Peter Ferguson in Uganda. 2009
SLIDESHOW: Uganda Mission Trip
SACRAMENTO, CA -- At just 19 years old, Jesuit High School graduate Peter Ferguson made his first mission trip to Uganda. He had to rely on his personal savings and help from friends to pay for the transcontinental trip.
One year later, the Sacramento native is heading back. This time, Ferguson's trip will be funded by a grant from Boston College where he attends school. In December, he plans on shooting a documentary and making local contacts in Uganda to help the organization he worked with on his first trip, Nsambya Ex-street Children Organization (NESCO).
Ferguson says he made his decision to head overseas after learning about post-colonial life in other countries. He realized there was a need to help not just one child but a whole generation.
He says when he first arrived to the village of Nsambya outside Kampala, Uganda, he was taken aback. He said he expected to see people living in poverty, but he said it took some adjustment to see the living conditions up close and personal.
On his first trip, he focused on the children. He spent time playing soccer, creating art projects and plays. There was also some reflective time for him to talk to the children about their dreams, hopes and fears. He says they were very curious about American culture and were intrigued by Michael Jackson and President Obama.
Ferguson says the bonds he formed with the children propelled him to do more. He realized there needed to be a better financial structure to funnel funds and goods to NESCO.
According to Ferguson, the men that run the group are amazing individuals but they aren't skilled with finances.
On his second Uganda trip, Ferguson says he hopes to establish a relationship with nearby groups, such as the Jesuit camp just outside the village. Through these groups, Ferguson says he may be able to send donations to them and have them pass the money on to NESCO.
So what makes this 20-year-old college student reach higher and give back to a life that has been truly blessed? Ferguson says its all because of his family and a supportive friend base.
The Housing Uganda's Children website has more information on Ferguson's mission as well as education, donations and other projects.
News10/KXTV
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