The pleasure of being a pen pal is part of English language learning for Judith. Gendap sponsors her education via @Uganda Empowers in the Lwengo District of Uganda. Her new pen pal Emma lives in southern California.

The girls write about their favorite hobbies, animals, school subjects and career dreams. Each letter is a touchstone about life nearly 7,000 miles away.

The Kyawagonya Community Nursery and Primary School, where Judith is a student, was started by Uganda Empowers in 2018 with 53 students. Current enrollment stands at 273 boys and girls — orphans and other vulnerable children (OVCs).