Frances Badjik-Bova makes BU proud with Camp U-Can
Frances Bajdik-Bova, a fellow Bishop’s graduate, has certainly graduated with a bang: Camp U-Can, an NGO founded to help AIDS orphans in Uganda. Camp U-Can is a project by Camps with a Cause, a charity that focuses on building summer camps for unprivileged children.
The camp ran from May 2 through May 28 this year; the organizers are hoping to maintain those dates for the following years. The process of bringing the camp to this point has been long and arduous, and it is still in the beginning stages. The camp is situated in an orphanage in Mukono, Uganda and houses about 150 AIDS victims. It has taken Frances about two years to get to this point. She is still establishing a board or directors, securing the finances as well as applying for her official status as an NGO. Although there is still much more to do, the obstacles Frances has conquered to get to this point are unbelievable.
Frances says her sole inspiration has come from her faith in God, and how faith can lead to unconditional caring for others. The camp believes firmly in children’s ability to be cured in one way or another with play and fun. The camp was formed to show that power in each child they have. The camp is run by a group of volunteers, including several Bishop’s students. Frances, who was a Education student, is the founder and project leader of Camp U-Can. She traveled to Uganda on exchange and lingered for a while afterward, volunteering with orphans. This experience began her dreams of opening her own summer camp. Frances has with her a team of five volunteers: Stephanie Ackermans, Heather Paul, Liz Miron, Jennifer Little and Meredith Evans. All these women are focused on helping the lived of underprivileged children and following Frances in her dream of Camp U-Can. Frances and the rest of the volunteers are in Uganda for the summer helping the camp through the beginning phases. She is taking this process slowly and strongly, and focusing on each day at a time.
In ten years, she is hoping to have Camp U-Can independent and run by Ugandans. She hopes that they have their own facility and be able to have locals involved. Camp U-Can is a huge accomplishment for Frances and the rest of her volunteers. The hard work is inspiring and brings hope to the each child that attended their camp this past May. This extraordinary achievement truly shows the power of Bishop’s students- we may be small but sure can we soar!
For more information, visit www.campswithacause.ca
