EMPOWER AND EDUCATE VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN UGANDA

GABA HOPE FOR KIDS (GAHOK)

Narrative Report - August 2026
THEME: OUR SCHOLASTIC MATERIALS DONATION PROGRAM CONTINUES

1. Introduction
Our scholastic materials donation program continues with one goal: to give 600 unprivileged children from Gaba slum equal chance to learn. Most of our 600 children (Nursery to P.5) are orphans and children of single mothers who cannot afford a pencil. Started with sharing one book among 10 children, our program continues to put a book and pen in every child's hand.

2. Why Our Scholastic Program Must Continue
Without books, there is no learning:
- 600 children, only 50 textbooks before program
- Children wrote on laps - no desks, no books
- Exams failed not because they are dull, but because they had nothing to write with
- Teachers wrote notes on wall because no manila for charts

In Gaba, a book costs 3,000 UGX - families choose food over books.

3. What We Have Done So Far

A) Distribution Continues:
- Term 2, 2026: All 600 children received exercise books, pens, pencils
- 120 textbooks distributed - English, Math, Science for P.1 to P.5
- Blackboards and chalk supplied to 6 classes

B) Impact Seen:
- No more sharing 1 book by 10 children - now 1 book by 3 children
- Handwriting improved - every child now has own pencil
- Homework submission from 40% to 95%

4. How Our Program Continues to Transform Lives

1. Daniel, P.4, 12 years: "Before I used to copy notes in dust. Now I have my own books. I got position 3."

2. Teachers: "Teaching is now easy. We can give homework and children do it."

3. Parents: "My child now reads at home for us. We never went to school."

5. What Remains To Keep Program Continuing

- Exercise books for Term 3, 2026 for 600 children - need continuous supply
- More textbooks - target 1 book per 2 children
- Geometry sets, crayons, manila papers for Nursery
- School bags - children carry books in polythene bags, torn in rain
- School uniforms - 200 children still without uniform, laughed at

6. Challenges
- Number growing fast - 50 children in 2019, now 600 in 2026
- Books wear out quickly in iron sheet rooms, rain destroys them
- No library / shelves - books stored in sacks
- 100% donor dependent - we distribute as donations come

7. Next Steps - September to December 2026

- Continue Term 3 distribution in September for all 600
- Build small book shelves for each classroom
- Start small library corner on Wakiso land
- Train teachers in making local learning materials from waste

8. Appreciation & Appeal
Our scholastic materials donation program continues because you continue with us.

A pencil is not just a pencil - it is a child's future.

For many of our children, the first pencil you gave is the first pencil they ever owned.

Help us keep 600 children learning without interruption.

"When you give a book, you don't just give paper, you give a child power to dream."