Schooling for Underprivileged children of Africa

A few years back I came up with an idea.. that whenever I travel to Africa I would try to help the community's underprivileged children by paying for their yearly school fees and all school materials. This way, not only does it help alleviate their families financially, but it also keeps these kids off the streets, as many end up there due needing to find work and to not being able to afford to stay in school. By keeping them in school, they’ll have a much better chance to build themselves a brighter future & hopefully in turn, a better environment for those around them.

A few years ago when I shared this idea with all my friends on social media, I was overwhelmed by the response! With all the donations I was able to follow through with the plan & we were able to cover the costs of 250 children's yearly school fees, materials & for some, even their food - that was provided by the school.

I wanted to do this privately - without going to an established charity organisation, because I wanted the children to receive completely, 100% of the donations provided by all of You here. Because the truth is, many of us want to help children in need but hesitate because they may only receive a certain percentage. This way we are all clear on how the donations will be used, being in its entirety towards the Eritrean, Ethiopian and Ugandan children's education here in Uganda.

The actual reason behind this idea however, is a bit more personal to me than what I’d mentioned above.

I was once in their position. Not many know but I grew up in poverty. During that time when I was a young girl in desperate need of help.. I remember thinking to myself ‘I wish someone from the outside would help me & take me out of this..’

so when I see these children who reflect what once was me and my reality.. I somewhat know what they’re thinking & feeling. I understand the heavy burdens in life that forces them to carry out responsibilities far greater than themselves.

However.. I also know that it takes very little to feel joy. It takes just a small gesture to feel noticed, thought of and cared for.. Any little thing we can do for those in such a position is deeply cherished in their hearts forever.

I also want to share one last thing. I remember what the principal of a school we'd helped (A school that I once attended as a young girl) had shared with me, he told me; "you’re not only helping them financially but you’re teaching them about sharing and helping one another. Last week the children all donated 2nakfa (roughly 20¢) each, to help one of their fellow students, of whom was in a worse financial situation then they were", he continued with; "We’re teaching them to do what you're all doing for us."

I truly mean this.. None of this would be possible with out You! So no matter what amount, don't feel embarrassed to give even if it’s a dollar.

For any personal reasons, there's also an option of keeping your name anonymous when donating.

I deeply appreciate you for any support given - whether it be a donation, a comment or sharing this post.

Love Canary