires in the world – and the most powerful reason we will return.
Help us return to Naswadi and continue providing these children with the care, supplies, nutrition, and support they deserve. Your donation can help give a child more than the basics—it can help give them a reason to dream.
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