An Act of Kindness
From the U.S. to Uganda,
Changing Lives, One Step at a Time
There are a lot of unmet needs in the world. Global poverty is widespread. Climate change has had devastating effects on the environment. Mental health concerns are on the rise.
In a world where everything feels like too much, how can one person make a difference?
Hannah Muller says it doesn’t take much – just reaching out a hand.
When Muller was a senior at Salisbury University, she met Ugandan educator Zalambi Joseph through a pen pal program. While talking to him, she learned about the terrible poverty and lack of safe schools and quality education for children in Uganda.
“Without my own education, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Muller said. “I decided to send some money to help.”
What started as the simple act of donating grew into something much larger. Muller connected with the children in Uganda and started raising funds and awareness for the cause. Eventually, she founded Child Crisis Center Uganda (CCCU), a nonprofit supporting education and wellbeing in the country’s Magooli community.
Through CCCU, the community now has a seven-room school building that accommodates 336 vulnerable children and is the only nonprofit school in the district. The organization assists with a wide range of needs, including medical bills, housing and clothing. Joseph serves as the school’s executive director, and as founding president, Muller manages internal operations and outreach efforts.
All of this, she does from her home in the U.S.
“Just because this was happening across the world didn’t mean there was nothing I could do,” Muller said. “I just took a risk and made a start.”
You don’t need to change the world overnight, nor can you. If you have passion, you will make a difference.
Hannah Muller ’16
The SU Alumni Association recently honored Muller with its Service to Society Award. She believes the biggest part of giving back is taking the first step – but it’s also the easiest part. All you really need to do is care.
Whether it be walking dogs at the humane society, recycling at home or donating to a local food pantry, she encourages others to find a cause they care about and engage with it.
“You don’t need to change the world overnight, nor can you,” Muller said. “If you have passion, you will make a difference.”
Above: Muller graduated from SU’s hot glass program and uses her art background to help others through art therapy.