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 January-March 2024.
We also invite you to follow our IG stories to see the highlights from this time.
1. EDUCATION
Jinja
The start of the school year in Jinja was marked by our team effort to ensure that all sponsored children were ready for the new term. In January, we coordinated the payment of school fees and provided necessary scholastic materials such as uniforms, books, and stationery.
Our education team conducted visits to partner schools to address any potential issues. For instance, we facilitated the transition for P-7 students to Kidron Christian School, ensuring they were enrolled and ready to continue their education. To enhance learning opportunities, we introduced computer literacy classes at Abba Father Junior School in February. These classes aimed to equip students with essential digital skills, preparing them for a tech-driven future.
In March, our focus shifted to monitoring academic progress of our students. We conducted assessments and provided additional tutoring where needed to help students catch up and excel in their studies. Regular interactions with teachers and school administrators helped us address any challenges promptly, ensuring a smooth educational journey for our sponsored children.
Kampala
On January 1st, we celebrated the New Year with the ladies, sponsored kids, and the community, thanks to the great support from 22stars. This event included dancing, games, and a variety of foods, bringing happiness and unity to everyone involved.
The school term officially started on January 28th. We ensured that all primary 7 students from 2023 received their results, with all our kids passing to high school, which was a significant achievement.
On February 12th, our senior one students officially started their high school education, and on February 15th, we celebrated the release of the 2023 national exam results, with our sponsored kids achieving impressive grades.
In mid-March, we made special meal provisions for our beneficiaries in boarding schools, enhancing their diet with meat, rice, matoke, fresh fish, chicken, and juice, which significantly improved their health and morale.
Throughout the month, we continued to emphasize the importance of saving groups, where families were encouraged to save 10,000 UGX monthly for emergencies and future needs, such as purchasing laptops for secondary school students. We also maintained our focus on small business leadership programs, providing updates and supporting parents in managing their contributions effectively.
Overall, the first quarter of 2024 was marked by significant achievements and proactive measures to support our sponsored children's education in Kampala. Despite challenges, we ensured that all children received the necessary support to continue their education and achieve their academic goals.
2. NUTRITION PROGRAM
Kampala
In Kampala, we continued our commitment to providing nutritious meals to children in need. We hosted hot meals for 267 children every Sunday at our office, ensuring they received balanced diets crucial for their health. In addition to regular meals, we celebrated New Year with children and parents, fostering community spirit and joy. These celebrations not only provided festive cheer but also contributed to improved health outcomes through balanced nutrition.
We are thankful to our donors and partners, as through their contributions, we received 1229 kgs of maize grains from the team in Jinja. The harvested maiz was cleaned and stored in our granary, ensuring its quality and safety for future use.
On March 16th, as part of our nutrition program, we extended our reach to children in boarding schools. These children typically receive beans and posho as their staple diet. Thanks to the support of our nutrition program fund, we provided them with a special meal consisting of meat, rice, matoke, fresh fish, and chicken, complemented with healthy juices.
This intervention significantly contributed to improving the health and nutritional status of these children, ensuring they received diverse nutrients necessary for their well-being.
Jinja
In Jinja, we started off the year with a series of comprehensive nutrition initiatives aimed at combating malnutrition and promoting healthy eating habits. Every Saturday, hot meals were provided to the children, a crucial intervention particularly during the school holidays. These meals, comprising staples like maize, beans, rice, and vegetables, ensured that the children received balanced diets despite the financial constraints many families face.
Overall, our nutrition program in both Jinja and Kampala has made significant progress in addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy eating habits. Through regular and balanced meal distributions, we have ensured that our sponsored children receive the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.
3. HEALTH AND EYE-CARE PROGRAM
Jinja
The health program in Jinja addressed several critical health issues affecting our sponsored children. Nakato Zuraika was diagnosed with severe diabetes and other complications. The doctor referred her to Mulago National Referral Hospital for major surgery. Irama Isaac struggled with severe toothache complications and was bedridden for two weeks.
In January, we also distributed glasses to children who had eye issues detected during the previous year's tests by Rudiger and the team. Okello Julius, an optician school student, was present to ensure that the glasses were adjusted to the suitable sizes for each child.
February continued with ongoing health support for our sponsored children. We didn't record any significant new health cases this month, but our efforts were focused on following up with previously identified health issues and ensuring that children continued to receive the care they needed. Regular check-ins with local health facilities were made to monitor the progress of children like Nakato Zuraika and Irama Isaac, ensuring they were on track with their treatments and recovery.
