Give A Hope
Give A Hope
Today, only about 40% of children in Uganda between the ages of 3 and 5 attend early childhood education, an improvement from just 20% in 2011, thanks to initiatives like Give a Hope. In primary education, 80% of children aged 6 to 12 are enrolled in school, while more than 25% attend secondary school. However, access to education remains deeply unequal. The wealthiest 20% of the population enrol in high school at a rate of 43.1%, which is five times higher than the enrolment rate of the poorest 20% (8.2%).
Geographically, disparities are also significant. In regions like Acholi, located in Northern Uganda, secondary school enrolment stands at a mere 7%, while urban centers like Kampala boast a 52% enrolment rate.
The Sapphire Africa Foundation, founded in 2014, began by helping young girls in Northern Uganda with school fees, scholastic materials, and meals. As we grew, our focus expanded based on the needs we encountered, and our reach has now extended to seven districts across Uganda. If you’re curious about how this journey began, you can read our full story here.
Despite progress, Uganda continues to face alarming rates of primary school dropouts. On average, 45% of students drop out before completing primary education, with girls being disproportionately affected. This is largely due to a combination of financial barriers (school fees, lack of proper nutrition), cultural factors (child labor, early marriages, and domestic responsibilities), and the lack of sanitary materials during menstruation, leading to teenage pregnancies and forced marriages. Many girls face immense pressure from cultural norms that view them as sources of dowry, diminishing their value compared to boys.
Recognizing these immense challenges, the Sapphire Africa Foundation launched the Give a Hope program, aimed at providing educational opportunities for children who might otherwise be denied access to school. We specifically target vulnerable children from low-income families who lack the means to continue their education. Our program has become a beacon of hope, changing lives and uplifting communities across Uganda. Listen to a success story from our program.
When we started, we could not have foreseen the overwhelming need. Our journey began with just four children, but as word spread, the number grew. Today, Sapphire Africa Foundation is supporting 107 children across 9 districts in Uganda, and the number continues to rise every school term. We rely on generous donors and supporters like you to help us sustain this work.
Join us today in transforming the future of Uganda’s vulnerable children. Your contribution can help provide education, meals, school supplies, and the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. Together, we can change lives and build a brighter tomorrow.
Contact us now at sapphireafricafoundation@gmail.com and start this journey with us. Every donation makes a difference.