WALKFREE KIDS | Save the Child

Save the Child Foundation- Uganda Initiative

Save the Child Foundation’s Uganda initiative works with various Non-profit organizations that empower kids and women from marginalized communities. These organizations help kids and women to bring change by using the power of education, impartial healthcare, proper sanitation and Self-sustanibilty that helps them as well as their communities.

Today Save the Child Foundation’s Uganda initiative has successfully educated more than 45 kids to complete their high school and more than 35 kids were able to go back to school after dropping out due to lack of financial resources. More than 500k reusable pads were distributed in the last 5 years, which helped girls and women with period poverty.

We at Save The child foundation’s Uganda initiative believes that marginalized communities deserve equal opportunity of Education, Healthcare and Sanitation.

Our Programs

EDUCATION

Save the Child Foundation, in collaboration with partner organizations, supports the education of children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who often lack basic necessities like housing, water, and proper meals. By helping raise funds and facilitating on-the-ground assistance, we ensure that these children gain access to education. Our primary focus is on ensuring that no child is left behind, and through global connections, particularly in Africa, we also expose them to opportunities beyond education, fostering broader awareness of the world and different fields of interest.

GENDER EQUALITY

At Save the Child Foundation, we believe women play a vital role in a nation's development, and women’s empowerment is a core focus alongside education. In partnership with organizations in Uganda, we have supported women over the past three years by providing them with sewing machines and livestock to foster sustainability and independence. Recognizing the growing demand for tailoring, we are training young women, single mothers, and women from vulnerable backgrounds to build self-sustaining businesses. Our long-term goal is to connect these women with donors globally, helping them expand their businesses and lead independent lives.

HEALTH &SANITATION

In addition to education, health and sanitation are major challenges faced by women and children in Uganda. We identified this issue in 2022 while supporting Menstrual Hygiene Day, during which we provided reusable pads and organized health sessions. Collaborating with AfriPads, we introduced menstrual cups, which we hope will help more women, especially considering the local water crisis. Besides period poverty, HIV/AIDS is a significant concern due to limited access to affordable healthcare. Through education, health camps, and awareness campaigns, we work with partners to empower young leaders to volunteer and support their communities in emergencies.

Save the Child Foundation's support for
Walkfree Children's Foundation

Save the Child Foundation has been working closely with Walkfree Foundation in Uganda, focusing on key areas of education, menstrual hygiene, and emotional learning. Through our collective efforts, we have positively impacted the lives of children and women in marginalized communities. Here's a detailed breakdown of STC's contributions and achievements in collaboration with Walkfree Foundation.

1. Education Support: School Fees and Resources

Objective: Providing long-term educational support for children from low-income families, ensuring they remain in school without financial hurdles.

School Fees Support: Over the past two years, STC has supported the education of nearly 50 children, covering their school fees and enabling them to continue their studies uninterrupted. By removing the financial burden from families, these children are able to focus on their academics and pursue their dreams.
- Impact: Many of the children supported through this initiative have seen significant improvements in their academic performance. They now have the opportunity to build a brighter future, contributing to the overall development of their communities.
Provision of School Supplies: In addition to financial support, STC provided necessary school supplies such as notebooks, pens, uniforms, and textbooks to ensure the children are fully equipped for school.
- Impact: Equipping children with essential learning tools has improved their participation in class, motivation, and overall learning experience.

2. Menstrual Hygiene Products: Combatting Period Poverty

Objective: Ensuring that girls in Uganda have access to affordable, sustainable menstrual hygiene products, so they do not have to miss school due to their periods.

Distribution of Afripads (Reusable Menstrual Pads): STC has distributed over 600 Afripads to school-going girls and women in their communities. These reusable pads provide a sustainable solution to managing menstruation, helping girls stay in school and maintain their health and hygiene.
- Impact: By providing long-lasting, reusable pads, STC has helped reduce absenteeism among girls who previously missed school due to a lack of menstrual products. This initiative has also empowered women to manage their periods with dignity and avoid the social stigma that often surrounds menstruation in rural areas.
Menstrual Health Education: Alongside the distribution of Afripads, STC has facilitated educational workshops to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. These workshops encourage open dialogue about menstruation, reduce stigma, and equip girls with the knowledge they need to care for their bodies.
- Impact: Girls and women in these communities are now better informed about menstrual hygiene and feel more confident in managing their health, leading to improved well-being and academic participation.

3. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Workshops: Empowering Future Leaders

Objective: Equipping children with essential life skills through Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs, helping them develop emotional resilience, self-awareness, and leadership skills.

Room to Read Project: Led by Sandhya Nair, the "Room to Read" project reaches more than 12 secondary school children. Through this initiative, students engage in book readings, writing exercises, and discussions that help develop their critical thinking, communication skills, and emotional literacy.
- Impact: The program has significantly boosted the students' confidence in reading and writing English, enabling them to express themselves more freely and engage with academic materials at a deeper level.
Colors of Dreams Project: Sandhya also conducts weekly workshops under the "Colors of Dreams" initiative, which involves 23 younger children. These workshops include a range of activities such as creative arts, games, and discussions designed to foster emotional intelligence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Impact: The SEL activities have helped children develop better social skills, emotional awareness, and the ability to manage stress and challenges. The holistic approach encourages children to dream big and take an active role in shaping their futures.