Ruth Bahika's GRACE VILLA - a nurturing safe haven for vulnerable girls. "You're safely home".

Ruth, my hero, packed up 19 years of American living & moved to Kabale...a little village in Uganda. With 6 years of Early Childhood Development & Psychology under her belt, she knew 1st hand what a difference 1-on-1 attention, nurturing & a holisitic education could make in the lives of children.

The Specifics

250 million little girls live in abject poverty, uneducated, married off at a tender age, exposed to disease & abuse. Ruth saw this 1st hand through her job & volunteer efforts in Northern Uganda & beyond. Her response: Grace Villa, a loving home for girls found living on the margin of society, in which their young lives are rebuilt through care, a stellar education, nutrition, therapy, social & medical attention. Besides conventional schooling, each girl will be prepped for autonomy by tapping into their unique strengths & gifts learning IT skills, jam making, carpentry, sports, music, etc. *When you improve a girl’s life, a ripple effect is created that positively affects their families…& entire communities. Imagine the possibilities!

Discussion

I visited Grace Villa (work in progress!) in February with a group of US students. Ruth is a beautiful combination of idealist and pragmatist, dreamer and doer. I trust her and her family's vision for Grace Villa, and trust that they have the practical skills to build it and make it thrive. As a young Ugandan woman who grew up in that community herself she will make a wonderful mentor for the girls in the home.

by kiaran h

about 1 year ago | Reply

Thank you Kiaran for this lovely message, for the call to vote on FaceBook & for your vote of confidence. Can't wait to have you come visit when all is done. We'll sit under the guava tree u planted...& smile.

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

wow the world needs women like you!!

by Omega Fayth Ariho

about 1 year ago | Reply

You're too kind, Fayth! Thanks for voting

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

I just voted. These girls need a good and kind hearted person like Ruth and she has insipired many of us along the way. Kudos to you Ruth.

by mtumu

about 1 year ago | Reply

Thanks for the vote, Margaret and for always following up on how Grace Villa is doing. Many thanks also in advance for the boxes of stuff that you've collected to be shipped to the girls!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

This is very inspiring. Ruth is already a winner.

by EW

about 1 year ago | Reply

Thank you EW! Please continue to help us spread the word...and have your friend "Like" us on FaceBook at "Grace Villa, Kabale"

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

My best wishes and you have my support and prayers. Anything u need, let me know. ~ RIchard Nsanja Mayanja

by RichieNMayanja

about 1 year ago | Reply

You've already started by adding your vote, & for that we are thankful. Thanks for the prayers too! Will definitely call on you to collect on that promise real soon :)

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

The world needs more Ruth Bahika's. Kind & Beautiful both inside & out, Selfless & Generous almost to a fault. Show me any one that knows Ruth, and i bet she has helped them in some way or other. Many have been the recipient of her kindness through desperate times, from taking a little orphan girl from the village into her Boston home & nursing her for months as she underwent a series of burn surgeries....to hosting Invisible Children roadies in her home thru the years... Trust: These girls are in the best of hands. So: Lets make this home happen, even long after Ruth wins this wonderful challenge. Have all your friends vote too! That's how to win this.

by Francisjames

about 1 year ago | Reply

Francis? You're the most awesome friend & cheerleader. I'm feeling really overwhelmed - in a very good way - by this outpouring of love & support for us at Grace Villa. Thank you my friend for all. PS: We received the check with glee!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

ruth is an inspiration to many young people

by bkabonero

about 1 year ago | Reply

Thanks for voting...& for the kind words

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Way to go! Wishing you the best of luck!

by tmsruge

about 1 year ago | Reply

Thank You!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Thank You!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Hey Ruth!! All i can say is THANK YOU

by mukiga

about 1 year ago | Reply

Thank you too, Mukiga for your vote & support for Grace Villa

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Thank you too, Mukiga for your vote & support for Grace Villa

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Grace by Grace making the world a better place!! Show me your works and i will show you your faith!!

by Ozzymandias

about 1 year ago | Reply

Nicely said!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Hello Ruth, I commend you for all the good work you do for the people of God. May the good Lord keep you in his wisdom, love and spirit. Good luck.

by Pio6419

about 1 year ago | Reply

Thank you so much for your kindness. May God bless you too!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

With all the hard work you've put into this, the sacrifices you've made and that gift that you have of being a lover & fighter for children. I see it in the way children gravitate towards you. You're special. You ought to win this challenge, & many more. The entire office is rooting for you Ruth & Grace Villa! We miss you, but we love & appreciate you enough to let you loose, to spread your wings & start a movement in Kabole & beyond. Indeed: imagine the possibilities!

by Tesi

about 1 year ago | Reply

Wow Tes. Reading this has left me a little teary eyed. I miss you guys a lot, & can't wait for the entire team to come volunteer at Grace Villa. Imagine how amazing that would be! Thank you for always being so supportive & vocal re GV. Much love.

