As Uganda grapples with the 2nd wave of the pandemic, this week bears little excitement for the children in Uganda as they are not going back to school. 80% of the families we work with do not have access to online learning or the funds to purchase home learning materials. This is an education crisis.

The longer children stay out of education, the more likely they are to never return to school.

Lack of education is a key driver of poverty. To break this cycle, we need to make sure every child continues to learn in a safe and encouraging home environment.

Our social worker Rosalyn is concerned:

In the last 3 months, we have supported 220 children with home learning kits and guided parents and caregivers to encourage their children to maintain a regular learning schedule at home, while making sure they have enough food to stay healthy and a comfortable bed to sleep in to ensure they are well rested in order to learn effectively.

We supported Gertrude to keep her family together and to make sure her children continue learning

The past year has been very challenging for Gertrude, as a single parent of five children with no network to support her, and no work, she has struggled to earn enough money for her children’s education.

Then, another wave of COVID-19 hit Uganda and she found herself in a desperate situation with no savings, no work, and no one to turn to for help.

One day, one of our trained community volunteers knocked on Gertrude’s door as he did his rounds in the community.

Gertrude explained the situation she was in and the volunteer referred the family to our social worker Rosalyn who in turn created a care plan for the family.

Rosalyn made sure the family received food, clothing and other basic necessities. She also made sure the children received home learning kits to keep the children learning. As part of the care plan Gertrude has been supported to start a soft drinks kiosk (small shop) to earn a living.

Gertrude is very happy to be earning a living again, and cannot wait for the schools to reopen.

Let’s do more!

We have 3,000 children without any access to school or learning. Please help us visit each of these children and their families to make sure they are provided with care packages and home learning kits to keep children learning.

You can help. Sign up to give a monthly gift to support children’s education not just today, but for the months to come.

Become a FRIEND – £15/month could pay for a visit from a fully trained social worker, equipped with PPE, to assess the needs of the family and make sure a care plan is put in place.

Become a CHAMPION – £50/month could pay for a social worker visit and provide home learning kits to a family with 3-4 children, including pens, crayons, activity and reading books.

Become a HERO – £100/month could pay for a social worker visit, provide home learning kits, food and health supplies to ensure the family has everything they need to stay safe, well and continue home learning.