Recent News
This part of our website includes past updates about our ongoing efforts to provide preschool education to low-income rural communities, in particular, the ACCESS pre-school program located in Nakaseke, Uganda.
***Updated information is kept current on our Instagram page. ***
*** Please follow us on Instagram for up to date information.
Preschool in Session
March 16, 2022
Our students are eager to attend school on the ground floor.
We Are So Close!
February 15, 2022
We on working on our last phase of construction! The ground floor is almost complete.
Schools Reopen
January 28, 2022
After a two year school shutdown, Uganda has finally lifted the ban. Our preschoolers are overjoyed to be resuming in person classes!
Martin Luther King Day
January 17, 2022
We remember MLK today as a force of good. Every step we take towards goodness, no matter how big or small, is helping to change the lives of others. “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
Year End Holiday Party
December 16, 2021
Children and their caregivers enjoyed a day of celebrating their hard work with a Christmas party. Although schools remain closed in Uganda, we continue to tutor the children through home aid so they don't fall behind academically.
At Home Study Aid
November 8, 2021
Ugandan schools remain closed, but we are continuing with our program so the children don’t fall behind.
One on One Tutoring
October 25, 2021
We offer one on one tutoring when children fall behind in their lesson plans.
International Day of the Girl Child
October 11, 2021
We support girls so that they can have more opportunities and increase awareness of gender inequality. When girls lack support, they fall victim to violence, are more likely to be put into child marriage, and often lack of access to health care.
Teachers Traveling from Village to Village
September 27, 2021
Our teachers travel to over 14 villages to distribute materials and review lesson plans with the preschoolers.
Teaching Handwashing
September 6, 2021
Our teachers have been diligent about teaching our preschoolers and their families about the importance of handwashing.
National Nonprofit Day
April 17, 2021
Grace’s Promise is grateful to reach across international borders to make a difference in children’s lives.
Look how far we have come!
March 31, 2021
Thanks to your generous support we are making progress on our construction project.
Building Construction Progress
December 12, 2020
We are excited to share with you the latest photos of our preschool building. Thank you to everyone who has supported our efforts in making preschool education opportunities available for the children of the Nakaseke community.
Sacred Heart University Global Engagement and Education Graduate Club
December 11, 2020
Grace’s Promise is humbled to have the Sacred Heart University Global Engagement and Education Graduate Club choose our non-profit as the recipient of their collective donations. Their donations are a testament to their commitment to making preschool educational opportunities available for the children of the Nakaseke community.
Fundly Preschool Building Campaign
August 25, 2020
Today we launched our online Campaign to secure funds for the completion of our preschool building which will provide a safe learning environment for the children.
Radio Distribution
August 23, 2020
Preschool graduates, who are enrolled in primary school, were distributed hand radios to facilitate their learning. The students and their caregivers were taught how to utilize these radios to receive their lesson plans from an ACCESS social worker. We hope the hand radios will assist in the continuity of their education.
Insuring Sustainability of our IGA Program during COVID
August 21, 2020
Home visits to preschool graduates’ families, who received Income Generating Activities, IGA, projects were made. Examples of projects include piggery, saloon, poultry, snacks, boutique, and tailoring. Fast-growing vegetable seeds like collards, eggplants, red Amaranths, and solanum aethiopicum were distributed to these families to combat poverty and hunger during the pre and post COVID-19 period.
Some of the challenges faced by preschool families with IGAs:
I. Some businesses like hair salons and boutiques were closed yet this was the main source of income to these families. This has resulted in malnutrition, poverty, famine, domestic violence among the family members.
II. Some families with piggery projects face a problem of lacking enough food to feed their animals since the feeds are expensive yet the other sources of income are closed up.
III. Families with poultry projects are actively working but face a challenging market because most of their usual customers are not currently working. This obstacle is greatly impacting their IGA projects, whereby they invest much in buying feeds and harvest less after selling.
Home Visits and Safety Practices
June 29, 2020
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, construction of the preschool building has temporarily ceased as well as the program itself for social distancing precautions. Recently, an ACCESS nurse visited the preschool families to speak about the importance of hand washing skills and distribute at home learning materials.
