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 is a vibrant and confident young woman. Despite the tragic loss of her mother at birth, Michelle has grown into a resilient and determined young lady, making her mark in everything she pursues. She is currently in her first year of Law School, where she continues to thrive academically while taking full advantage of Baraka Girls’ mentorship programs. Michelle’s confidence and public speaking skills have flourished through the guidance and support she has received, and she is always eager to learn, embrace change, and inspire others. Known for delivering exceptional presentations and stepping up when opportunities arise, she is on the path to becoming an outstanding lawyer.
Joanita
Joanitah, sponsored by Baraka Girls since 2012, is now pursuing her Master’s in Medical Imaging and doing exceptionally well. She’s hardworking, determined, and always ready to help others, especially her fellow Baraka Girls scholars, guiding them through health-related appointments and sharing her knowledge. Fun, open-minded, and full of energy, Joanne balances her studies with generosity and care. Her journey from a passionate student to a skilled healthcare professional is a powerful example of how education and mentorship can transform lives.
Shakira
Shakira’s story with Baraka Girls began in 2012. Coming from humble beginnings in Uganda, she was determined to change her story, even when life felt uncertain and resources were scarce. Through the Baraka Girls scholarship program, she found the chance to continue her education, and that opportunity became the foundation of everything she has built since. Over the years, Shakira has grown into a young woman with courage and resilience. She has held jobs to support herself and her family, stepped into leadership roles, and never stopped giving her time and energy back to Baraka Girls. Today, Shakira is living a dream she once thought was too far to reach. She has moved to England and is pursuing her Master’s degree at York St John University. Even in this new chapter, she carries Baraka Girls with her, continuing to serve and support the program from afar. Shakira’s journey is not just about personal success; it’s about the power of education, mentorship, and belief. She reminds us that every girl, no matter where she starts, has the strength to rise and build a life that inspires others.
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Shifra
Shifa, a proud alumna of Baraka Girls, has built an inspiring life of independence in Jinja. Once a preschool teacher, she now runs her own daycare from home, turning challenges, including a difficult accident, into stepping stones. With her Early Childhood Development training, Shifra continues to do what she loves: nurturing young children. Her journey shows the heart of Baraka Girls' young women rising, standing on their own, and inspiring others by living their dreams.
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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 is courageously building her future through a trade school program in Fashion and Design. A young mother with big dreams, she has shown resilience in balancing her studies with the responsibilities of raising her daughter. Passionate about her craft, Leilata is determined to complete her course and step into the professional world, where she hopes to earn an income, live independently, and support her child. Her journey reflects the strength and determination of young women who, with the right support, turn challenges into stepping stones toward independence and dignity.
Anna
Anna is pursuing a Diploma in Medical Radiology, inspired by her older sister. Anna balances her studies and motherhood with dedication, aiming to build a bright future for herself, serve her community, and follow in her sister’s footsteps. “I want to work hard, get a job, and be able to support my son,” says Anna, reflecting her ambition and determination.
Shenila
Shanila, a Baraka Girls alumna, joined the program in 2020 during one of her family’s most difficult seasons. With the loss of her father and the challenges that followed, she leaned on the support of Baraka Girls to find her strength again. Today, Shanila is thriving in Kampala, where she has been working in customer care for over a year and a half. Living independently and proudly supporting her widowed mother, Shanila is a shining example of resilience. She enjoys her work, continues to grow in her career, and is proud of how far she has come.
Anisha
Anisha, a bright and caring young woman from Humber Village, is in her final year of high school. She is a determined student who values education as her path to independence. Anisha plans to join a university and build a future where she can thrive, support her family, and inspire other girls in her community. Anisha’s journey reminds us that education not only shapes futures but also strengthens families and communities.
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 grew up in a small village, with no Secondary school or chance for university. A Baraka Girls scholarship “changed my life in ways I cannot put into words,” she says. The support covers her education, medical care, and school expenses, and enabled her to excel at one of Uganda’s top High schools. She is now at one of East Africa’s best universities on a government scholarship. During school breaks, she returns to her village and teaches at the local school, inspiring the next generation.
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’s journey is a story of persistence, courage and hope. She recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Makerere University, Uganda’s most prestigious institution. She’s interning at the Ministry of Gender, supporting vulnerable communities. Sonia’s resilience and empathy shine through in her 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.
Ashura
Ashura is in her final year of high school at St. Mary’s Kitende, one of Uganda’s top schools. She is excelling academically and socially, building connections, and making the most of every opportunity. She says, “I am happy to have this chance to study here. I am learning and growing every day.
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.
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.
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Anna Baylor
Dr. Anna Baylor is a retired family physician who specialized in HIV care. She worked for Massachusetts General Hospital in Mbarara, Uganda, from 2011 to 2015. Anna founded Baraka Girls after witnessing the overwhelming need and desire of young women in Uganda 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.
