EMPOWER AND EDUCATE VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN UGANDA

*Report: Three Children Empowered Through Education Support*
*Theme: Small Steps, Big Futures at Gaba Hope for Kids*

This term, three children in our program moved from staying home to showing up every day. With focused education support, they are now attending class, participating in lessons, and preparing for upcoming exams. Three children is a small number, but for their families it means school instead of work, and hope instead of missed chances.

*Who These Three Children Are*
All three had missed many days last term because of barriers we see often: no uniform or shoes, no notebooks, pressure to help at home, and for the girls, no menstrual supplies. One had been out of school for several weeks before we intervened.

*What Education Support Looked Like*
We focused on removing the exact blockers keeping each child away:

1. *Complete School Kits*: Each child received a uniform, shoes, notebooks, pens, and a school bag before term started. No child was sent home in the first week for missing materials.
2. *Menstrual Health Kits*: The girls received reusable pads, soap, and a short training on menstrual health. Period-related absences stopped completely.
3. *Home + Guardian Visits*: Our peer mentors visited each home. We talked with guardians about the value of finishing school and linked families to support for exam fees.
4. *Study Groups + Mentoring*: All three joined weekly study groups. One child who was behind in reading received one-on-one help from a peer mentor.

*What Is Changing For Them*
Attendance for these three is now consistently high this term. Teachers report they raise their hands in class, submit homework on time, and support classmates. Test results improved: two children moved from low scores last term to above average in their recent math and science tests.

One child told her mentor: “I used to hide because of my torn uniform. Now I come to school and learn.” That shift shows what happens when basic needs are met. Children can focus on learning instead of worry.

This also protects their future. Leaving school in upper primary often means leaving for good. By keeping these three in class now, we protect their chance to sit national exams and continue to secondary school.

*Next Steps To Keep The Momentum*
To make sure these three stay on track, we need to:
1. *Mid-term Replacements*: Provide new shoes for children whose pairs are worn out before exams.
2. *Exam Fee Support*: Help children register for national exams.
3. *Ongoing Mentoring*: Keep study groups running so peer support stays strong.

*Closing*
Three children empowered through education support means three futures back on track. It proves that practical help at the right time changes everything. When we remove barriers, children show up and learn.

*Call to Action*
Want to help us do this for more children next term? Your support provides a full school kit plus mentoring for one child for a full term. Reply “Empower” and we will share profiles of children waiting for support.

Every child deserves to worry about grades, not uniforms.