Ten uplifting true stories from Uganda

The power of child sponsorship is found in the lives it helps transform.

Across Uganda, children and young people like Afiya, Dembe, Miremba, George, Kaikara, Gloria, Angel, Kitara, Nabatanzi and Rose have experienced the lasting impact of compassionate support.

Their journeys are different, but each one shows what can happen when a child is given the chance to learn, grow and dream. Through the generosity of sponsors and the dedicated work of IN Uganda, children’s lives are being changed, as well as families and communities too.

1.

Afiya

Afiya, a very young student, lives with her grandparents. Until recently, she did not have a bed of her own, sharing a small bed with her grandmother and, when visitors stayed, sleeping on an old mattress. Thanks to a supporter’s generosity, Afiya received bedding, school shoes and stockings.

She now enjoys her own sleeping space, and the difference has made her feel well rested and ready to work hard at school. Afiya is determined to work hard to become one of the top pupils in her class. Small practical gifts, like this, can help a child feel valued, confident and motivated.

2.

Dembe

As farmers, Dembe’s parents often face significant financial hardship. Dembe attended a small village school where she didn’t own a school uniform, often missed lessons because fees could not be paid and had never received a report card. At just five years old, Dembe was given an opportunity to pursue her education elsewhere.

Thanks to sponsorship, Dembe is now enrolled at Makonge Primary School, where her school fees, uniform, meals, books, and medical care are fully provided. Dembe loves to learn and dreams of becoming a nurse.

For Dembe and her family, this support has restored hope for a brighter future. As Dembe simply puts it, “May God bless you for helping me go to school and become what I want to be.”

3.

Miremba

Miremba, now 22, grew up in a family of five children where financial hardship made it difficult to afford even the basics. After her mother sought help through a Child Protection Committee member, Miremba and her brother joined IN Uganda’s sponsorship programme.

The family faced further challenges, including the loss of their father, being temporarily homeless, and the responsibility of her mother raising five children alone. IN Uganda continued to stand alongside them, extending support to Miremba’s younger siblings, helping the family secure a permanent home, and establishing a piggery project that brought greater stability.

Miremba’s journey also included personal setbacks. After becoming pregnant while in secondary school, she received counselling and encouragement from IN Uganda, enabling her to return to school and complete Senior Four.

She later trained in hairdressing and now earns a living to support her daughter and contribute to her family’s wellbeing, while working towards her dream of opening her own salon. Miremba remains deeply grateful to her sponsor, whose faithful support helped restore hope, dignity, and opportunities for her entire family.

4.

George

George, now 10 years old and a student at Makonge Mixed Primary School, experienced severe hardship in his early childhood. His mother lives with a mental disability, and he has always had an absent father.

Unable to attend school, George spent much of his time on the streets searching for food.

After his circumstances were identified during a home visit, support from IN Uganda enabled him to enrol in school and begin a new chapter. Soon afterwards, George was unwell and required urgent surgery – treatment his family could not afford. Thanks to medical support through IN Uganda, the operation was successful and George made a full recovery.

Today, he is healthy, attending school regularly, and enjoys learning and playing football with his friends. Child sponsorship can transform a child’s life, restoring not only confidence and opportunity, but also health and wellbeing.

5.

Kaikara

Kaikara, now 18, has recently graduated in motorcycle mechanics. Growing up as the fifth of seven children, his family struggled to meet basic needs, and he was frequently sent home from school because fees could not be paid.

After spending a year out of school, Kaikara later joined IN Uganda’s sponsorship programme. Although returning to education was difficult and he struggled to keep up, caring guidance helped him discover a different path through vocational training.

Today, Kaikara is employed at the same workshop where he trained, earning an income and using his skills to help support his family. He also maintains one of the motorcycles used by the IN Uganda field team, further developing his experience.

Kaikara hopes to one day open his own workshop and encourage other young people who may thrive through practical skills rather than traditional classroom learning.

6.

Gloria

Gloria was just 10 years old when she joined IN Uganda’s child sponsorship programme. Before then, her family struggled to afford school fees and even basic necessities, often relying on the kindness of neighbours.

Shortly after joining the programme, Gloria experienced the devastating loss of her mother. Through this difficult period, sponsorship enabled her to have counselling and remain in school.

Today, Gloria has graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and works as a social worker with Compassion International, supporting vulnerable children and families. She is also able to help provide for her siblings.

“When I reflect on my journey, I see the powerful impact of child sponsorship. What began as support for my education became a lifeline that transformed every area of my life: emotionally, spiritually, and socially. Sponsorship restored my hope, gave me stability in a time of loss, and empowered me to build a meaningful future.” – Gloria

7.

Angel

Angel, now 21, was raised by her mother. Her father passed away when she was just four years old. With very limited income, her family often struggled to afford food and school fees, and there were many days when Angel watched other children go to school while she remained at home.

Everything changed when she joined IN Uganda’s sponsorship programme at the age of six, enabling her to continue her education without the constant worry of unpaid fees.

Alongside educational support, Angel received mentorship that helped her grow in confidence and character. After completing Senior Four, she trained in hairdressing and now earns a living in a salon while helping to support her mother.

She dreams of opening her own salon and one day training other young people. Angel’s story is a reminder that child sponsorship can do far more than keep a child in school – it can create lasting impact, strengthen families and inspire hope for the future.

8.

Kitara

Kitara, now 20, was just nine years old when he lost his father, leaving his mother to care for seven children with very limited means. The family survived through casual work on neighbouring farms, and some of Kitara’s older siblings were forced to leave school because fees could not be paid.

After IN Uganda assessed the family’s situation, Kitara joined the sponsorship programme. With support for his education, medical care and school supplies, he was able to continue learning and begin planning for his future.

Inspired by a passion for working with metal, Kitara pursued vocational training in welding. Today, he is a skilled welder, crafting windows, doors, and other metalwork while continuing to build his experience. He dreams of one day opening his own workshop and creating opportunities for others in his community.

9.

Nabatanzi

Nabatanzi was just nine years old when she lost both of her parents. As the second youngest of five children, she and her siblings faced immense hardship, relying on their older brother for care while often going hungry, missing school, and struggling to access medical treatment.

A family friend stepped in to support the children and connected Nabatanzi with IN Uganda, where she joined the sponsorship programme. With her education, medical care, and emotional wellbeing supported, Nabatanzi was able to rebuild her future.

She went on to earn a certificate in catering and hotel management from the Ankole Institute of Vocational Studies and now works as a chef. As she supports her family and plans to continue her studies, Nabatanzi’s story is a moving reminder that compassionate support can help a child overcome profound loss and build a future filled with hope and purpose.

10.

Rose

Rose, now 19, faced immense challenges after losing her father in 2015 while she was in Primary Four. Her mother was left to care for eleven children, relying on a small fried cassava stall to provide for the family, making education increasingly difficult to afford.

Through child sponsorship, Rose was able to complete both primary and secondary school before pursuing a two-year course in hairdressing.

While still in training, Rose began earning an income from her work and carefully saved enough to open her own salon after qualifying. Today, she is financially independent, supports her mother, and helps care for her younger siblings.

Sponsorship can help a young person break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change for their family.

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

*Names have been changed to protect identities

You too can transform someone’s life through our child sponsorship programme.

Written by Zoë Atherton, Communications Officer at International Needs UK

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