While studying abroad in Uganda in 2006, Molly Heineman had the opportunity to complete an internship with C.R.O.- Child Restoration Outreach. Her study abroad program was focused on development and gave her the chance to experience working with a non-government organization. During her time at C.R.O., Molly grew to admire the work ethic of the staff, gained a better understanding of the underlying issues related to street children and found herself in awe of the resilience of the students.
At the end of the internship, Molly interviewed many of the street children and staff to learn about their lives and their experiences with C.R.O. Through these interviews she heard many affirmations of the wonderful services that C.R.O. provides, but also learned about some ways that C.R.O. was limited. When C.R.O. started in the early 1990's, the children they worked with were all in primary school. As time progressed, their students graduated and moved on to secondary school. In 2006, their students were facing a new challenge: post secondary school. And there were not funds for it. Many of the organizations that help to sponsor C.R.O. children are only interested in primary or secondary school. Now, these students need support in order for them to go on to universities and technical institutes.
At the time, Molly wrote home about her activities in Uganda and received feedback that people wanted to get involved. "I thought it would be great to combine some of our resources to create a specific fund for scholarships and that's where the idea of this organization started," shares Molly. With positive feedback from C.R.O. staff, plus friends and family from home, CROSO was created in 2007!
Molly says she is, "grateful for the wonderful board of directors that have been key in the continued growth and development of CROSO and I am grateful to all of you who support this mission."
CROSO may not be a huge organization,
but the difference made in each student's life is very significant.
Thank you for being a part of that!
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