Give the Gift of School Supplies to Ugandan Students

Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 to offer philanthropic balance to the consumerist American tradition of Black Friday, which kicks off the holiday shopping season. If you participate in this tradition of giving, congratulations: you are making the holidays more meaningful for yourself and the communities you support. Still, it can be challenging to decide which causes to support each year. 

If that’s the case, it may help to know that the gift of education really does keep on giving, and donating funds for school supplies can put the students who need them most on a life-changing path to success. Here’s why you should consider giving the gift of school supplies to Ugandan students this year:

• Relieve the cost burden of education. Low-income families frequently find the cost of education for their children prohibitive, even in tuition-free schools. That’s because the cost of school supplies (uniforms, books, writing tools, paper, and more) adds up quickly, particularly in large families with several children. Relieving this cost helps families to give their children a better start in life. 
• Reduce high dropout rates. Many Ugandan students drop out of school before they have even completed their primary education (for ages 6-13), or during secondary school (for ages 13-19). There are many reasons for this, but financial concerns are a major contributor. This means that donations to school supply funds can help significantly in increasing the likelihood that children will stay in school.
• Help to break the cycle of poverty. Because completing a formal education is key to qualifying for high-quality jobs and escaping poverty, Ugandan students who are forced to drop out—through no fault of their own—frequently become trapped in low-income occupations. If they cannot afford to send their own children to school, the cycle begins again. Helping to keep children in school gives them a better chance to break this cycle and live healthier, more productive lives.

• Give girls more life choices. Uganda has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the world. Helping girls stay in school significantly reduces their risk of unintended pregnancy and premature marriage, which in turn reduces their dependence on men for income. Completing their education allows girls to delay marriage, have careers, and gain more control over their lives and health. Donated school supplies can go a long way toward helping them achieve this.

The Gift of Education for Ugandan Children Lasts a Lifetime

Simone’s Kids in Nakaseke, Uganda provides education and meets basic needs for children in order to help them break the cycle of poverty. Your donations help purchase nutritious food, school supplies, textbooks, and other necessities for Ugandan students.

It’s time for our annual Classroom for Christmas drive! Join us in giving back this holiday season with gifts that provide hope to our students in Uganda. Make a difference by shopping at the Simone’s Kids Store or donating to Simone’s Kids today!