Meet Ndagire Kevin

Meet Ndagire Kevin, the sweet little girl who stole Alex’s heart and started this all. Ndagire was introduced to Alex in 2018 during a Waves of Health Medical mission. At age six, she was malnourished, spoke no English, had ringworm on her head, did not know her birthday, and owned only three dresses that were given to her by social worker and in- country partner, Sister Bernadette. Despite the hardships she faced, Ndagire was always smiling, enjoyed taking selfies, and bonded with Alex through non- verbal communication throughout the medical mission.

Ndagire was born in the remote fishing village of Kavule (where the medical mission was being held) to a mother who abandoned her when she was barely a year old and to a father who was a 75 year old alcoholic. While being cared for by her father, Ndagire was forced to accompany him nightly to drink and then slept on the roadside with him until he sobered up. Oftentimes she was not fed and had jiggers in her feet and as a result of such negligence, Sister Bernadette was able to take Ndagire into her care. Learning her story, Alex was so moved and offered to sponsor Ndagire to go to boarding school, giving her a chance to escape poverty.

Today, nearly three years later, Ndagire is thriving. She speaks English fluently, has improved her grades, is well fed, has plenty of clothing, and is happy. She and Alex maintain a relationship and see each other twice a year. She has gotten her first wish of having her own birthday cake (and now has an adopted birthday!) and hopes to one day become a teacher.

Ndagire’s story is a sad one, but it has a happy ending. Many children in Uganda who aren’t able to attend school are not so lucky. They aren’t given a chance and are trapped in the never- ending cycle of extreme poverty. We may not be able to change the trajectory of every child’s life, but we ask that you please join us in providing education and changing the lives of those that we can.