We provide mentorship and funding for educational opportunities to girls and young women in need in Uganda.
Who We Are
The Baraka Girls organization provides young women in Uganda with funding for education, as well as career development and healthcare. Along with this financial support, we mentor each of the Baraka Girls as they navigate the complexities and joys of womanhood.
The organization is comprised of women in the United States who have lived or volunteered in Eastern Africa. Each of us were deeply moved by the overwhelming desire of young women to receive an education. It is with respect and commitment that we witness and promote the extraordinary personal and professional growth of each of the young women we sponsor.
For questions about donations please email: shaadibaylor@gmail.comSupport the Baraka Girls
Your contribution, no matter the amount, will greatly facilitate our efforts to improve the lives of young women in Uganda. It currently costs approximately $2,400 annually to provide each of our Baraka Girls with a boarding school education, health care, and school supplies. Donations of all sizes are a meaningful contribution towards improving the lives of the Baraka Girls.
For questions about donations please email: shaadibaylor@gmail.com
DONATIONS BY CHECK CAN BE SENT TO:
Baraka Girls
Attn: Anna Baylor
516 Walnut Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Baraka Girls is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3), of the United States Internal Revenue Code. The full amount of your donation is tax-deductible as allowed by law.
FEIN: 83-1411579
Meet a few of the Baraka Girls
Hope
Meet Hope, a resilient young woman from Jinja, Uganda, who overcame significant obstacles to access education. Through the Baraka Girls scholarship program, Hope found new opportunities and a renewed sense of hope. Her unwavering determination, positive attitude, and dedication to her education make her a shining example of resilience, inspiring others to overcome their own challenges and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Michelle
Michelle, a determined and resilient young girl, is making her own mark as the younger sister of esteemed Baraka Girls alumni, Shakira and Shifra. Despite the tragic loss of her mother during childbirth, Michelle remains determined to create a brighter future for herself. With the support of Baraka Girls since July 2018, Michelle attends high school and serves as a role model for other girls in her community, inspired by the positive influence of her sisters and the supportive environment created by the presence of other Baraka Girls scholars. Through Baraka Girls' sponsorship, Michelle receives vital support to pursue her education and fulfill her potential, paving the way for a promising future.
Joanita
Joanita, an exceptional alumna of Baraka Girls, is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. Her remarkable success in her nursing career and unwavering dedication to providing compassionate care have made her an inspiration for her sister Anna and the healthcare sector in Uganda. Baraka Girls continues to support Joanita as she shapes a brighter future, uplifting the lives of her patients and contributing to a healthier and more resilient society.
Shakira
Shakira, a determined and ambitious individual from humble beginnings in Uganda, found her path to a brighter future through the Baraka Girls scholarship program in 2012. With the invaluable support provided by Baraka Girls, Shakira accessed quality education, paving the way for her personal growth and achievements. Today, Shakira holds multiple positions where she makes a positive impact, including providing administrative support at Mindful Ventures, serving as the Communications Manager at Nile Garden Lodging, and actively contributing to Baraka Girls as a part-time secretary, embodying the transformative power of education and empowerment.
Shifra
Shifra, a Baraka Girls alumna from Uganda, has found fulfillment as a dedicated preschool teacher, making a positive impact on young children's lives. Her compassionate nature and innate ability to connect with young minds make her an exceptional educator at Amazima Primary School in Jinja. The ongoing partnership between Shifra and Baraka Girls showcases the transformative power of education and their commitment to creating a brighter future together.
Helena
Helena, a quiet and shy individual, possesses a hidden talent as a remarkable dancer who lights up the stage. Inspired by her sisters, Joan and Anna, who are pursuing nursing careers, Helena dreams of following in their footsteps. With a keen sense of sensitivity and exceptional academic performance, she is dedicated to her studies, paving the way for a bright future.
Leilata
Leilata, a determined young mother from a remote area of Uganda, is driven by her aspiration to become a doctor and make a positive impact. Despite the challenges she faces, including limited resources and the responsibilities of motherhood, Leilata remains resilient and unwavering in her pursuit of a career in healthcare. Her dedication to her studies and the support she extends to her three sisters, who also attend the same school, showcase her commitment to education and inspiring others through her journey.
Anna
Anna, a dynamic and ambitious young woman, is pursuing her passion for healthcare by attending midwifery school. With the support of Baraka Girls since August 2019, Anna has been able to pursue her studies in midwifery, driven by her genuine desire to help others and make a positive impact. Through their sponsorship, Baraka Girls has empowered Anna to excel in her chosen field, and she remains dedicated to honing her skills and achieving her goals, inspiring others to pursue their own dreams with resilience and dedication.