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Couldn't say this any better. Ruth is definitely it for my Good maker this International Women's day

by Bujara

over 1 year ago | Reply

Thank you! You've been an amazing part of our entire journey. What would Grace Villa be without you?

by Wendyti

about 1 year ago | Reply

Grace Villa...& i... are lucky to have you on our team, @Bujara. As Wendy rightly says, you ARE amazing. Thank you!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Nicely put, Wendy!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

yes indeed

by BelindaKenjura

about 1 year ago | Reply

I just read the story behind Grace Villa, and immediately voted. And i hereby promise that you will have my vote in whatever else comes, as i believe that this is the first of many. Grace Villa sounds like such a beautiful home. Hope to visit it some time soon. You're such an inspiration. Look at what we can do if we just put our mind & heart into it. You make me proud to be a black woman. You go girl! PS: What more can we do? I would like to make a donation of my own.

by Nimu

about 1 year ago | Reply

We received your donation! Thank you so, so much for being such an amazing Grace Villa supporter & Ambassador. Expect an official thank you, but couldn't hold back after reading your really sweet post.

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Great journey you have started on Ruth...wow! wow!... I am certain that the Lord will use you to transform many lives and touch many hearts! May the Lord bless you every step of the journey! Ofcourse GRACE Villas has my vote and full support! Shiphrah

by Shiphrah

about 1 year ago | Reply

Webare Shiphrah! On behalf of Grace Villa, thank you for the blessings & support. Much love!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Thanks for all the good work and sacrifice you put into Grace Villa! Those kids are blessed to have you. I have been reading about your work and just couldn't resist voting for you! I pray that God continues to give you the strength and wisdom to broaden Grace Villa! Stay Blessed! By Ruth Serwanga-Sseruwagi.

by rugosse2

about 1 year ago | Reply

How blessed we are to have special people like you praying for & supporting us. Bless you too!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

I am glad your profile picture is not that of a malnourished African girl seeking for help but rather one that is finely safe at home. As a Ugandan this makes me very proud to have our own :) Ruth your favor is greater than you think, be blessed. Just did what I am proud of that is voted YOU! God Bless

by Niyitegeka

about 1 year ago | Reply

Your words are truly empowering. Thank you! God bless you too

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Wish you all the best Ruth :^)

by wknfox

about 1 year ago | Reply

Thank you wknfox!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Ruth has a big generous heart. Great idea!!

by Rachel Tumwine

about 1 year ago | Reply

That's sweet. Thank you Rachel

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

We are very thankful for Ruth and her work. May it grow and grow! Grace Villa and Ruth and her children get our vote. Thank god for women like Ruth and Grace. Saving children is a real Joy!

by AnnM

about 1 year ago | Reply

So true: there is nothing as rewarding as knowing you're making a positive difference in a little ones life. And that's exactly what u r all doing by voting. We thank you. And from your mouth to Gods ears: indeed may Grace Villa grow & grow!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

So very proud...Hope this wins:)

by E-star

about 1 year ago | Reply

Hope so too :) Thank you for your vote, which is a one solid step towards a win for GV!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

I just voted! As a human rights advocate for the rights of children Ruth is a ground breaker considering how young she is, having lived IN AMERICA BUT DECIDED TO TAKE HER KIND HEART BAVK HOME. Votes for you RUTH.

by anne.kabagema1

about 1 year ago | Reply

Thank you Anne! I'm touched by your kind comment, & very grateful for your vote for Grace Villa.

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Fantastic team player. Have enjoyed watching you be a leader and earn respect from your colleagues. You work so devotedly and believe you will make Grace Villa proud. Viva Grace Villa!!

by reene

about 1 year ago | Reply

You're too sweet, reene! Thank you for voting & supporting Grace Villa. I like the "Viva Grace Villa" :)

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

I just voted! How could i not? I've admired Ruth for many years and watched her aggressively fight for the rights of children from Boston to Gulu to the hills of Kigezi. I remember a time when people would ask whether she was from Northern Uganda because her passion re advocating for the night commuters was unusual! few Ugandans were involved at the time. So proud to know you, and to be able to do this. May this be the 1st of many!

by MimiMugisha

about 1 year ago | Reply

Mimi. You forgot to mention how we met on the streets of Boston marching re Gulu Walk...& how you went on to be my inspiration...moving to Gulu to help rehabilitate schools. Thank you for being my constant mentor, ultimate cheerleader & friend of Grace Villa.

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

I just voted for this idea. Coming from such a beautiful person. Beautiful inside and out and now she is sharing that awesome love with others. To Grace Villa.

by kassnk

about 1 year ago | Reply

Wow, Keith. Thank you! You are too kind. We received the contribution with much, much gratitude. Expect an official letter of thanks soon, from the GV family.

