SPONSORED CHILDREN
Empower A Child believes education is the key to changing a child’s life from a life of poverty to a life of possibilities. Many children we meet in the projects we go to have a desire to be educated but simply cannot afford to go to school. Most of the time those asking for assistance are orphans, one or both of their parents have passed away. Some live with aunts or uncles who cannot afford to send both their own children and their nieces and nephews to school. In cases all their extended family has passed away and they live on their own and become responsible for raising their younger brothers and sisters. Many of those in our program are above the age of 12 years old. Bigger sponsorship organizations will only accept children into their program if they are under the age of 12 years old. This is usually done for two reasons. One, it is usually easier to form and influence the life of a younger child and two, it is easier to get a sponsor for a cute 5 year old than rugged 15 year old. But children also lose their parents after 12 years old. These children have a strong desire and passion to finish their education and go on to make a better future for themselves and their country. They are the next generation of leaders for Africa. The tools for living and the education they receive today will determine the state of Africa tomorrow. A generation of orphans have the ability to stand up and make a difference in their country, a different Africa from the suffering and pain they had to endure as children. You can stand in the gap for these children who cannot receive assistance otherwise.
Uganda school system
Attending school in Uganda is not free. There is no universal tax system in the country so the money to run a school has to come from the students. Students are required to pay school fees each term, there are 3 terms in a year. School fees pay for things like teachers’ salaries, building costs, student lunches etc. Beyond that children are required to pay for their school uniform, pencils, and notebooks. The Ugandan government has provided assistance for primary schools all over the country decreasing school fees and allowing students a chance to complete primary school. However, secondary school is not provided for and often very expensive for these children. Children usually start nursery school around the age of 3 or 4 years old. There are 3 levels of nursery school before they start primary school. Primary school consists of 7 levels, which they usually begin at age 6 or 7. After primary school is secondary school, which consists of 6 levels, which they should begin at age 13 or 14 and complete by the time they are 18 or 19 years old. If a child cannot pay their school fees they are not allowed to attend school. Which is why so many children are 14 or 15 years old and still in primary. Some of these children have been unable to attend school for the past year or two or three because of their circumstances.
The Program
Empower A Child believes in a holistic approach to reaching the children and youth of Uganda. Through sponsorship each child in the program is enrolled into formal education school, government or private. We ensure the children are attending school daily, receiving meals at school, and have schoolbooks, pens, and pencils needed for their education. The program also provides for the basic needs of the children, such as blankets, mattresses, mosquito nets, shoes, soap, etc. Each child receives provision for any medical needs that arise. Above the basic needs and education, Empower A Child believes in meeting the spiritual and emotional needs of the children and youth. Monthly Bible studies and mentoring programs are provided for the children and youth. At each Bible study the children and youth are taught valuable Bible and life lessons, have a time to share and discuss what they learned in small groups, get the opportunity to write to their sponsors, and receive a nutritious lunch. Many receive the foundation for their faith at these Bible studies as well as counseling and love from our Ugandan staff on various issues they may be facing in life.
How much
Sponsoring a child will only cost $30 a month. Your money will pay for the child’s school fees, books, pencils, breakfast and lunch at school. Empower A Child also offers meetings in which tutoring, counseling, mentoring and disciplining will be offered to the children.
