Freshman Morgan Johnson is spending this summer in Uganda, helping local children in the “Come Let’s Dance” program.

He did the same last year before coming to DU.

“Come Let’s Dance is raising the next generation of Ugandan children to be future leaders of the country by helping orphans get jobs and lead others,” said Johnson.

The program started with three boys, Ben, David and Deogratious, but now includes about 80 children.

While in Uganda, Johnson does something different every day, including going to the slums to play soccer with the kids who cannot afford school, or “just spending time with kids and showing them that they are cared about.”

Recently, Johnson has been raising money for his trip and for Rachel, one of the children who was chosen for a new HIV treatment.

Rachel, 12, the oldest of four, is thought to have gotten HIV when her mom was shaving her head with a contaminated razor.

Johnson has used Facebook as a tool to raise money for Rachel and create awareness about the fundraisers and other people working with “Come Let’s Dance.”

Johnson’s friends and Younglife freshman fellowship group have gone to fundraisers and supported Johnson in his endeavors.

“It’s amazing the heart he has for that country,” said Younglife leader Corey Scramstad.

Johnson keeps in contact with his friends in Uganda via e-mail and the occasional phone call, but he can’t wait to return. In the future, Johnson wants to move there to teach English.

For Johnson, the best part of the program is “definitely the relationships; just seeing the joy those kids have despite their circumstances.”