Our trimestral reports are written by Susan Laker for our Kampala programs and by Aidah Wafula for our Jinja programs. In addition to our Child-Sponsorship Program we run additional programs throughout the year benefitting all children and their community. This report shows the programs that have been running the trimester January-March 2025. We also invite you to check out our Instagram stories to find out more about the activities that we carried out during this time.
1. EDUCATION
Kampala
January began with our children and their families returning from the festive holidays spent in their home villages. To mark the start of the year, we held a joyful Christmas celebration at our center in the Acholi Quarter, joined by children, parents, local leaders, women’s representatives, and even the parish police. With shared meals and dance, we renewed our collective spirit of unity and hope.
During the holidays, children were engaged in revision classes and computer literacy programs, ensuring they stayed academically active. These sessions helped them prepare for critical school interviews at the start of term—an important determinant of academic progress in Uganda. We are thrilled to report that all candidates for the 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) passed and transitioned into secondary school. This marks a profound achievement, especially for families with no prior experience in formal education. Parents and guardians expressed overwhelming gratitude to sponsors and the Foundation.
In February, Senior Five students began their first term of advanced secondary education. Despite economic challenges in Uganda and abroad, we successfully paid school fees for all Kampala students by February 6th—thanks to the unwavering generosity of our sponsors.
March brought more celebration as all Senior Six candidates passed their final exams. One of the most moving moments was when student 146 – Rubangakene Richard received sponsorship to pursue engineering at university. His story represents what 22STARS is all about: opening doors to a brighter, self-determined future.
Jinja
In Jinja, the academic year started officially on January 27th. Through close coordination with schools, we ensured all sponsored children resumed on time—even as we arranged for final fee payments. Primary Seven students entered boarding school to receive extra coaching in preparation for national exams.
UNEB released PLE results on January 23rd. Of our 19 Primary Seven students, 18 passed, and will transition to secondary education. One student, 355 – Nyandira, unfortunately didn’t pass, and will be encouraged to enroll in a vocational training program—a great alternative that nurtures talent and builds practical skills.
Secondary schools reopened in early February, with Senior One starting on the 10th and Senior Five on the 24th. Three students (201 – Irama, 266 – Wafula, and 278 – Clive) performed excellently in the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and are now eligible for advanced studies.
Meanwhile, our computer and music programs continued steadily. New enrollments from Primary Three students brought fresh enthusiasm. We also supported students with homework and learning reinforcement—especially important for children whose parents cannot read or write.
2. NUTRITION PROGRAM
Kampala
Our Sunday lunch program remains a vital pillar of nourishment and connection. In January, we served 255 children weekly with warm, nutritious meals such as rice with silver fish and groundnut sauce. This continued through February and March with meals served to 100 children per week—a strategic focus on the most vulnerable.
Beyond food, these gatherings included educational sessions using projectors, where we discussed values like respect and leadership. We also supported children with their English language skills and homework. These moments help bridge academic gaps and foster a sense of belonging.
The Young Leadership Program has played a pivotal role in this period, mentoring teenagers and equipping young people with skills to navigate adolescence and community service.
Jinja
3. HEALTH AND EYE-CARE PROGRAM
Kampala
This trimester saw improved overall health thanks to our preventative support measures—including mosquito nets, blankets, and clean water filters. No major malaria or malnutrition cases were recorded in January.
In February, child 454 – Elem Raphael fell and suffered a serious head wound. Swift coordination between Susan and our team ensured immediate treatment and stitches, with recovery ongoing.
March brought a more serious case: child 167 – Emalu Amos Okodi returned home from boarding school with signs of possible kidney failure. Though diagnosis is pending, we’ve begun treatment based on symptoms and continue to monitor him closely.
We also received a timely donation of water filters in January—just as a cholera outbreak threatened the area. Thanks to these filters and our hygiene education, no 22STARS beneficiaries were affected.
Jinja
Jinja’s health reports were largely positive. January saw no serious incidents. In February, Nagudi Martha sustained serious leg injuries in a traffic accident, but thanks to prompt action, she received the care she needed.
In March, Wafula Samantha was treated for a dental emergency (root canal), supported through our health fund.
4. VARIA PROGRAMS
Kampala
While academics and nutrition were priorities, our hearts were also full with cultural and community events:
February 19: Susan joined a Zoom call with the team behind the “55 Faces” book project. On February 26, the team visited our center, leading workshops on storytelling and cultural identity—including a joyful Luo traditional dance. The day ended with a beautiful book launch event at Bush Pig in Kololo.
March 8 – International Women’s Day: We celebrated with empowering speeches, workshops, and discussions about gender equality, leadership, and education.
March 15: We visited boarding school students at Hope Land School, surprising them with a festive home-cooked meal—chicken, fish, rice, sweet potatoes, and more.
Jinja
Throughout the quarter, we maintained regular communications with both the Ugandan and international teams. Notably, in February, Aidah and David traveled to Kampala to attend a book launch where both Aidah and Susan had featured stories.
In March, we celebrated International Women’s Day on the 8th, bringing together children from Abba Father School and several parents for a special event. We also made visits to our students in boarding schools, both in primary and secondary levels, to check on their well-being and progress. A new system of weekly Monday local team calls was introduced, with Francesca joining to listen and provide feedback, strengthening coordination and team performance.
