How's it Work?
In the US, fund raising efforts are led by Peter Antal, Ph.D., Director of US OCRE, LLC.
In Uganda, direct services to children and families are led by Father Victor Mundua of the Apostles of Jesus and Vicky Ndaru of OCRE (pictured at left).
US OCRE has established connections with Father Victor Mundua and Vicky Ndaru who have agreed to provide oversight and stewardship for any direct service funds raised by US OCRE. At least twice per year, direct service funds will be transferred from US OCRE to OCRE in Uganda. Father Victor and Vicky Ndaru of OCRE collaborate to ensure that any funds raised go to those who need it most in the areas served. Vicky works with her staff to reach out to the local schools and villages to ensure children and adults are connected to the services they need.
What Started this Effort?
Vicky Ndaru conceived the idea of supporting illiterate, orphaned children who dropped out of school, both boys and girls, ranging from the ages of 4-14 years as well as marginalized sections of the community. The war which brought about the downfall of Idi Amin Dada caused total destruction of the social, economic, religious, structural and cultural system/structures of the people.
Even after 50 years the Lugbara people have not recovered properly from the impact and stigma of this war. Even researchers have counted the Lugbara people among the poorest of all the 42 or so tribes in Uganda. Despite the hardship, she did not abandon this noble idea of supporting the neediest children and the marginalized section of the community which bothered her so much. She prayed to God and requested some of the affected to continue praying so that God may continue to help them and one day to find a better way of supporting them in their needs.
In 2018, East Africa Charitable Projects Fund (EACPF), under leadership from Nick Monroe, connected with Vicky Ndaru and provided initial start up funds with the goal of improving youth access to education and the promise of a better life for themselves and their communities. In 2020, Mr. Monroe stepped back from direct fund raising efforts for this effort and sought the involvement of others who would help to take up the mission. In July of 2020, Peter Antal agreed to continue this work and support the future activity of OCRE.
What's Been Done?
Since OCRE's initial launch in 2018 with the East Africa Charitable Project Fund, 63 children initially and 56 children currently have been identified and provided tuition support as well as funding for school supplies and materials. In addition, several adults of the Ociba region with limited ability for self-sustainment have been provided with some basic supports. We are now raising funds to continue tuition payments for 2025 and provide critical resources to the children and families of the Ociba region.
What should I know about the director of US OCRE?
The director, Peter Antal, seeks to live a more faith-filled life based on a trust in God and a love of family and community. In service to these areas, Peter is seeking to find a different way of living that puts less priority on the guarantees of a weekly paycheck, but is more directly linked to a belief that hard work, compassion, sacrifice, and a little help from one's neighbors who share in these values will ultimately lead to true success. You can find out more about Peter on LinkedIn, follow his work as a glassblower, or as an evaluation and strategic planning consultant for nonprofit organizations.