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Quarterly Report (July – September 2025)
Project: Goat Support Initiative for Vulnerable Children, Sikuda Parish – Busia, Uganda

Project Overview and Progress:
During the quarter from July to September 2025, the Goat Support Initiative continued its mission to improve household income, nutrition, and school retention among vulnerable children in Sikuda Parish. To date, the project has successfully supported 9 children through the provision of one goat per child. Each beneficiary household received basic training on goat management, feeding, and healthcare practices to ensure sustainability and long-term impact. Follow-up visits were conducted by project officers to monitor animal health, housing conditions, and the general welfare of both goats and children. Encouragingly, all goats have adapted well to their new environments, with two already reported to be pregnant by the end of September.

Outcomes and Community Impact:
The project continues to demonstrate positive outcomes within the supported families. Households report improved nutritional diversity as goat milk supplements children’s diets, helping to address mild cases of malnutrition. Parents have expressed optimism that the sale of future offspring will help meet school-related expenses such as uniforms, books, and fees. Community awareness about the benefits of small livestock farming has also grown, inspiring neighboring families to explore goat rearing as an income-generating activity. The project’s training sessions have equipped beneficiaries with essential animal husbandry skills, fostering confidence and ownership among participants.

Challenges and Next Steps:
Despite steady progress, the quarter faced minor challenges including limited access to veterinary services and occasional feed shortages during the dry spells. To address this, the project team plans to strengthen partnerships with local veterinary officers and explore community-based fodder production initiatives. Looking ahead to the next quarter, the project aims to fundraise to expand support to additional vulnerable children, continue regular follow-up visits, and document success stories to share lessons learned. Overall, the initiative is on track to build sustainable livelihoods, enhance food security, and keep more children in school across Sikuda Parish.