World AIDS Orphan Day

Last Friday was World AIDS Orphan Day. We had 17 children practice for about a week in order to be able to perform two songs and a poem. An organization called Phoebe organized the march and the performances at the government center. I walked along the parade and then sat with our children as we watched many other children perform various songs and skits all having to do with AIDS orphans.

The parade downtown.

17 of our students performing two songs and one poem.

They provided lunch. And this was my first time eating Ugandan style (no silverware) so Teo just HAD to take a picture of me.


The poem that Marion wrote and recited (typed up by Risa):

O, O, O
what a child, my God
whose life is full of nothing but sorrow

a victim of all circumstances

the poor African child
there are many fights for rights
among children in this continent
who are neglected and rejected
depressed and dispersed
misused and abused
yet there are children in the same world
whose rights are highly respected
with no question about good life
for education food and good care
but the poor African child
ever on streets
sleeping rough and dressing in rags
like stray dogs
they go wondering
there are children in the same homes
whose stories are never told
whose voices are never heard
and their songs are never sung
as a child sacrifice is a serious threat
let us rise children and fight for their rights
let us form a voice
a globally sound voice
and a voice reaching far
Until we conquer the fall
- Mukyala Marion
A Children of Grace Sponsored Student