How Education Is Changing the Future for Uganda’s Girls with Aaron Griggs

For many girls in Uganda, one opportunity can alter the course of their entire future—and that opportunity often begins with education. Around the world, poverty creates barriers that shape a child’s path long before adulthood. But through the work of ministries and local partners, those stories are being rewritten with hope, dignity, and the love of Christ. Aaron Griggs joins the show today to share how Cross International is helping young women stay in school, discover their God-given purpose, and step into a future that once felt out of reach. The Mission: Serving the Most Vulnerable Cross International exists to serve some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable children and families for the glory of God. Rather than operating independently, the ministry works through trusted local churches and organizations across Africa and other regions—partners who understand the communities, relationships, and long-term needs on the ground. This approach allows them to provide immediate help—such as food, clean water, and education—while also fostering sustainable, long-term change. Local leaders remain present long after programs begin, ensuring care that is relational, consistent, and rooted in the Gospel. The Everyday Realities of Poverty For many families in countries like Uganda, Malawi, and Zambia, daily challenges are not simply inconvenient—they are life-altering. A single meal may be the only food a child receives all day. Clean water often requires walking for hours to contaminated sources. Preventable diseases spread quickly due to limited medical care. Education is frequently out of reach because families cannot afford school fees. When children cannot attend school, their opportunities shrink dramatically. For girls in particular, the consequences are often more severe—and more permanent. Why Girls Are Especially Vulnerable When resources are scarce, girls are often the first to be pulled out of school. In some communities, families facing desperate financial strain may feel forced to arrange early marriages for daughters—sometimes as young as 11 or 12—simply to survive. This leads to a heartbreaking cycle: Education ends early Marriage and motherhood begin prematurely Economic opportunities disappear Poverty passes from one generation to the next Without intervention, the very pathway that could break the cycle—education—remains inaccessible. Local Partnership in Action: Project Princess Initiative One of Cross International’s key ministry partners in Uganda is the Project Princess Initiative, based in Kampala. Together, they walk alongside vulnerable girls by: Helping them stay in school Providing mentorship and spiritual guidance Teaching practical career and life skills Building confidence rooted in their identity in Christ The goal is not only academic success but whole-person transformation—spiritual, emotional, practical, and relational.  As many girls grow older, something remarkable happens: they begin mentoring others. The hope they received becomes the hope they give. Karen’s Story: From Hopelessness to Purpose Karen, a young woman from Uganda, once faced a future filled with uncertainty. After her father abandoned the family, her education stopped. Surrounded by poverty, drugs, and despair, she felt trapped and hopeless. Through Project Princess, everything changed. She returned to school. She encountered mentors who reminded her of her worth in Christ. She discovered a future she never thought possible. Karen eventually attended college and studied economics—an opportunity few girls from her background ever experience. Today, she mentors younger girls facing similar challenges and speaks passionately about the role of faith in her transformation. Her story reflects a powerful truth: when education, mentorship, and the Gospel intersect, lives change. Why Faith Matters in Education Cross International’s work centers on more than academics. While education opens doors, true transformation begins in the heart. Their approach focuses on the whole person: Physical needs like food and clean water Emotional support through mentorship Practical training for future careers Spiritual formation through prayer and discipleship Education alone can inform the mind. The Gospel renews the heart and reshapes identity. Together, they empower girls to become who God created them to be. How You Can Get Involved Scripture calls believers to care for the vulnerable. Psalm 82:3 urges us to “defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” For many, generosity becomes a practical way to live out that calling. Through partnerships like this: Food reaches children who would otherwise go hungry Education keeps girls in school Mentorship restores dignity and hope The message of Christ transforms lives A relatively small gift can create a lasting impact—helping a child receive education, care, and spiritual support for an entire year. Through FaithFi’s partnership with Cross International, every $62 helps provide a vulnerable child with a year of support—including education, nutritious food, mentorship, and the hope of the Gospel. Larger gifts can extend that impact to multiple children and families. To learn more or make a one-time gift, visit FaithFi.com/Cross. As you steward the resources God has entrusted to you, this is a tangible way to defend the vulnerable, uplift the oppressed, and invest in futures filled with hope. One opportunity can change a life. Your involvement can help make that opportunity possible. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: We’re expecting a car accident settlement this year. Will it be taxable, and do we report it as income? After medical bills and attorney fees, how should we think about tithing on what remains? Our estate is set up in a trust, and we have two adult sons who don’t get along. Should we name just one as trustee and power of attorney, or appoint them both? I have $24,000 in credit card debt. A debt management plan would lower my interest rates, but the payments are more than I can afford. If I withdraw $6,000 from my Roth IRA—I’m over 59—to reduce the balance and lower the payment, would that be wise? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Cross International Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.