Supporting Students and Families

Many talented students struggle to complete their high school education and are unable to take up offers of college places. We aim to support students through school and college, helping them to reach their potential and increase their ability to support their families and make a difference to their communities.

We have a holistic approach and understand that in many cases it is not enough to provide tuition fees and other educational expenses. For example, a student who goes to college might otherwise be contributing to the family income, perhaps enabling younger siblings to go to school.

We provide both one-off grants and regular sponsorship to a small number of students and families in the region, to support education and/or relieve poverty. For reasons of privacy, safety and respect we do not publicise details of all of our beneficiaries, particularly under 18's; however sponsors will receive information and updates. We only include information on our website with the full consent of the person involved.

We do not currently offer one-to-one sponsorship but we have a dedicated Students and Families fund and welcome enquiries from potential sponsors. We hope to expand our programme of sponsorship soon.

Achievements

Amim

Amim has almost completed a two year diploma course at Makerere University Business School in Kampala, fully sponsored by Friends of Bwindi. Amim's fees and other costs were supported by a number of people, including many from the unofficial ebay charity group the Monthly Daft Charity Coalition (MDCC). A volunteer found this group when we were looking for a way to fund Amim's course.

Before beginning his course, Amim told us 'My ambition from childhood was to see me and the community prosper, which I plan to achieve. After my education I plan to go back to the village and help the people of Bwindi'.

In fact Amim did not wait for the end of his course. Inspired by charity appeals on TV, Amim rented a PO box in Kampala and started his own parcel appeal, requesting clothes, educational materials and gifts for orphaned and vulnerable children and widows in his village. Sponsors and supporters have sent lots of parcels for Amim to distribute, plus a camera so that he can take photos for supporters to see online. Lots of children have already benefitted. Find out more about Amim

Dixon

Dixon received a one-off award to enable him to complete his degree course. When he approached us we did not have funds available to cover fees and other expenses, but managed to raise enough to pay the remaining balance on his university fees just in time for the deadline and Dixon was able to complete his project, achieving a very high grade (upper second class, or 2:1) despite working as a labourer to support himself and his pregnant girlfriend while completing his project.

Dixon's baby was due at the time when he was finishing his project, making his achievement even more remarkable. Eunice gave birth to a healthy girl on September 8th and the couple have honoured the volunteer who worked for their funding in the naming of their daughter, Ainembabazi Lakisha Amanda.

Dixon would like to manage projects to support orphans in future, to enable orphans and disadvantaged children (particularly girls) to have an education. He is now studying for a Masters degree.

If you would like to support Dixon's expenses while he compltes his masters degree (2009 - 2011) please contact us, or see our Donate page for more details of how to donate.

Donate to our Students and Families fund online using a credit or debit card or your Paypal account

Your donation will be processed by Paypal's secure online service. We can accept online donations in any currency. You do not need a Paypal account to use this service.

You can also make a postal donation by cheque or postal order. Find out how