Assist International @assistintl

More than two decades ago, Assist International became involved in Lira, Uganda, following a heartbreaking tragedy. After a brutal attack by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) left more than 70 children orphaned overnight, a vision emerged to provide vulnerable children with safety, family, and a future. Assist International was honored to come alongside that effort in its earliest days. In those early years, friends of Assist International helped fund the project, and several Assist teams traveled to Uganda to help build 19 of the family-style homes that became part of Otino-Waa. Together, these efforts also supported the construction of a bakery and coffee shop, the drilling and refurbishment of water wells that continue to serve the community today, and a hostel still known locally as the Assist Hostel. Over the past 20 years, the dedicated leadership and staff of Otino-Waa have faithfully expanded that vision through education, discipleship, vocational training, and compassionate care, impacting the lives of countless children and young adults. Today, that partnership continues in a new way. From our warehouse, we are preparing a container shipment that will include water purification equipment to help provide safe, clean drinking water throughout the village. Your partnership has been part of this story from the beginning. What started as a response to a devastating tragedy has grown into a lasting investment in children, families, and a community that continues to flourish. We are grateful for all God has accomplished through the ministry of Otino-Waa and excited to see how He continues to work through this partnership in the years ahead.

Over the years, our team at Assist International has traveled to many different corners of the world. Often, translators have come alongside us, helping bridge language barriers. Yet despite our differences, we always seem to share one common language: sport. ⚽️ Time and time again, soccer/football has been the connector—turning partners into friends, creating community, and building camaraderie that extends far beyond the game. With the World Cup inspiring the world once again, we're looking back and sharing a few of our favorite soccer/football memories from the journey. 🌍❤️

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Meet Viola—a courageous young woman whose story inspires us all. Orphaned at just nine years old and living with HIV, Viola found hope through our partners at New Dawn. She received food support and learned valuable skills in tailoring and bead-making. Today, Viola runs her own shop. Recently, thanks to your generosity, we were able to provide her with inventory—allowing her to create items ahead of time instead of relying solely on custom orders. Your support is helping her business thrive and enabling her to care for her grandmother and her sister’s child. Grateful for the impact New Dawn has had on her life, Viola now gives back by donating to the very program that once supported her. Her journey is a powerful reminder of how your compassion transforms lives.

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We first met Rose (center) and her sister Mercy in 2018, and over the years we’ve had the privilege of watching them grow. On our most recent trip, we were able to spend time with Rose again. Each time we see her, she’s a little less shy and a little more confident. Seeing her live, laugh, and love learning at school brings us so much joy. It’s a beautiful reminder of what long-term support can do in a child’s life.

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The Uganda Experience was truly unforgetable🤍🌍 One of the travelers summed it up perfectly: “It truly was an amazing experience. The work Assist International does is monumental, and the people we met were so warm, gracious, and joyful—even in unimaginable poverty. It changed my life and is something I’ll cherish forever.” — Mitchell Manning Grateful for every moment, every story, and every life impacted.

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We hope you had a beautiful Easter weekend, surrounded by those you love. 💛 Easter is a celebration of hope—the kind that rises out of love. We see that hope alive in the resilience of children, families, and communities. This season reminds us that new life is always possible, and that love—when shared and lived out—brings light wherever it goes.

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Good Friday invites us to notice suffering we might otherwise pass by—and to respond with compassion, presence, and care. As we reflect on time spent with rescued children in Uganda and around the world, we’re reminded why this work matters: standing with those who are vulnerable and choosing action rooted in love. Today, we hold space not only for reflection, but for hope—and the quiet strength of love lived out.

