SAN DIEGO (Press Release)– A member of the Abayudaya Jewish community of Uganda, Gidongo Armstrong, will be the dinner guest at a meeting of the Men’s Club of Congregation Beth Israel at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 18.
A resident of Mbale in eastern Uganda, the 26-year-old Armstrong will tell a story “which is one of determination and a will to survive and change the lives of those around him back at home,” according to the Beth Israel announcement. “Despite incredible odds against him {Armstrong” has dreamed since he was 12 of becoming a commercial pilot.”
The announcement continued:
“Armstrong embodies the ability, dedication and perseverance of U-TOUCH, an organization bringing technology to rural villages in Africa. Their slogan: ‘Brilliance is equally distributed, but opportunity is not.’ Armstrong had been identified by the principals of this organization as one of the smartest person they had ever met and as a person who will continue to do everything he can to achieve his dream. In turn, Larry Kesslin, a local benefactor is working hard to help in multiple ways to assist Armstrong in his quest for his flight education.
“Over the past decade, Armstrong learned as much as he could about airplanes and flying. He soaked up information from books, people and television. He treasured copies of the Encyclopedia Britannica and the World Book. In 1998, Armstrong saw his first computer and, whenever he could, attended schools with computers.
“By 2010, he had made his way to Nairobi {Kenya} and spent as much time as possible at Wilson Airport. He did everything he could-washed airplanes, carried bags-to stay close to the aircraft. Armstrong arrived in San Diego on Feb. 6, 2014, and is already enrolled at San Diego Flight Training International.
“Please join his to hear about his adventure, ambitions and plans to achieve his goals and how he will use his pilot’s license in the future to help his fellow Ugandans.
“Dinner Forums are open to the entire San Diego community, both men and women. The fee: $14 with an RSVP, $17 without an RSVP, includes a deli dinner. Please RSVP early to assist us in planning the event using the button below, or by contacting Judi Schwartz at 858 900-2598.”
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Preceding provided by the Men’s Club of Beth Israel