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Reach back, put a small hand in yours and reach for the sky... bring hope one child at a time .. .thanks Ruth

by vcol

about 1 year ago | Reply

I love that verse. Thank you for sharing it!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

I fully support the great work that Ruth is doing - I think its amazing that she is focusing her life to this great cause - I have a lot of love and admiration for her - she is an example for all of us, to get out of our comfort zone to make a difference in this world

by emma.pinkerton

about 1 year ago | Reply

Emma! You're just too awesome. Thank you for rallying all your friends to vote, and for being such a constant friend. On your next trip to Uganda, 1st stop for you: Grace Villa, Kabale!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Passion, experience and a smile are what Ruth brings to this project. Knowing Ruth, the ladies will learn to love themselves, respect themselves and help their community excel with dignity, poise, and character. Uganda, Africa watch out, a new breed of undiscovered talent is on the horizon...

by Adrian2013

about 1 year ago | Reply

Adrian. Thank you for those really touching words. Grace Villa and i have many a time been the recipient of your generosity & encouragement. We truly appreciate having u in our world.

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Great Idea Ruth! We support you here in Texas all the way!

by ckalambo

about 1 year ago | Reply

Thank you. Wow! We in Kabale are grateful for your Texan support!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

A novel model Idea which will make a massive difference in the lives of those girls.

by Andre Ocama

about 1 year ago | Reply

Thank you Andre! We feel blessed to be able to do what we can to indeed make a difference in these girls' lives

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

I'm definitely voting Ruth!!!! Just have:-) Keep shining the Light!!! Go Ruth!!!

by Kish

about 1 year ago | Reply

Thank you Kish! Very much appreciate the vote & the support!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

This is so heart warming. Thank you all for these messages that reflect the spirit of why i nominated Ruth. Whoever reads this comment, please remember to tell your friends to vote too...and show them how. Then even after all this is done, do continue to support Grace Villa. Be blessed.

by Tinamusigi

about 1 year ago | Reply

Tina, thank you so much for designing such a moving post for Grace Villa. It's generated lots of great comments for Grace Villa. May God bless you for your good work.

by Apolo Ndyabahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Tina, you're wonderful. The way you poured yourself into this cause with such selflessness & zeal...the Grace Villa family will for ever be grateful. Thank you & thank the rest of the volunteer team for nominating us. We should name like the library after you guys :) Seriously though, i love you & i appreciate your belief in me...& in Grace Villa

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

I just voted! So proud to be able to vote for this splendid cause by a selfless, loving, brilliant young lady. Such an inspiration to many...young and old. Ruth has already done so much with so little, so i can only imagine how far $1000 would go towards building Grace Villa. VOTE FOR RUTH!

by Tyson.miller

about 1 year ago | Reply

I thank you, my Muzungu-wannabe-Ugandan friend. Did you even sleep? Looks like you lit the midnight Swedish oil, on a Grace Villa campaign. Everybody needs a friend & cheerleader like you.

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

What an awesome and selfless journey that Ruth has embarked on. She is not only a hero to you, but to millions of underprivileged girl children in Uganda, Africa and other places. Moreover, she is an inspiration to the rest of us who have the desire to do good in our communities and impact social change. You are a true hero Ruth!!!

by andykristian

over 1 year ago | Reply

Wow, Andy - BFF - I'm really touched. You inspire me too, you know. CJ's blessed to have a Papa like you. *And i thank you for the way you jumped into gear & campaigned for GV with abandon!

by RBahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

Ruth was Miss Boston. Everybody here knows, loves, respects & appreciates her. Her elegance, beauty, cool outfits :) & kind spirit even to strangers make her stand out. Ruth forced us to take notice & care about those less fortunate than ourselves, for she uses her position in society to take up & push causes with a tireless passion & zeal. She is the real deal. Her move to Uganda has left an un-fillable gap. We miss her legendary hospitality in her fancy loft in Boston city & the way she lights up every space she's in. We miss her so, but she needed to spread her love to the kids that need her more. I vote with glee. Together, lets build Grace Villa. I too wd like to make a personal contribution. Pls post the details re this?

by Wendyti

about 1 year ago | Reply

Wow. Thank you!

by Wendyti

about 1 year ago | Reply

Grace by grace making the world a better place! Show me your works and i will show you your faith!!

by Ozzymandias

about 1 year ago | Reply

reach

by vcol

about 1 year ago | Reply

Grace Villa has my vote! Ruth is an amazing and selfless woman - the young girls of Kabale have a new hero to look up to. GV will have a profound impact on girls living on the margins in Kabale, Uganda.

by Bahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

I just voted!!! And as a native of Kabale district, a human rights active and nutritionist, i find myself greatly moved by this brave, selfless and life changing project that will change the nation of Uganda, one vulnerable girl at a time. The world needs more Grace Villas...and more people like Ruth Bahika!!!!

by Rachel Bahika

about 1 year ago | Reply

"If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else up". Lets join our hands in supporting our daughter Ruthie and her great project. She is truly making a difference! God bless you and your works.

by Rev Grace

about 1 year ago | Reply

A vote for Ruth means a vote for Grace Villa, Kabale. A vote for Grace Villa, Kabale means another step towards building a safe haven for vulnerable girls in Uganda. Lets make this happen!

by GV

about 1 year ago | Reply