Philanthropic Grant from Women’s Club of Danbury and New Fairfield
April 14, 2020
A big thank you to the Women’s Club of Danbury and New Fairfield for this philanthropic grant! You are helping to make a difference in so many lives #WCDNF
COVID-19 Update
April 4, 2020
To our generous friends and supporters of Grace’s Promise,
We hope you, your families, and your communities are healthy, safe, and at much ease as you can be during this difficult time. Thank you to each of you for everything you are doing to make this world a little brighter.
At Grace’s Promise, we had quickly mobilized a number of initiatives to help our students stay protected from the COVID-19 pandemic while remaining engaged with their studies. Among these included face masks, school supplies, study materials, and meals. Unfortunately, these initiatives are now on hold as public health measures include transportation restrictions. However, we are diligently reaching out to students and their families via telecommunication to inquire about their health status and any support we may be able to provide.
The construction of the school has also been temporarily suspended in order to abide by public health measures and recommendations.
We are all facing unprecedented challenges that require new, innovative solutions. If you have any creative ideas about ways to help keep students of Grace’s Promise healthy and their studies continuous, please reach out to us via email or through our website.
Stay Well,
Grace’s Promise Team
Walls going up!
March 4, 2020
We are pleased to share the second phase of construction, the foundation, has been completed. We have started to erect the walls.
Breaking Ground & Celebrating
February 6, 2020
We have started our first phase of construction, digging our preschool foundation. Pictured is a construction worker digging the trenches.
Graduation day
January 10, 2020
Congratulations to our newest graduating class of 21 preschools! All of them will be moving onto primary school thanks to our IGA program that allows mothers and caregivers vocational training so they can financially provide for their family's needs.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Visits A.C.C.E.S.S.
November 24, 2019
Thank you to A.C.C.E.S.S. for hosting KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Pictured are Dr. Robert and Estherloy accepting preschool chairs and other supplies from KLM.
Sacred HeaRt University Educational Series
November 21, 2019
Thanks to Sacred Heart University and Professor Sedigh for this amazing event. It was an honor to be a part of it!
Soil Testing
November 20, 2019
Pictured are members of the preschool building construction team surveying the land designated for our preschool building and conducting soil experiments to determine if the land can be built upon.
Global Education at Sacred Heart University (SHU)
November 19, 2019
Thank you to Cima Sedigh, Ed.D, Associate Professor Isabelle Farrington College of Education for inviting me to speak at SHU my journey to Global Health and starting my non-profit.
Thank you for your support!
October 30, 2019
A BIG thank you to everyone who came out to support our UCONN Fall Festival. It was a very special and successful day.
Fall Festival at UCONN
October 25, 2019
Looking forward to the Fall Festival at UCONN to benefit Graces Promise, Inc. Stop by for hot and sparkling apple cider, caramel apples and lots more. All proceeds go directly to helping the preschool children.
Inspiring creativity
October 8, 2019
Our pre-school program is play-based, we provide STE(A)M based toys, books, and puzzles and that inspire creativity and let their imagination grow. Pictured are the children playing with their toys which improves fine motor skills, memory, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, self-esteem and teamwork.
Items for purchase
August 30, 2019
New items have been added on our website’s store.
Parents and caregivers making clothing and jewelry for purchase
August 28, 2019
Recent photos of the parents and caregivers of the preschool children making clothing and jewelry for purchase. At Grace's Promise, we provide the children of Nakaseke District, Uganda, preschool education and access to healthcare for free. However, once the children graduate from our program and move on to primary school, their parents must find the financial means to pay for their children's primary school fees. Look for items for purchase on our website in the near future. Every dollar of your purchase will go directly to benefiting the families. Every item was loving crafted by a Ugandan mother or caregiver.
preschool Blueprints!
August 12, 2019
We are excited to share our pre-school building blueprints! Look for upcoming photographs of the construction phase and how you can sponsor a classroom.
Items for purchase
July 1, 2019
We have a new section to our website! You can now purchase items lovingly handcrafted by the mothers / caregivers of the children enrolled in the preschool program. https://www.gracespromise.com/store
Newtown Bee, Fundraiser Update
June 22, 2019
Thank you to Eliza Hallabeck for helping us promote our nonprofit by updating the public on our recent fundraiser. To read the article click on this link -> https://www.newtownbee.com/fundraiser-supports-promise-ugandan-preschoolers/06242019
New members
June 19, 2019
We welcome two new members to our team: Estherloy Katali will be serving as our Director and A.C.C.E.S.S. Liaison coordinator and Mitra Sadigh will be the Director of Marketing and Communications.
