Hello

Mark Saker was originally from England and came to the United States in his twenties, where he built a life after meeting his wife, Susan Fowler.

 

Susan, a teacher, first became involved with Jajja’s Kids in 2015 when her second-grade class in Albany connected with the children in Uganda through Skype. By 2017, Susan and Mark had both joined the Board of Directors and made their first trip to Uganda to visit the program firsthand.

 

A lifelong soccer (football) fan, Mark quickly connected with the children through the sport he loved. During visits to Uganda, he organized soccer games with Jajja’s Kids and children from the surrounding community, bringing joy, laughter, and friendship wherever he went.

 

It was during that first visit, while relaxing in the swimming pool of a safari camp, that Mark shared what would become a transformational vision for Jajja’s Kids: the organization needed a permanent home rather than the rented house that was rapidly becoming too small for its growing family. From that moment forward, Mark helped set the wheels in motion. Over the next two years, a significant portion of the funds raised for the new home came through Mark’s connections with friends and business associates who believed in his passion and commitment.

 

Mark and Susan returned to Uganda in 2018, and by 2019 the new home was nearing completion. On their third trip, Mark generously shared his many practical skills—helping with plumbing, painting, construction, and building the traditional outdoor charcoal-fueled kitchen used in Ugandan homes. The children were eager to move into their new home, and Mark and Susan helped them do so in a joyful and ceremonial celebration.

 

During this time, Mark also served as President of the U.S.-based nonprofit board. He brought strong leadership, thoughtful management, and a deep sense of responsibility to the organization, helping strengthen accountability and business practices alongside the staff in Uganda.

 

Even in later years, Mark remained closely connected to the children of Jajja’s Kids. He continued to stay in touch regularly and faithfully played virtual checkers with one of the students until the very end.

 

Mark will be deeply remembered by all who knew him. His easy smile, generous spirit, practical wisdom, and caring heart touched countless lives. His legacy lives on in the home he helped build, the organization he helped strengthen, and the many children and families who felt his kindness and unwavering support.