Four years ago, I didn’t imagine I’d ever become deeply involved in philanthropy. Not because I didn’t care but because I’ve always been wary of where donations go. 

Too many nonprofits spend their funds on overhead or executives rather than the causes they claim to champion.

But everything changed when I met Jennings.

Jennings is the founder of 10Eighteen.org, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of young girls in Uganda. 

When I first interviewed her, I was floored by her stories. These girls, some as young as 13, are trapped in cycles of poverty, abandoned by families, and exploited by those who they were led to believe would protect them. 

As a father of young children, the stories I was told hit me like a freight train.

At the time, my wife and I had just welcomed our second child, and the thought of kids barely older than mine being cast aside with no safety net absolutely broke me.

Needless to say, after that day, my views towards giving and helping others via “charity” completely shifted. 

Jennings isn’t like other nonprofit founders.

She’s fiercely libertarian, freedom-minded, and one of the most dedicated people I’ve ever met.

Her organization isn’t burdened by bloated overheads or photo-op charity tourism; case in point… every single penny donated goes directly to the programs in Uganda.

I’ve seen the balance sheets myself.

That’s why I’m proud to support 10Eighteen.org and why I’m reaching out to you today.

Right now, we need to raise $12,000 to fund the literacy program in 2025. 

This program is close to my heart because, as someone who struggled with dyslexia as a child, I know what it means to live without the ability to read or write. 

For years, I couldn’t keep up in school. I felt trapped, isolated, and incapable of expressing myself. 

It wasn’t until I attended a special school (a time in my life I don’t care to relive, to be frank), that I learned to read, and when I did, my entire world changed.

Reading and writing gave me freedom.

For these girls in Uganda, literacy is even more than that… it’s survival.

Many of the girls come to us after being abandoned by their families and communities. Without education, they can’t access opportunities. 

Without skills, they’re left vulnerable to exploitation. But when they learn to read and write, everything changes.

Every year, the literacy program teaches 60 girls to read and write. Sixty lives are transformed. 

And it doesn’t stop there. 

These girls share what they’ve learned with friends, neighbours, friends, siblings and ultimately, their entire community. 

This is more than just education. It’s hope.

When these girls learn to read, they’re no longer invisible. 

They can advocate for themselves. They can dream of futures that don’t revolve around finding a way to make it to tomorrow. 

Literacy is the foundation of everything we do at 10Eighteen.org. 

The $12,000 we need to raise immediately ensures that the literacy program can continue. 

It covers the cost of books, teachers, materials, and the safe spaces where these girls can learn and grow. By the way, all of the staff and teachers at 10Eighteen.org are Ugandans, too. 

When I think of the life I’ve built for myself - my family, my work, and the freedom I enjoy, it’s hard not to imagine how different it would all be if I had never learned to read. 

That’s why this program matters so much to me and why I’m asking for your help today.

Visit https://donorbox.org/expat-money-year-end-fundraiser-literacy-2024 to contribute directly to the literacy program.

Every dollar you give goes to this cause. 

There’s no bureaucracy, no waste - just a direct impact on the lives of girls who need it most.

Your donation doesn’t just help one girl. It creates a ripple effect that touches families, communities, and future generations.

If you’ve ever thought about giving, this is your moment. 

Together, we can ensure these girls have the skills, support, and opportunities they deserve.

Thank you for being part of this. I don’t say this lightly, but I’d like you to know that your generosity changes lives.

Speak soon,

Mikkel

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