By Steven Waddell | Founder and Executive Director
Quarterly Report: Strengthening the Lives of 60 Vulnerable Children in Rural Uganda
Reporting Period: January – March 2026
Executive Summary
From January 1 to March 31, 2026, the PLATFORM for the NEEDY (PLANE) Uganda implemented impactful interventions aimed at enhancing the lives of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). Our holistic approach integrates caregiver support, educational assistance, psychosocial engagement, and direct household monitoring, reinforcing our commitment to child protection and development.
During this quarter, we successfully distributed educational materials to 60 students, comprising 28 secondary school students aged 13-19 and 32 children in nursery and primary school aged 5-13. Additionally, we provided school fees for 15 students (10 girls and 5 boys) to ensure their continued education. The remaining beneficiaries received essential scholastic materials, including exercise books, pens, pencils, soap, and toilet paper.
Funding Sources
PLANE secured funding through various generous contributions, including institutions and individuals.
Monitoring and Support Activities
Home visits were conducted throughout the quarter, allowing for continuous monitoring of children's welfare and caregiver capacity. These visits provided valuable insights into living conditions and revealed that while most caregivers are dedicated to providing adequate care, many face financial constraints. Housing conditions were generally modest, with some instances of overcrowding and sanitation concerns.
Children were found to be safe and actively attending school; however, a few exhibited signs of emotional distress, underscoring the need for ongoing psychosocial support. Caregivers received tailored guidance on improving childcare practices, supporting children's education, and maintaining healthy living conditions.
Educational support remained a central focus during this quarter. School monitoring visits facilitated direct engagement with teachers and administrators, with feedback indicating that most students were performing at average to above-average levels. Improved attendance and participation were noted, particularly among students in examination classes, who actively prepared through revision sessions and mock examinations.
Key Outcomes and Impact
The interventions during this period resulted in significant improvements in both caregiver capacity and child well-being. Caregivers demonstrated increased knowledge and confidence in providing effective care, particularly in discipline, emotional support, and child protection.
Children benefited from enhanced access to education, reflected in increased school attendance and academic engagement. Participation in club activities contributed to improved self-confidence, communication skills, and emotional well-being.
Furthermore, the program strengthened relationships between PLANE, caregivers, schools, and beneficiaries, creating a more coordinated and supportive environment for child development. The identification of vulnerable households during home visits has enabled more targeted and effective interventions.
Conclusion
The reporting period from January 1 to March 31, 2026, reflects significant progress in improving the lives of orphans and vulnerable children supported by PLANE Uganda. Through integrated interventions that combine educational support, caregiver empowerment, psychosocial engagement, and household-level monitoring, PLANE has strengthened its impact and reach.
While financial challenges remain, the outcomes achieved demonstrate the effectiveness of our program and the resilience of the communities we serve. Attached to this report are photographs taken during the described activities, with consent obtained from all participants. We are pleased to share these moments as a reflection of the engagement, joy, and progress of the children and caregivers supported by PLANE.
Next Steps
Despite ongoing funding constraints, PLANE Uganda remains committed to improving the lives of orphans and vulnerable children. Building on the progress achieved during this reporting period, we will continue to strengthen our core interventions, including educational support, caregiver capacity building, psychosocial services, and household monitoring.
PLANE is dedicated to scaling its impact by deepening existing programs and introducing targeted interventions such as academic support initiatives, caregiver livelihood programs, and enhanced psychosocial services. These efforts are designed to ensure long-term, sustainable outcomes for both children and their caregivers.
Appreciation
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for your generous support of PLANE. Your contributions are making a significant difference in the lives of Ugandan children. Thanks to your donations and those from other individuals, we have been able to distribute scholastic materials and fees to 60 orphans and needy children. We humbly request that you stay connected with PLANE, advocate for our cause, and continue to support our interventions.
Thank you for your continued support.
Stephen Waddell
PLANE Uganda
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