Our work in Uganda

Laying a foundation for self-sufficiency in Uganda

Uganda, which Winston Churchill once called the "Pearl of Africa," possesses great potential.

CFCA began working in Uganda in 1993, primarily by providing educational and nutritional assistance.

Today, the Hope for a Family program is based in Kampala, with outreach to families in Masaka, Busunju and Ssekanyonyi. Education and nutrition are priorities, but the program's overarching goal is to help families on a path toward economic self-sufficiency.

Parents are encouraged to participate in small community groups that awaken individual initiative and creativity, offer moral support and strengthen communities.

Access to education

Ugandans value education, but it is not affordable for most families. Hope for a Family sponsorship gives families the opportunity to send their children to school by helping them pay for education-related expenses at public or private institutions.

Public schools are free, but parents must pay for uniforms, books, supplies and registration fees. Most children in the Kampala Hope for a Family program attend private schools because parents value their educational standards.

The Kampala Hope for a Family program helps families purchase school uniforms, required by Ugandan schools. CFCA students in primary and secondary grades feel a sense of pride and belonging when they have new uniforms because it gives them the dignity of "fitting in." Uniforms can cost between $10 and $15, a considerable sum for Ugandan families living in poverty.

Going further with higher education

Few Ugandans can afford to attend university, but a college education is required to work in the formal economic sector.

The Hope for a Family program is helping students attend universities and technical schools, reach their career goals and build a path out of poverty for themselves and their families.

When Rosemary was orphaned at a young age, her life became unpredictable.

She credits CFCA's Hope for a Family sponsorship and her former sponsors, Jim and Eileen, with helping to restore her hope for the future.

Sponsorship made it possible for her to attend school, culminating in a bachelor’s degree in economics.

Now, Rosemary works for the CFCA office in Kampala and hopes to name her children after her former sponsors’ grandchildren.

Read more about Rosemary's story.

Creating change through mothers groups

Many mothers and caregivers of sponsored children in Uganda are involved in Hope for a Family mothers groups. The groups provide opportunities for community building, empowerment, job training and support.

One group, the Tweyambe mothers group, is very productive. The group grows passion fruit and eucalyptus trees. Passion fruit juice is then made at home and sold at juice stands. The fruit's leaves are used to treat malaria and stomach pains in newborns.

Members benefit from the extra income from their projects and from skills they learn in the group.

"In being a part of the group, I have learned cooperation and teamwork as well as being able to speak in public," said Bernadeta, the mother of CFCA sponsored children Ruth and Noelina.

Find the mothers' passion fruit juice recipe here.