“When I was at my lowest, I didn’t see a future. But now, I love going to school. I love being at home, supporting my mother and siblings. I believe I can do something big with my life.”
— Isaac, 16
When Isaac, a 16 year old boy from Mpigi District, was first identified in 2022, he was struggling silently. During a community youth wellbeing assessment, facilitators noticed he had become withdrawn, stopped attending school, and no longer joined in with friends.
At home, Isaac lived with his large family in a cramped one-room house that was unsafe and overcrowded. The lack of space, privacy, and basic comfort had taken a toll on everyone, leaving Isaac feeling hopeless and disconnected.
The local authorities referred the case to Child’s i Foundation for immediate support.
Our team realised Isaac’s challenges were both emotional and economic, and required care for the whole family.
Emotional support: Isaac received regular one-to-one counselling and ongoing therapy to help him manage anxiety, rebuild confidence, and rediscover through our Youth well being programme delivered in partnership with Association of Care Leavers Uganda
Family strengthening: His family was enrolled in an Income-Generating Activity (IGA) programme. With start-up support, they opened a small food stall selling fresh produce and snacks in their community.
Skills for the future: They also received business mentorship and financial-literacy training to manage their new enterprise sustainably.
Life Today
The difference has been transformational. With a steady income, the family saved enough to build a safe, four room permanent home a milestone that restored security and dignity.
Isaac is thriving: back in school, performing well, reconnecting with friends, and dreaming of becoming an engineer.
His journey shows how mental-health care, family support, and livelihood programmes can work hand-in-hand to rebuild hope and stability.
The Bigger Picture
Isaac’s story reminds us that no child should lose hope because of poverty or circumstance. When families get the right support at the right time, children flourish, in school, at home and in life.
Get involved
Your support helps children like Isaac rediscover hope and build the future they should have
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