Family of the Heart
→ Uganda
An overview · 2016 — today
Helping vulnerable children in Uganda find school, shelter, and a future.
Founded in 2016 by Cari Matejka, a teacher in Olean, New York. Graduates of the program run daily life on the ground. There is no middle person.
Literacy of Love is the air I breathe and my deep purpose. It changes history one life at a time.Cari Matejka · Founder & CEO
Who we are
A family, registered in two countries.
Members come from abuse, abandonment, neglect, or the loss of parents: toddlers to young adults, widows, and grandparents, including children who are deaf, nonverbal, disabled, or HIV positive. All raised to become Ugandan leaders.
How it began
- 012012Cari visits a village school in Uganda.
- 02AfterShe keeps helping children stay in school.
- 032016Responsibility and love become Literacy of Love.
- 04TodayGraduates run daily life. Cari still teaches.
How the work holds together.
Support does not end when school does.
What stands on the ground
Built, owned, and run by the family.
Four working places the family built from the ground up. Each one feeds the next.
The film · literacyoflove.org
See the family for yourself.
01 · Share
Pass the story on
Send the film to one friend. A single share is how the next sponsor finds this family.
Share the film →02 · Sponsor a school year
- Elementary $500
- Secondary (candidates +$100) $900
- University or vocational $1,500–$2,000
Covers fees, boarding, supplies, and uniforms.
03 · Give
The general fund
Medical, transport, clothing. Venmo, Zelle, or a check to 1405 Washington St., Olean, NY 14760.
Give today →