Night of the fundraiser
June 8, 2019
Thank you everyone for your support of Grace’s Promise’s first fundraiser - it was an incredible night! It was overwhelming to feel such gracious and heartfelt support for the preschool families. Follow us on Instagram too @gracespromise for updates as well!
Leadership Luncheon
June 5, 2019
Catherine Herrick - VP of Sustainability - spoke at the Girl Scouts Legacy of Leadership Luncheon about her work on the Incoming Generating Activity Program at Grace’s Promise where caregivers are able to earn an income for their child’s education.
Fundraiser Video
May 31, 2019
Check out our video!! These are the preschool families that will directly benefit from our upcoming fundraiser
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ae6cn70Y18AUQNImQw-Nzr0sRj9txrQy/view
Instagram post
May 21, 2019
Follow us for weekly updates on our new Instagram account @gracespromise
Sponsors
May 17, 2019
We are thankful to collaborate with organizations, like Clayton’s Mercantile Supply, and individuals who share a passion for making the world a better place. Clayton’s generous donation will benefit the families of the preschool children living in Nakaseke District, Uganda.
Happy Mother’s day
May 12, 2019
At Grace’s Promise, we celebrate mothers who sacrifice and devote all of their time and energy to their families. We appreciate all the blessings they tirelessly give to their children in order for them to have an opportunity for a better life.
Earth day
April 22, 2019
Today is International Earth Day where we celebrate Mother Earth. At Grace’s Promise, we take our responsibility seriously to ensure environmental and economic sustainability for all children and their caregivers who live in under served rural communities. Pictured is a caregiver tending to her pigs. Because of your generous donations, we can offer caregivers and parents micro-grants, such as raising pigs, jewelry making or tailoring, to earn income and lift themselves out of poverty.
Fundraiser Flyer
March 26, 2019
International Woman’s day
March 8, 2019
March 8th is International Women’s Day! It is a day for celebrating womanhood. At Grace’s Promise, we celebrate the mothers, aunts, and grandmothers who work tirelessly to lift their families out of poverty and provide their children with an education. Pictured are some of the mothers and grandmothers learning Income Generating Activities such as making jewelry making and knitting.
Breaking the cycle of poverty
March 2, 2019
The mothers are working hard in learning new skills that will
allow them to successfully improve their economic situations and lift
themselves and their families out of poverty.
New Website design
February 23, 2019
We have a new and improved website! Keep updated with our ongoing efforts to provide free preschool education in Nakaseke Uganda. Currently, 78% of all children attending school in Uganda drop out by the time they reach 6th grade. There are no available preschool programs, and parents must pay school fees for public primary school education, which can be a hardship for the family. Grace’s Promise is dedicated to giving these children an opportunity to attend preschool programs designed to teach the fundamental skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and graduate from primary school.
Educate and Inspire
February 13, 2019
Today Catherine Herrick presented her Girl Scout Gold Award project, creating an Income Generating Activities/Skills, (IGA), program, to enable the mothers and caregivers of our preschool program learn new skills, to the Sacred Heart Academy community. In addition to her PowerPoint and board presentation, she worked with fellow students making marketing tags to attach to the hand made items the mothers and caregivers are making. Money earned from the items will be used to feed the families of the students and pay for the student's school fees.
Working Together
February 10, 2019
We had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Karen Pease Marino, BeadsforLife, Community Partner Volunteer. Many similarities exist with Grace's Promise and BeadforLife, as we both seek to create sustainable opportunities for women to break the cycle of extreme poverty. At Grace's Promise, we work with mothers and caregivers of our preschool students to help them learn and earn income so they can support themselves and their children. We look forward to working with BeadforLife in the near future. Also thank you to Dr. Petrini, from Western CT Health Network, for making the introductions.
Stimulation and Discovery
February 5, 2019
Our program is a S.T.E.(A).M. based curriculum that is play based with a focus on stimulation and discovery. Pictured are the preschool children engaging in playful activities.
IGA Program A Success
February 4, 2019
The raw materials delivered by Dr. Agaba have become beautiful bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Parents are also working on making baby clothes, blankets, and other items for purchase to help pay for their children's kindergarten education school fees. Our preschool program is free but once the children graduate to primary school, parents are responsible for their children's school fees.
