We are excited to share that we now have over 55 girls enrolled in Grade 7 and above. In August, I visited four Kitgum Uganda secondary schools which our sponsored students attend. Along with Paska, our Education Coordinator, and David, our Project Coordinator, I spent time at each school meeting with students and listening to their experiences. In total, we met with 45 sponsored students, both girls and boys.

The photo above was taken during my visit to an all-girls secondary school in Kitgum. This supportive environment allows students to focus on their studies in a safe and structured setting. Each girl took a turn sharing how her school year was going and what sponsorship has meant to her. One student told us, “Because of my sponsor, I can stay in school, study hard, and dream of becoming a doctor.”

In Uganda, even public secondary education requires fees, and students who are serious about learning are generally expected to board at school, which significantly increases costs. In our remote area of northern Uganda,  very few girls continue on to secondary school when there is no school within walking distance. Because there are no secondary schools near Agwata, boarding is the only option—and it is far beyond what most families can afford.

Our ongoing sponsorship and scholarship programs paired with our Girls’ Education Initiative which keeps girls in school from 3rd to 6th grade, is a lifeline that makes secondary education possible. Your loyal support of these programs are helping these determined young women build confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and plan for brighter futures. Your generosity is truly changing lives.

If you have a friend, family or co-worker that is passionate about education or helping girls, please let them know about the opportunity to give these girls the gift of education.