The May Photo:
THE ROAD TO SCHOOL
In this image, you can see one of our school buses bringing children safely to school and back home each day. For many families in our community, reliable transport makes education accessible and ensures children can attend school consistently.
The photo was captured by Kirsten Dünner, also known as Lily, an analogue photographer who joined our Social Impact Trip in 2024. Her work reflects a mindful and timeless way of seeing the world, capturing honest, unposed moments from life in Uganda.
What if getting to school was one of the biggest challenges of your education?
For many children in Uganda, education is not simply about having a classroom to attend. Before the first lesson even begins, there is often a long journey ahead.
At the 22STARS Foundation, we support children in two communities: Kampala and Jinja. While many nursery and primary schools are located within walking distance of the communities where our children live, the situation changes significantly once they move on to secondary education..
Why Secondary School Is Different
Uganda has many small primary schools spread throughout local neighbourhoods. This allows younger children to walk to school each morning.
Secondary schools, however, are much fewer in number and often located many kilometres away. For many families, travelling to and from school every day would mean walking for several hours or paying transport costs they simply cannot afford.
That is why boarding school is the most common option for secondary students in Uganda.
Unlike in many European countries, boarding school is not considered a luxury. It is often the only practical way for children to continue their education safely and consistently.
Living at school also gives students access to evening study time, school meals, and a structured environment that allows them to focus on learning.
Supporting Every Step of the Journey
Through our sponsorship programme, we make sure children can attend the school that best matches their talents and ambitions.
For younger children attending nursery and primary school, this usually means supporting local schools close to home.
For secondary students, sponsorship covers not only tuition but also boarding fees, uniforms, learning materials and everything they need to stay at school throughout the term.
In addition, the 22STARS Foundation pays for the school buses within our communities. Every school day, these buses safely transport many of our younger children between their homes and school, ensuring they arrive on time and reducing the risks associated with long walks through busy urban areas.
Reliable transport removes one more barrier to education and gives parents peace of mind that their children are travelling safely.That is why, since October 2016, we have been providing weekly nutritious meals at our community centers, especially during weekends and school holidays.
Education Is More Than a Classroom
Going to school is about much more than receiving lessons.
School provides children with stability, friendships, positive role models, nutritious meals, and the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills they need to build independent futures.
For many of our children, education is also the pathway out of generational poverty.
It creates opportunities that simply would not exist otherwise.
That is why we don't only invest in school fees. We invest in everything that makes education possible.
Looking Beyond Secondary School
Our support does not stop when children finish secondary school.
Depending on their interests, talents and academic results, many continue into vocational training, while others pursue university education.
Whether they become electricians, mechanics, teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs or university graduates, our goal remains the same: helping every young person develop the skills to become financially independent and give back to their communities.
Education is not just about earning a diploma.
It is about creating opportunities that last a lifetime.
Looking Ahead
Every child deserves the chance to learn, regardless of where they are born.
By removing barriers such as school fees, transport and boarding costs, we make it possible for hundreds of children to stay in school and continue building brighter futures.
Because education is one of the most powerful investments we can make.
Not only in a child.
But in an entire community.
Education is not just about reaching a classroom. Sometimes, the journey itself is the first obstacle to overcome.
Education is not just about reaching a classroom. Sometimes, the journey itself is the first obstacle to overcome.
Each month, we will publish a blog post exploring the story behind the featured Charity Calendar photograph, offering insightful commentary and additional images. Check here which months we already posted.