On June 16th 1976, thousands of students in Soweto, South Africa, took to the streets in protest. The brave students were defending their right to a quality education.
In a dramatic turn of events, hundreds of them were killed.
Nearly 50 years on and many African children still do not receive a quality education. In Uganda, only 30% of children finish primary school.
The International Day of the African Child honours the students who lost their lives in the Soweto uprising. It’s also a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to address the barriers to education in Africa.
To recognise this important day, we’ve gathered some stories from School for Life students that show just how much of an impact you’re helping us make.
Creating safety and freedom
With the help of our incredible supporters, we’ve been able to open two boarding houses - one for girls in 2021 and one for boys in March last year.
They are currently home to 550 students, 300 girls and 250 boys. The impact on these children's lives can’t be overstated.
No more long, unsafe walks to school. No more village distractions. No more household chores or looking after siblings. And for girls, no more early marriages and pregnancies.
Instead, plenty of time to study, lots of support from teachers and regular healthy meals to help them thrive.
CHRISTINE’S STORY
“My name is Nanyondo Christine, and I am a proud student of Mbazzi Riverside High School.
When my parents first told me that I would be joining a boarding school, I was excited. When I finally got here, I felt welcomed and cared for. The Head Teacher and our matron made us feel at home, and we were encouraged to be free and not fear anything since this was our new home.
Before joining boarding school, I used to wake up very early by 5 am and walk a long distance to school. This was quite stressful for me, but when I joined boarding, I felt relieved. I can now focus on my studies without worrying about the journey to and from school.
Overall, my experience in boarding has been very interesting, enjoyable, and stress-free. I am grateful for the friendly staff, the balanced and timely meals, and the quiet environment.”
SHAWN’S STORY
“My name is Zzimbe Shawn, and I'm a 13-year-old student at Mbazzi Riverside High School.
When I first heard that I was going to attend boarding school, I was thrilled. I had always wanted to experience life in a boarding school, and I couldn't wait to see what it would be like.
One of the things I love about boarding school is that I have more time to concentrate on my studies. In day school, I had to do a lot of housework when I got home, but here, we only have to worry about our personal management.
Overall, my experience at boarding school has been fantastic. I love having more time to read books and getting my meals on time. I feel like I have grown a lot since I joined the school, and I can't wait to see what the future holds.”
Overcoming gender-based barriers
Every child, no matter where they are born, has the right to access a quality education.
But for girls, the road to achieving this is more challenging.
Even if they make it to school, it can be difficult for them to stay long enough to graduate. This isn’t surprising when you consider that as many as 40% of girls are married before the age of 18. And 1 in 4 girls between the ages of 15-19 will fall pregnant.
They’re also disadvantaged due to Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) issues. Lack of access to safe supplies and some common myths and misconceptions mean that many girls miss 3 to 4 days of school every month!
Our MHM initiative has been life-changing.
Girls at School for Life, as well as many in the wider community, now have the support they desperately needed.
JOSEPHINE’S STORY
"My name is Josephine. I am 15 years old and I am in Primary 6 at St. Michael Primary School.
Thank you School for Life for giving me a menstrual pack. You have saved me from using tattered rags that have been very uncomfortable.
With this beautiful menstrual pack that you have given me, I will not miss school anymore and I am sure I will be confident and happy again."
Helping every child succeed
We recently shared the success of our first-ever Exhibition Day.
This exciting event was the culmination of our program that trained students in an income-generating skill. The initiative helps to give every child the opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty.
A couple of eager students are already making a profit!
MABLE’S STORY
Mable learnt how to make liquid soap during the skills training. She was inspired to start making this product after she saw how vital it was in her community and its need at home.
She joined efforts with her brother from Primary Four, who had also learnt the skill, and they started making soap. Her mother supported them with start-up capital and they now make liquid soap both for home use and sale within the community.
They have so far made a profit of 50,000 UGX and use the money to buy food items needed at home.
We were also thrilled to hear from one of the students who joined our special needs program 10 years ago.
The World Bank estimates that 16% of children in Uganda live with some form of disability.
Children with disabilities are 10 times less likely to attend school than those without. And even if they attend school, they are more likely to drop out early.
At School for Life, we remove barriers and support them to become valued members of their communities.
DEO’S STORY
Deo joined Katuuso Primary School in year three in 2013 at the age of 15.
Deo had never been to school because of his disability. He is deaf and was part of our special needs program where we help students achieve an education despite their disabilities.
In 2016, we enrolled Deo into St. Mary’s School for the Deaf so he could learn more advanced sign language. Whilst there, he not only completed his primary education but also learnt carpentry and is currently working as an apprentice. He can make doors, door frames, windows and bee hives and he varnishes and polishes the furniture.
Deo is now learning how to take measurements for furniture items. Once he has learnt this, he will be able to communicate and negotiate with customers through writing.
We’re so pleased we can share these heart-warming stories. They show that progress is possible. Barriers can be overcome and children can be given the chance to change their lives through education.
We’re currently providing a quality education to 1700 students in Uganda. If you would like to help us reach more children, please consider sponsoring a child.
