Our trimestral reports are written by Susan Laker for our Kampala programs and by Aidah Wafula for our Jinja programs. In addition to our Child-Sponsorship Program we run additional programs throughout the year benefitting all children and their community. This report shows the programs that have been running the trimester April-June 2024
1. EDUCATION
Jinja
The first term in Jinja concluded in April, with schools closing by April 26th, while some extended until early May. Overall, academic performance was satisfactory, although challenges were noted at Day Star School, particularly among students such as Opio Esau and Nangobi Gidah, who faced difficulties due to weak foundational skills and adjustment issues. Intensive support measures are being implemented to assist these students in catching up in the next term.
In May, the program welcomed 25 new children, who were integrated into the educational system with necessary provisions such as Saturday outfits and enrollment in the Saturday program. These children received support from sponsors, facilitating their smooth transition into the program. Primary 7 candidates returned to school early in April for holiday revision in preparation for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).
Term two commenced in late May for private schools, with all schools fully operational by early June. School fees for sponsored children in Jinja were settled by mid-May. The new entrants underwent an interview process at Abba Father Junior School, with some students being reassigned to different classes based on their academic levels. Progress updates were documented in the school fees excel sheet and individual term reports.
In June, academic activities continued at a steady pace. Mid-term examinations were conducted during the second term, providing insights into the academic progress of students. Fortunately, students at Day Star School, who previously struggled academically, showed improvement following targeted extra support. The program closely monitored their progress throughout the term. Computer classes remained a daily fixture at the center, equipping children with essential digital literacy skills. No dropouts were reported among the Jinja students during this period.
The construction of the dormitory at Abba Father Junior School progressed steadily, with the installation of metallic doors and windows. Although temporarily halted by city authorities for a building plan review, work resumed promptly. The dormitory was completed before the start of the next term, providing a secure and conducive living environment for students.
Kampala
During the trimester spanning April to June 2024, the 22stars Foundation in Kampala maintained its commitment to improving educational access and outcomes for vulnerable children. The primary focus was on ensuring that all candidate children—those in senior four, senior six, and primary seven—were well-prepared for their upcoming national exams. To facilitate this, all candidate children stayed at school during the holidays for intensive study sessions.
Additionally, senior five students were allowed to stay in school until May 8th for census population counting and were not required to pay extra fees, as their extended schooling was part of the first-term syllabus. The term one report cards showed that most beneficiaries performed well, though some faced challenges due to health issues and limited study space at home. To address these issues, the Foundation decided to move struggling students to boarding schools to improve their educational performance.
The Foundation also secured over 100 new sponsors and co-sponsors for children who had lost their previous sponsors, significantly boosting support for both Jinja and Kampala.
2. NUTRITION PROGRAM
Kampala
Throughout the trimester, the 22stars Foundation continued with the nutrition program, providing hot meals every Sunday for 107 children. The children were served a variety of balanced meals, including beans, posho, silverfish, eggplants, rice, and g-nut sauce. These nutritious meals significantly improved the children's health and balanced their diets. Additionally, on June 30th, special meals were provided to the boarding children at Hopeland Junior and High School, including fried potatoes, chicken, fish, beef, and water, much to the delight of the children. These interventions ensured that the children received essential nutrients that supported their overall well-being and academic performance.
The Foundation also received 1,229 kg of maize grains from Shining Stars Jinja, which were distributed and consumed by the children. Cleaning the maize grains before storage ensured their quality and safety.
Jinja
The Saturday nutrition program in Jinja continued to operate every Saturday, ensuring
that children received nutritious meals every week. With the inclusion of 25
new children, adjustments were made to the budget to accommodate the increased
number of participants. The nutrition program remained a vital support system,
ensuring that our children received regular nutritious meals.
3. HEALTH AND EYE-CARE PROGRAM
Jinja
In April, several cases of red eye disease were reported among children such as Richman
Jacob Nockrach and Asio Meldrine Samantha. These cases were promptly treated at
St. Nic Medical Centre, and although the disease persisted, it was effectively
managed. Currently, there are 42 active non-severe cases under close monitoring
to prevent further spread. In May, the incidence of red eye disease continued,
but all affected children responded well to treatment. No new severe cases were
reported, and ongoing preventive measures and regular health check-ups ensured
the children's well-being.
In June, there was a noticeable decrease in cases of red eye disease. Continued
treatment and preventive measures effectively controlled the situation, with no
new severe cases reported. Regular health check-ups and monitoring remained a
priority, ensuring the overall health of the children.
Kampala
The health program during this period focused on preventive measures and maintaining the well-being of the children. The Foundation emphasized the proper use of mosquito nets to prevent malaria, resulting in no reported cases of malaria among the children. Additionally, the distribution of water filters to households and schools ensured access to clean water, reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases.
In May, the Foundation received a donation of 15 million Ugandan shillings for flood relief, which was used to provide essential items such as mattresses, blankets, food, clothes, utensils, and sugar to affected families. This support was greatly appreciated by the community and leaders, highlighting the Foundation's commitment to holistic health and well-being.
The health program also included eye care initiatives, with donations of eye drops, treatments, surgeries, eye testing, and glasses. The collaboration with Rodger and the 22stars Foundation ensured that the community benefitted from comprehensive eye care services, addressing both immediate and long-term needs.
4. VARIA PROGRAMS
Jinja
Throughout April, May, and June, the Varia Program focused on strategic planning ando perational improvements. A successful workshop was held in mid-April inKampala, attended by key team members including David, Susan, and Jenny, aimed at enhancing collaboration and strategic alignment across teams. Regular updates and planning sessions in May contributed to the cohesive implementationof program goals.
In April, several sponsors visited Jinja, engaging with their sponsored children andbringing gifts. An end-of-term meeting on April 29th with parents and teachersaddressed academic performance, an initiative aimed to improve academi coutcomes and support teachers in their efforts.
Kampala
In June, the Foundation organized a visitation day at Hopeland Junior and High School, allowing parents to check on their children's academic performance and engage in discussions with teachers. A memorandum of understanding was established with Hopeland Junior and High School and Elgon Primary School, formalizing their collaboration for the next three years.
The team also facilitated the distribution of school uniforms, water filters, and the taking of profile pictures for the children. The addition of Achayo Peace as a volunteer teaching computer lessons further strengthened the educational support provided to the children.
Overall, the trimester was marked by significant achievements and continued efforts to support the education, nutrition, and health of the children in Kampala, thanks to the dedicated work of the 22stars Foundation and its supporters.