You may remember Innocent—we first met him in 2013. Abandoned because he was born without arms, his early life was marked by loss most of us can hardly imagine. Yet even then, Innocent learned to use his feet to make sand‑filled water‑bottle bricks and to create beautiful drawings—small signs of resilience and hope. Rescued by Sister Rosemary, Innocent became one of the living reminders of why the Sewing Hope Children’s Village was created—a place made possible by so many of you. Today, Innocent is a graduate with honors. On our recent visit to Atiak, we saw him teaching at the Sewing Hope school before returning to university, using his feet to create maps and learning posters that inspire and equip other children walking their own hard roads. Seeing Innocent return as a teacher moves us deeply. It reminds us that redemption is real, and that love—faithfully given—can change the course of a life. Because of your generosity, children like Innocent are not only rescued—they are empowered to serve, lead, and inspire others. 💛

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While in Uganda visiting our partners, we were deeply honored to witness a beautiful tribute to our founder at AOET in Jinja—a school and orphan village Bob Pagett loved and championed for decades. The celebration, the dancing, the joy—all offered in remembrance of his life and impact. Beneath his portrait, the words read, “Your legacy lives on at AOET.” And we feel that deeply, too. 🤍

You may remember Cezar from our Gala last year. Because of you, he and his cousin Immaculate are now supported in school — and most recently, thanks to your generosity, their family received new mattresses. For years, they slept on torn pieces of foam. Today, they are excited for this simple but meaningful upgrade — one that brings comfort and a renewed sense of security to their home. This is what your generosity makes possible: opportunity by day, and rest at night. 🌍❤️

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We’ve got a wonderful update on Mete! After working for some time with partners to get her the treatment she needed, she’s officially had her second—and final—surgery. 💛 Swipe through for her full recovery update!

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Continuing to process our time in Western Jamaica. Delivering medical kits was an honor, but the resilience and kindness of the people left the greatest impact. As we head into 2026, we’re reminded how powerful hope truly is. 💙

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Western Jamaica continues to face a prolonged recovery following October’s hurricane. During our visit to the region this past week, our team witnessed the devastation firsthand, including ongoing infrastructure damage, impassable roads, unreliable power, and healthcare systems under significant strain. In response, we brought first aid kits to support communities with limited access to medical care—and were met with extraordinary generosity. Even as many families continue to navigate personal loss and disrupted livelihoods in farming, fishing, and tourism, we were welcomed with openness and treated like family. This is not a short-term crisis; rebuilding will take years. We are hopeful and excited for the restoration to come.

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This Christmas brought rare moments of joy and hope to orphaned children in Ukraine—many experiencing a celebration like this for the very first time. With the support of our partners, we helped provide essential items and create a meaningful gathering filled with storytelling, carols, handmade cards, and personalized gifts. Each gift reminded a child that they are seen, valued, and deeply cared for. Even in the midst of loss and ongoing hardship, these celebrations offered warmth, connection, and a sense of community. Thank you for standing with children who are too often overlooked. Your generosity is making a real and lasting difference.

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Part 1 - Meet Mete. She’s a courageous six‑year‑old from the Central African Republic, and walking this journey with her is an honor. Her first surgery was a significant step forward, greatly reducing the risk to her airway. We’re deeply grateful for this progress and for everyone who has surrounded her with skill and compassion. Mete’s journey continues to inspire us. Thank you for being part of the hope carrying her forward. We’ll continue to share updates as her story unfolds.

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Part 2 - Meet Mete

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As we step into 2026, our hearts are full! We closed out 2025 celebrating Christmas with our partners in Uganda. Many of these children are orphaned, abandoned, or refugees with incredibly hard stories. But their past does not define their future. Today, they are receiving food, shelter, education, and most importantly love. They are experiencing tangible hope, joy, and celebration. This season reminded us why this work matters. As we look ahead to a new year, we move forward with gratitude, purpose, and hope for all that is still to come!

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Our recent time in Romania with Caminul Felix reminded us why we do this work. Seeing children welcomed into loving families is the legacy we’re committed to carrying forward since 1990. Every child deserves love and a family.

Happy New Year from all of us at Assist International! We’re stepping into the new year with programs in motion, flights booked, and genuine excitement for what’s ahead. Hope is in the air, and we’re ready to carry that momentum all year long. Thank you for your incredible support so far—we couldn’t do this without you. We can’t wait to share even more of the impact we’re making together in the year to come!

Merry Christmas! 🎄This season reminds us of the joy of giving and the power of community. Your love and support have made an incredible difference, and we’re deeply grateful. Our year-end matching gift opportunity runs through December 31—every contribution doubles in impact! If you’ve been thinking about giving, now is the perfect time to share hope. Wishing you peace, joy, and meaningful moments with those you cherish. ❤️

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