Today we’d like to introduce you to Betty Edwards.
Hi Betty, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2016 I went on my first mission trip to Uganda, Africa. My heart was touched by the severe poverty and suffering of the people, especially in the rural villages. I was determined to find a way to have a lasting impact and alleviate some of the hardships the people were experiencing. My heart was touched by the children who seemed so content to survive on such little. They had no electricity, plumbing, or clean water, They survived on family farming and often did not have enough food to eat. When I returned home I started a non profit organization called Grace World Ministries. I wanted to help make a difference in the lives of the children so they could have hope for a brighter future. My husband and I started adopting orphaned children and children from severely impoverished homes. These children had no hope of every going to school to obtain even a basic education. We provide tuition, fees, uniforms, and lodging for those in boarding schools. We also share supplies for farming, basic food and hygiene items to our families twice a year. Until Covid we visited our students twice a year. We currently make annual visits to provide support and address medical, dental, and other social needs they have. Our students experience serious challenges in obtaining quality education. Malnourishment and the need to work the family farm often interfere with our student’s ability to focus on learning. As much as they recognize the value of education they have to balance that with daily survival. We sponsor medical and dental camps in villages to help fight some of the chronic diseases and illnesses that are common among them. Our goal is to educate as many children as possible at least through their primary school years. If they pass their primary exams we continue to provide financial support through secondary school. We have provided financial support for over 150 students through the primary level. There are 30 students that have completed their secondary education and 6 that have pursued training and education post graduation. We count it a success when students can read, write, and speak English. This enhances their ability to find stable employment in their village and provide for themselves the basic necessities of life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest struggle for us has been accepting that all our efforts at supporting students does not guarantee their success. We have lost many female students due to pregnancy or marriage. Some female students have poor attendance due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products. We have found that students often go to school hungry, tired, and suffering from chronic illnesses or diseases. We expected a larger number of students excelling in school but discovered that learning is not the priority for these poor children often carrying the load of helping their family survive. We provide nutrition supplements, health exams, solar lights for studying and hope our efforts make it a little easier for the students to be able to learn at school and rest at home.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a licensed clinical social worker. I retired as a section chief and program manager for the Department of Veterans Affairs. My husband is a retired business owner. I am most proud of the work I do as a social worker in my private life, at my church, and in my community. I am a clinical social worker and provide counseling services. I also link people and families to social resources in the community. My husband’s business and our non profit have supported low performing elementary schools in Dallas and social service agencies that assist the needy. What sets us apart from others is our determination to help whenever we see a need. We are not limited to supporting students and families in Uganda but we support students and families close to home.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is setting a goal and reaching or exceeding the goal. The key to success is setting goals that are attainable and putting in the necessary work. Success often comes slower than expected and sometimes it may have to be interpreted in a different way. Success sometimes comes only after adjusting and readjusting our goals and the steps we take to reach them. Although success is not automatic it is a good benchmark to strive for in community service. Success for me is when people are helped and in a better place than before I met them. Success is rewarding personally but it is more rewarding when you know the outcome is benefiting someone else and filling a need that was previously unfilled.
Pricing:
- $400 educates one Uganda student annually
Contact Info:
- Website: https://graceworldministriestx.org
Image Credits
All are personal photos taken by Reggie Edwards (Grace World Ministries) or Betty Edwards (Grace World Ministries)