March saw the emergence of new health challenges in the community. Bagaga Heaven was diagnosed with severe malaria on March 31st at St. Nic Medical Centre, requiring immediate attention and treatment. Additionally, towards the end of March, there was an outbreak of red eye disease in crowded centers of Uganda, which also affected primary and secondary schools. Our team responded promptly to manage and contain the outbreak, ensuring that affected children received the necessary medical care.
Throughout these months, we have maintained close collaboration with local health centers and specialists to ensure that all medical needs of our sponsored children are met. Our ongoing health education efforts have also aimed to empower families with the knowledge to prevent and manage common health issues.
Kampala
In January, the health program in Kampala addressed several significant health issues among our sponsored children and their families. In January, Anena Beatrice underwent a very successful surgery for her goiter at Lacor Hospital. This operation significantly changed Beatrice’s life, as well as the lives of her children and family members. The Foundation has supported Beatrice for over four years, funding her transport, medication, and other needs while waiting for her surgery. This successful surgery was a milestone, bringing immense relief and joy to her family.
February saw the continuation of our efforts to maintain the health and well-being of our sponsored children. During this month, we focused on preventive measures, emphasizing the use of mosquito nets to reduce the incidence of malaria. Thanks to the donors who provided mosquito nets, no new cases of malaria were reported this month. The emphasis on using mosquito nets and educating families on their proper use was crucial in maintaining this positive outcome. Anena Beatrice continued her recovery, benefiting from ongoing support and follow-up care post-surgery.
March continued the trend of preventive health measures and support for our sponsored children. We were pleased to report that there were no new major health issues among the children. The consistent use of mosquito nets contributed significantly to this outcome. The health program also placed a strong emphasis on mental health awareness. We organized workshops to address mental health issues, aiming to reduce the stigma and provide emotional support to both children and their families.
The focus on both physical and mental health has been instrumental in ensuring a holistic approach to the well-being of our sponsored children. By addressing health concerns promptly and providing continuous education, we have fostered a supportive environment that promotes long-term health and happiness.
Across both Jinja and Kampala, our health program has been pivotal in promoting the well-being of our sponsored children. Through regular health check-ups, preventive measures, and educational initiatives, we are dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
4. VARIA PROGRAMS
Kampala
The year kicked off with a vibrant New Year celebration on January 1st, bringing together the ladies, sponsored kids, and the broader community. This joyous event, made possible through the generous support of 22stars, included dancing, games, and a feast of various foods, fostering a sense of unity and excitement for the year ahead. On February 2nd, a coaching session organized by 22stars' director Stella Airoldi Romana helped team members gain valuable leadership and management skills. These sessions covered stress management, team collaboration, and effective planning strategies, among other topics.
On February 14th, we celebrated Valentine's Day with the community, including dancing and sharing a meal together. The following week, we rejoiced as our sponsored kids who sat for their national exams in 2023 received their results, with many passing in first grades. These celebrations highlighted the positive impact of our educational support.
March was a busy month, with several significant activities and accomplishments. On March 3rd, we attended a Parents, Teachers Association (PTA) meeting at Hopeland Boarding School, discussing important topics such as school fees, uniform requirements, and registration funds for candidate classes. This meeting was crucial in aligning expectations and planning for the upcoming academic year.
Throughout the month, we maintained our focus on enhancing community support. On March 17th, we welcomed visitors Joshua Capon from Australia and Lisa Rousse from France, who engaged with the kids through dancing and playing, providing a boost to their mental and physical well-being. Additionally, on March 22nd we celebrated our local project leader, Susan Laker, for achieving a certificate in Public Administration and Management from the Management Training Advisory Centre (MTAC), further strengthening her leadership capabilities.
We continued our regular meetings with parents and guardians, discussing various topics including saving groups, and updates on small business leadership programs. These meetings ensured continuous engagement and feedback from the community, helping us tailor our programs to better meet their needs.
Jinja
In Jinja, a major highlight was the construction of a dormitory at Abba Father Junior School. By March, the dormitory was fully roofed, with pillars and steps installed, and metallic doors made, ready for finishing touches. This dormitory will provide shelter for over ninety boarding students, both sponsored and non-sponsored.
February saw significant infrastructure improvements at partner schools. These upgrades included repairing classrooms, enhancing learning environments, and ensuring that students had safe and conducive places to study. Additionally, we launched income-generating projects aimed at promoting economic empowerment among caregivers. These projects provided training and resources for small business development, helping families achieve financial stability.
March was dedicated to expanding these income-generating initiatives and ensuring their sustainability. We provided ongoing support and mentorship to participants, helping them navigate challenges and grow their businesses. The positive impact of these efforts was evident in the increased financial independence and improved quality of life for many families.
