Uganda: Education

The main objective is to allow Batwa children to attend an accredited school with educational levels meeting the national standard.

Our motivation stems from education not being the only essential for increasing knowledge, but it allows for better chances of having a better-paying job, thus increasing the possibility of improving socioeconomic status and escaping the poverty trap. Family members who can receive a better education not only can improve their quality of life, but also that of their families, in turn increasing the chances that their children can receive an adequate education.

Education in Batwa villages is in almost all cases conducted in inadequate structures and system that lack qualified teachers, and where absenteeism of both children and teachers is a common practice. This leads to very low educational levels even for those children who can attend local schools. Our principle is that every child has the right to quality education, despite various challenges in achieving this goal. First among these is the availability of schools that can ensure an educational level within the national standard, which are located at reasonable distances from the various villages. On our small scale, we have begun sponsoring two children for education, Peter and Sheena, while with longer-term funds we could ensure education for many more children.

Impact

- Coverage of school admission costs, in addition to the meal service
- Purchase and donation of uniforms, clothing, bed, books, notebooks and pens, backpack and other materials necessary for school attendance
- Sponsored children can finally attend a qualified school, increasing their future chances of improving the quality of their lives and those of their families