About Us
Who are the Rural Orphans & Widows AIDS Network, otherwise known as ROWAN?
Vision
We exist to bring HOPE to HIV and AIDS widows and orphans in rural Uganda.
Mission
Our mission is to ensure your generosity reaches and transforms every widow and orphan we serve through Christ-centered programs that:
a) Promotes self-reliance
b) Encourages dignity
c) Ensures healthy well being
Core Values
Faith in Christ Integrity Accountability Compassion Partnership
Our Story
In 2002, co-founder & program director, Kelsey Hargadine lived with a local pastor in East Uganda named Pastor Paul. One night, under the stars Pastor Paul shared with Kelsey the burdens of his people. He said, “Kelsey, God hears the cries of my people & there is a purpose for you.” This moment was the birthing of ROWAN. A few years later, after Pastor Paul began ministering to the orphans & widows, Kelsey ventured back to visit the project. The moment she arrived into the Pastor’s home she was given a formal report with the title ROWAN on the front! Kelsey read the first sentence, “ROWAN: Rural Orphans & Widows AIDS Network was begun by Pastor Paul & Kelsey Young to bring the widows & orphans of Africa from helplessness to hope…” That’s exactly what we did & that was just the beginning. Learn more about what we do.
What Makes ROWAN Unique
1. We serve not only orphans, but widows & other community members affected by HIV/ AIDS.
2. We offer widows a second chance at education & self-reliance through literacy/ business classes.
3. We ensure every child gets the opportunity for a higher education or vocational degree in order to become self-reliant.
4. Our local leaders spent over 10 years building relationships with community members before creating a single program.
5. Pastor Paul Nyende was born & raised in the rural village where our main office is based. There he & his local staff continue to lead, build & grow programs from the ground up.
ROWAN Timeline
ROWAN has been operating in Uganda since 2007. See our timeline.
Team Member Testimonies
“This ministry is all about relationships. These are real people whom I love like my own family, and after I went in 2008 I knew they would be in my life forever.”
“With ROWAN I feel myself to be a part of a loving, caring community of neighbors who just so happen to find themselves a few contintental doors down from one other.”
“…God brings the nations to ROWAN.”
“I trust the local leadership. There is much corruption in leadership positions throughout Africa, but I trust Pastor Paul and his leadership team.”
“I know all my money is going straight to the people, and I know the ministry is set to sustain itself for future projects. As a businessman, I can support and challenge others to get involved.”