International Education Day
January 24, 2019
Today is the first ever International Day of Education which reinforces education is a basic human right and it is vitally important for sustainable development. We at Grace’s Promise firmly believe education improves many aspects of society, including political participation, opportunities toward democratic reforms, and social/gender/ethnic equality, and leads to a decrease in infant mortality rates.
Home Visits
January 22, 2019
Thank you to the A.C.C.E.S.S. team for periodically visiting the preschool families and their children and encourage them to read and learn while at home.
Delivery of Raw Materials
January 21, 2019
Thank you Dr. Agaba for delivering the materials from the United States to Ugandan parents and caregivers of the preschool program participants to further develop the Income Generating Activities (IGA) Program. Pictured in the photograph is one of the IGA teachers who will teach crocheting, knitting, and jewelry crafting. Items that the mothers and grandmothers make will be for sale on this website soon. Proceeds from the sale of the items will help the families pay for their children's education when they enter elementary school.
Twenty New Graduates
December 15, 2018
Congratulations to twenty of our preschool graduates who will be starting elementary school in January 2019. We know that they will be prepared thanks to our play-based preschool program that focuses on S.T.E.M. based learning, cognitive skills, music, and English.
Insuring Sustainability
October 1, 2018
Thank you to Resty Nakayima, the ACCESS social worker, for working closely with the parents and the caregivers of the preschool children to identify Income Generating Activities (IGA’s). IGA’s will enable parents and caregivers to earn money to pay for their children’s education fees. The pre-school program is free to our students, but once they graduate, the parents and caregivers are responsible for paying the children’s primary school fees. Resty will be working with Catherine Herrick, our Vice President of Sustainability, to ensure children will have the opportunity to continue their education once they graduate from our program.
Collaborative Efforts Among Donors
September 9, 2018
A special thank you to Kathy Gunther, a retired preschool teacher, for donating preschool activity kits comprised of books and toys, to Grace's Promise. We accepted the donation on behalf of Jericho Partnership, CityServe, located in Danbury Connecticut. CityServe's mission is to help the South Street & Great Plain Elementary School, low-income families, and help the homeless find jobs.
West Haven Rotary Club Lunch and Learn
August 29, 2018
Thank you to Mr. Donald Thomas, from the West Haven Rotary Club, for inviting me to speak at the Lunch and Learn today. I was able to share my Girl Scout Gold Award and what we are accomplishing in Uganda at the moment. We look forward to partnering with the West Haven Rotary Club in our future endeavors.
Congratulations Catherine Herrick
August 23, 2018
Congratulations to Catherine Herrick, our VP of Sustainability, for completing her first step to earning her Girl Scout Gold Award. For Catherine's Gold Award project, she is working with parents of preschool children to develop income-generating activities. This will help parents earn the required amount of money to pay for their children's primary school education fees.
CT Style Meghan Yost Interview
August 16, 2018
Thank you to Meghan Yost for interviewing me and giving me the opportunity to discuss my two passions, education and health. To check out the interview, click on the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/GracesPromiseInc/videos/2206263369615488/
ACCESS Preschool Program Visit in Uganda
July 25, 2018
It was my pleasure visiting the ACCESS Preschool Program and personally meeting all the children and their caregivers. A special thank you to Sam Kane for donating a preschool music curriculum and a karaoke machine to the program. Also a gratitude of thanks to the program coordinators, the children's caregivers, and to the ACCESS community for making the preschool program a reality.
Cards for a Cause
May 31, 2018
Thank you to Katelyn Doane for organizing a fundraiser, Cards for a Cause, to benefit Graces Promise's mission of providing free preschool education to underprivileged communities. Also, thank you to all who purchased the handmade, boxed kits.
Elisa Hallabeck interviews Grace
April 7, 2018
Thank you to Elisa Hallabeck from the Newtown Bee for spreading the word about our nonprofit preschool program. You can read the article here https://newtownbee.com/st-rose-of-lima-graduate-returns-to-share-story-of-starting-a-preschool-program-in-uganda/
Donation from the Saint Rose of Lima School
March 16, 2018
I’m very grateful SRS chose Grace’s Promise, Inc as the beneficiary of the funds raised from the “Teacher Appreciation Day” fundraiser. Education should be a basic human right for all and my non-profit is trying to bring education to rural communities in poverty stricken areas that have no future. Every dollar they gave directly benefits the children in our Uganda A.C.C.E.S.S. Preschool Program.
