Project Report
| May 15, 2024
Projects Update: Spring 2024
Educating - New Beginnings
In Uganda, term times run a little bit differently compared to here in the UK. Children take their exams towards the end of the calendar year, so have their longer break over the Christmas and New Year period. This means that children went back to school in February, some into new classes and others into new schools! 36 children who sat their Primary Leaving Examinations or O Levels received their results, and on the whole, they did really well. One child did so brilliantly in their Primary Leaving Examinations that they were featured in national newspapers! All 163 children on the School Sponsorship Project received learning materials, such as stationary, before going back to school.
At the start of the year we had a little boy called Oliver* enrol onto the project. He really enjoys going to school and is grateful for the two hot meals that he now receives at school each day. His grandmother had this to say: 'How would my grandchild have accessed a good education without your help? He would not be able to go to school, I barely feed them all. My heart is full, and my hope is renewed, you have given us hope.’ (*name changed)
We also had 3 successful graduations! Poppy* was one of those students who graduated from the project. After completing her O-Levels, Poppy went to technical college to pursue a certificate in Computer Science. As part of her course she did an internship. After completing her course and receiving her certificate, the company that she was doing her internship with decided to keep her on as a paid member of staff! This has allowed Poppy to become independent and take care of her own basic needs. ‘Kids Club Kampala has seen me through my education since primary level until graduation with a certificate in Computer Science. I have received guidance and attention every step of the way. I hope I can extend the same kindness someday.’ (*name changed)
Things have also been busy at our Encouraging Education centres. 34 children finished their early years education with us and 21 new children have been enrolled so far this year. We also supplied each of the three centres with new learning materials and study resources at the beginning of the year.
Protecting - Supporting Local Communities
Once again we reached many vulnerable children and teenagers this quarter. We have been busy in all of the communities that we operate in, doing the best we can to offer protection, guidance, support and joy to those we care for.
- 861 children attended our weekly Saturday Kids Clubs
- 64 girls counselling sessions took place
- 430 sanitary towels were distributed to girls and young women
- 64 boys regularly attended the football project across the Namuwongo and Naguru sites
- We gave counselling and support to 2 different families to help them resolve issues and reunite
Skilling - Cause For Celebration!
Our 13th cohort of students recently graduated from the Tailoring and Knitting Project, with 40 students graduating in total. We held a graduation ceremony at our Hope Centre to celebrate the occasion which was attended by the students, their family members, local leaders and a local official. We also used this event to give the graduates sewing machines. All 40 of the students also received business training from three local successful tailors, to teach them how to generate income from their new skill and qualification.
With the 13th cohort graduating, it was time for some new students to enrol. As ever, demand for the Tailoring and Knitting Project was high, and 52 students enrolled to make up the 14th cohort.
Once again, it is easy to get lost in the numbers and forget the life changing impact behind each one of these statistics. We recently heard from Juliet* - a past student - about how she has got on since graduating: ‘My business started in September 2023 after graduating in tailoring at Kids Club Kampala. It started small where I was making little products which were mostly bought by my close friends and relatives. It was from the friends and relatives that my customer base increased. As of now, I am known and supported by at least a good number of people. From my business I can make around 200,000ugshs a month. I am glad that from this business I have made friends, I am able to pay my rent and I can take care of my children and their basic needs single handedly.’ (*name changed)
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