As 2024 came to a close, a wave of hope and joy arrived in Uganda thanks to the incredible generosity of the Global Compassion Connectors (GCC) from Australia. Through the unwavering commitment of donors and coordinators, 41 Ugandan students have been granted a life-changing opportunity to continue their education into 2025. This milestone is part of an ongoing school fees assistance project aimed at creating brighter futures for children in Uganda.
The project, now in its second year, has provided essential support to students who might otherwise struggle to access education. Coordinated by Davina Miranda, an Australian Connector, the initiative reflects her tireless efforts to secure funding for the students. Working closely with Peter Waiswa, the Ugandan National Coordinator for Connectors, and Magnus, Davina’s spirited 8-year-old son, the project has raised $2,270 USD, ensuring uninterrupted schooling for these children.
At the handover ceremony, Peter Waiswa shared heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Ugandan community. He commended Davina for her tireless efforts spent raising funds and celebrated Magnus’s optimism and drive, which has inspired many. Waiswa extended special thanks to the Australian donors, emphasizing their profound impact on the students’ futures. He reassured contributors that their generosity was making an immediate and meaningful difference.
Parents and guardians were encouraged to make the most of this opportunity by fostering a supportive home environment for their children’s studies. Waiswa’s call for collective responsibility was echoed by local leaders, who underscored the transformative power of education.
Community comes together
The ceremony also highlighted acts of solidarity from the wider community. Mr. Maxwell Kuwembula, Chairman of Kamuli District, donated 50 dozen books to the students—a gesture symbolizing encouragement and investment in their academic journeys. The books were presented by Mr. Ludigo Sabastian, Chairman of the Local Council Two, who urged the students never to give up on their education. “Without education, you have no future,” he declared, inspiring the young learners to strive for excellence.
Attended by teachers, parents, church leaders, and government officials, the event was an emotional celebration of compassion in action. Students expressed their gratitude through heartfelt messages, many brought to tears by the magnitude of the support they had received. Their families, too, shared stories of how this initiative has renewed their hope and belief in a better future.
More to come
Looking ahead, Peter Waiswa and Davina Miranda remain committed to expanding the project’s impact, particularly for girls, who face unique barriers to education. As demand for assistance grows, they are exploring new ways to mobilize the GCC network and support even more children.
Waiswa also acknowledged the unwavering support of the entire GCC family, whose encouragement has been instrumental in the project’s success. Local leadership has pledged continued collaboration to ensure the initiative’s sustainability and growth.
This school fees assistance program has not only provided students with access to education but also instilled a sense of stability and purpose within the community. It stands as a testament to the power of compassion and collaboration, demonstrating that when individuals come together across continents, they can create meaningful and lasting change.
For these 41 students and their families, the program represents a bridge to a brighter tomorrow—a reminder that education is not just a privilege but a pathway to opportunity. And for the global community, it serves as an inspiring example of what is possible when we lead with kindness and generosity.