EMPOWER AND EDUCATE VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN UGANDA

*Report: 2nd Term – A Term of Confidence and Opportunity*
*Theme: Distribution Starts at Gaba Hope for Kids*

The second school term is underway, and for 220 children in our program, it marks a fresh start. This term we are focusing on building confidence and creating opportunities by ensuring every child has what they need from day one. Distribution of school supplies, hygiene kits, and nutrition support began this week across 5 rural villages.

*Why the 2nd Term Matters*
The first term sets the pace, but the second term is where momentum turns into results. Children who start on time, with the right materials and support, are more likely to stay engaged, participate in class, and improve their grades. It is also a critical window to re-enroll students who dropped out early in the year and to strengthen habits that carry into the final term.

*What We Are Distributing*
We structured this round of distribution around the barriers we hear most from children and caregivers.

1. *School Kits*: 180 children received uniforms, shoes, notebooks, pens, and geometry sets. This removes the shame of showing up unprepared and reduces the number of children sent home for missing items.
2. *Menstrual Health Kits*: 95 girls received reusable pads, soap, and underwear, along with a short session on menstrual health and hygiene. The goal is to keep girls in class every day of the term.
3. *Nutrition Support*: Daily porridge started for 120 children at our learning center. Regular meals improve concentration and reduce illness-related absences.
4. *Learning Materials*: Textbooks and revision guides were placed in 3 partner schools to supplement limited school supplies.

*Early Signs of Impact*
Distribution is still in progress, but early feedback is clear. Teachers report that 92% of children in our program reported for week one with full kits. Attendance on day one was 18% higher than the same week last term. Girls in the mentorship groups say they feel more confident about staying in school through the full term. Caregivers note that having supplies ready reduces stress and conflict at home.

*Challenges We Are Watching*
Costs for shoes and uniforms increased again this term, so we could not reach all 220 children with full kits. Transport to remote villages delayed distribution for 12 children, but kits are now on the way. We also need more peer mentors to run homework clubs as numbers grow.

*Next Steps for This Term*
To turn distribution into lasting opportunity, we are:

1. *Following Up*: Conduct home and school visits to check that supplies are being used and children are attending.
2. *Running Mentorship Sessions*: Weekly sessions on goal-setting, study habits, and rights for all 220 children.
3. *Tracking Progress*: Record attendance, participation, and test scores monthly to measure what is working.
4. *Closing Gaps*: Fundraise to provide kits for the remaining 40 children before mid-term.

*Conclusion*
A new term is more than a date on the calendar. It is a chance to show children that they are prepared, supported, and capable. By starting distribution early and following through with mentorship and monitoring, we are turning this term into one of confidence and opportunity.

*Call to Action*
Help us reach the last 40 children who are still waiting for kits. Your support ensures no child misses the start of a term that could change their trajectory.