Shenilla
Shenilla, a determined young woman, joined Baraka Girls in November 2020, amidst the challenges brought by the pandemic. Despite economic hardships and the loss of her father, Shenilla's passion for aviation remained unwavering. With the support of Baraka Girls' mentorship program, Shenilla found guidance and solace, learning to accept her father's passing and channel her energy towards building a better future. She enrolled in a Barista course aligned with her interest in the hospitality industry and is gaining practical experience through an internship at a coffee shop, taking steps towards her dream of becoming a successful travel agent. Shenilla's resilience, dedication to her education, and commitment to supporting her family are truly commendable, and Baraka Girls will continue to provide her with the necessary support and encouragement on her journey.
Ashura
Ashura, a sweet and friendly young girl from the village of Kaberere, is currently in senior 4. She, along with her three sisters, lives with their uncle. Sponsored by Baraka Girls since 2018, Ashura attends the same school as her sisters in their village. Known for her friendliness and caring nature, Ashura always looks out for her siblings. She Loves dancing.
Shillat
Meet Shillat, our youngest scholar at the age of 5, who brings boundless joy and enthusiasm to the Baraka Girls family. Through the sponsorship provided by Baraka Girls since May 2023, Shillat now attends Victoria Baptist Academy along with her older sister, Hope, and four other Baraka scholars. This scholarship opportunity has brought tremendous relief to Shillat's hardworking mother, allowing her to focus on her job as a housekeeper and provide for her children without worrying about their education. With her cheerful nature and unwavering excitement for learning, Shillat serves as an inspiring example of the transformative impact of Baraka Girls in nurturing young minds.
Aisha
Aisha, a young scholar from Uganda, recently joined the Baraka Girls program with hope and determination. Despite her shyness, she is confident in her abilities and recognizes the value of education in shaping her future. Aisha's dedication and enthusiasm are driving her academic and personal growth, showcasing her commitment to making the most of this opportunity and embracing the transformative power of education.
Hanan
Hanan, our newest scholar in the Baraka Girls program, is overcoming health challenges as a result of being born prematurely. Through sponsorship from Baraka Girls, Hanan now has access to quality education, relieving financial burdens on her hardworking single mother and enabling her to support her elder brother's education. We are thrilled to have Hanan as part of our family and are committed to providing her the support and resources she needs to thrive academically and personally.
Sonia
Sonia, a vibrant and determined young woman, is pursuing a degree in Social Work at a prominent university in Uganda. With the support of Baraka Girls since 2012, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a passion for making a positive impact on marginalized communities. Sonia's dedication to her studies and her internship at a refugee settlement showcase her commitment to creating a better world through her work in social work.
Fatia
Fatia, a timid young woman hailing from a quaint village in Uganda, possesses a genuine and inquisitive nature. During the retreat, she unearthed her profound passion for swimming, which compelled her to immerse herself in the pool tirelessly, yearning to absorb every moment within its depths.
Anisha
Anisha, a senior 3 student, exhibits exceptional discipline and conscientiousness in her work. Preferring solitude, she maintains a close-knit circle of friends. Anisha belongs to the group of girls attending Aisha Girls School, and she herself is currently in senior 3.
Brenda
Brenda's fervor resides in actively engaging in efforts to enhance the quality of life for oppressed, disadvantaged, vulnerable, and marginalized individuals. Pursuing a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology, Brenda's studies align with her passion, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to her chosen field. Notably, she has received sponsorship from Baraka Girls since January 2021, supporting her educational journey and enabling her to make a difference in the lives of those she aims to uplift.
Our Board of Directors
Marlys Samler
President
Marlys retired recently after 30 years of teaching 4th and 5th graders in low-income districts. She has been involved in orphan care in Mexico, Russia, Eastern Europe, and Uganda. Marlys was drawn to join Anna Baylor in her commitment to educating young Ugandan women, believing that education and mentoring can drastically improve their lives.
Carmen Butts
Vice-President
Dr. Carmen Butts is a family medicine physician at Petaluma Health Center. She has done medical missions in Haiti and Kenya. Carmen joined the Baraka Girls board in 2018 because she believes that educating girls is a key to transforming communities.
Shaadi Adibsami-Baylor
Treasurer
Shaadi had the opportunity to live and volunteer in Uganda after completing her undergraduate education. As a feminist and enthusiastic advocate for women’s equal rights, Shaadi has served on the Baraka Girls' board since its inception. She currently lives in Seattle.
Aria Adibsami-Baylor
Secretary
Aria traveled to southern Africa, Namibia, when she was fourteen. She saw then the eagerness and desperation with which children sought an education. During her further trips to Uganda and South Africa Aria has been able to assist children with their education and she has seen the real benefit on their lives.
Anna Baylor
Dr. Anna Baylor is a family physician at Petaluma Health Center. She worked for Massachusetts General Hospital in Mbarara, Uganda from 2011-2015. Anna founded Baraka Girls after witnessing the overwhelming need and desire of young women to receive an education and become professionally successful.
La'Tranese Sapp
La'Tranese Sapp hails from Millen, GA and is currently pursuing her medical studies at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) in Havana, Cuba. Her education has provided her with the opportunity to interact and collaborate with individuals from various countries, which has sparked a deep interest in international philanthropy and the inner workings of which international nonprofits.
