As the inaugural week of the school year draws to a close, we are thrilled to share our first update of 2022 with you. After an intense period of preparation for the long-awaited reopening of schools in Uganda following two years of lockdowns and curfews, we finally have a moment to take you on a journey behind the scenes and provide a glimpse into our recent endeavors and memorable moments.
The journey commenced with a heartwarming reunion of Shanita’s team. After two years of remote work, the majority of us had the joyous opportunity to reconvene in Karamoja, Uganda. Together, we embarked on the eagerly anticipated mission of accompanying 205 children to school—a remarkable milestone that we are proud to announce!
For many of these children, stepping foot into a school environment was an entirely new experience.
Strengthening Community Bonds
Our first order of business was to strengthen our bonds with local communities through regional parent assemblies. Collaborating closely with the children’s parents is pivotal to the success of our scholarship program, and establishing trust within the local community remains a top priority. Thanks to the dedication of Shanita’s local staff, who hail from the very communities we support, our partnership continues to thrive. Recognizing that many program beneficiaries are first-generation students, we devoted time to engage with family members, addressing their questions and concerns.
Next, we tackled the logistical challenges inherent in providing supplies for 205 children. From essential school supplies to personal hygiene items, our scholarship program ensures that each child is equipped with everything they need. Trucks laden with supplies traversed Uganda to reach the four different schools collaborating with Shanita. Upon arrival, our exceptional team sprang into action, meticulously unpacking, assembling, and distributing kits of learning materials and personal supplies to every child. The indescribable joy radiating from their faces spoke volumes.
Supplying Essentials
Following the distribution of supplies, we accompanied the children and their families to the school dormitories, assisting them in settling into their new living quarters. This momentous occasion, witnessing the children and their families discover their new surroundings, is undoubtedly one of the highlights of our work. The sheer excitement displayed by the children, recounted by the matron as they leaped onto their beds until the early hours, encapsulated the profound impact of our efforts.
Partners in Progress
Looking ahead, our focus turns to you—our esteemed partners in the scholarship program—who have played an integral role in making this dream a reality. In the coming week, we will compile individualized updates about each sponsored child and share them with you via email, using the addresses provided upon joining the program.