Saint Rose of Lima Preschool Program
March 14, 2018
It was with great joy I spent Wednesday morning with the Saint Rose of Lima school's Preschool Program with the four and five year old children. I read my favorite childhood book Chica Chica Boom Boom to them and we then did a craft. Promoting the importance of preschool education is important because it is the foundation of learning.
We Now Have Two Preschool Programs!
February 12, 2018
Congratulations to our new preschool program participants. Ten students will be enrolled in our expanded afternoon preschool program. Our preschool program requires parents to be involved in the learning process; pictured is Estherloy educating the new parents and students on the requirements of the preschool program.
New Facebook Page
January 12, 2018
Our new Grace's Promise, Inc. Facebook page was created today. Future posts will be located there. Click here to access the new page, or here for our old posts on Uganda Read's Facebook page, which chronicles the progression of turning my girl scout gold award project into a preschool education non-profit.
Graduation Day
December 30, 2017
Congratulations to the graduates of the ACCESS Preschool Program! This picture is an example of one of the many children at their celebratory party receiving their certificates of completion. We wish them great success as they move on to kindergarten.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Donation
October 3, 2017
A heartfelt thank you to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for their monetary donation, along with donating tables chairs and toys, to the ACCESS Preschool program. Pictured is Dr. Robert Kalyesubula, President ACCESS-Uganda, along with the preschool coordinator, and some of the children and the parents enrolled in the ACCESS Preschool program.
Non-Profit Logo
September 1, 2017
Thanks to Ogilvy Common Health Market Access's Art Department, Grace's Promise has a new logo. A special thank you to Dawn Caserta for tirelessly working on our new brochure and business card!
It's Official!
April 20, 2017
The CT Office of the State has approved the official nonprofit Grace's Promise, Inc. Thank you to Grace's Promise's board of directors for believing in me and this project as well as Pro Bono Partnership, my attorneys, the Girl Scouts of CT, and The Gunnery community.
Science Experiment!
March 28, 2017
The STEM and sensory toys that were purchased using the money raised with the help of The Gunnery community have arrived at the ACCESS preschool today. The children are so excited to receive the gifts that will foster their creativity.
Gunnery Fundraiser
January 25, 2017
Students made drawings that were sent over to Uganda along with STEM and Sensory Integration kits that will be purchased with the funds raised. Your support means everything! Thank you to everyone who donated to the ACCESS Preschool Program fundraiser at The Gunnery!
Sharing Our Mission
November 7, 2016
It was my pleasure attending the Gold Award Centennial luncheon yesterday and having the opportunity to talk about the ACCESS preschool program. The highlight was listening to Ms. Younger, President and CEO of Ms. Foundation for Women, and fellow Girl Scout, share her journey of advocating for women's rights. I am happy to be a part of an incredible Sisterhood of amazing women!
Picture Day!
October 18, 2016
A total of 35 participants ranging from the ages of 2.5 to 6 years old are enrolled in the preschool. Some of the children have younger siblings that come because their parents cannot leave them home alone, increasing the total number children in the program to 42. Pictured is one of the participants of the program.
Fostering Creativity
March 15, 2016
Play is the foundation to learning and the classes are structured to reflect this philosophy. The preschool kids are pictured here taking a break and enjoying a game of soccer before going back to class!
Snack Time
May 22, 2016
In Uganda, if children arrive to school without food they are sent home. Lack of food is a barrier to education. My preschool program includes a meal for every child attending the program.
Home Visits
March 22, 2016
Community outreach / home visits are an integral aspect of our preschool program. The parents have a crucial responsibility in their children's education because they need to provide reinforcements to what the children learn in class.
Orientation Day
March 12, 2016
Preschool programs in rural areas don't exist because of the prohibitive costs. Our preschool program offers free education to children living in impoverish communities. Pictured is Estherloy handing out toys to the preschool children during the orientation day for the ACCESS program. The children enjoyed games, water, and snacks during the presentation. For the first time, a total of 47 families were present to learn about the opportunity to give their children education.