#GivingTuesday - Health and Education in Uganda

In 2025, The African SOUP experienced a year of significant growth, impact, and institutional strengthening across all core program areas. Thanks to the continued partnership of supporters, we exceeded multiple program targets while deepening the quality and sustainability of our work.

At the school level, enrollment increased to 807 nursery and primary learners, surpassing our annual target of 687 students and representing continued growth from 788 learners the previous year. Fifty-five percent of enrolled students are girls. All 46 Primary 7 candidates sat for the 2025 Primary National Examination and achieved a 100% pass rate, with every student scoring Division One or Two. These results reflect both academic rigor and the effectiveness of our holistic education model.

Our school feeding and health care program remains foundational to student success. In 2025, 807 learners received two nutritious meals daily, with boarding students receiving a third meal. For many children, these meals represent their most reliable source of daily nutrition. Improved energy levels and reduced hunger have translated into stronger classroom focus, higher attendance rates, and improved overall wellbeing. Teachers consistently report increased engagement and participation among students benefiting from consistent nutritional support.

Beyond primary education, the Secondary Enrichment Program (SEP) expanded substantially. While the initial projection was to support 64 graduates transitioning to secondary school, SOUP sponsored 102 students in secondary education this year. In addition, 9 students are currently pursuing university degrees in fields including law, medicine, dental surgery, and education. During school holidays, SEP scholars participated in structured campus-based programming focused on life skills, leadership development, mentorship, and career readiness. These efforts ensure that students remain supported academically, socially, and emotionally as they progress along long-term educational pathways.

The Active Learning Project (ALP) continued to advance systemic education reform across Namutumba District. In 2025, 1,114 educators were trained, exceeding the Year 2 target of 900 teachers. Participants included 916 in-service teachers, 23 SOUP school teachers, 130 Diploma in Education students, and 45 tutors from Bishop Willis Teacher Training Institute. The project now supports all 109 government-aided primary schools in the district. Monitoring data indicates that 55% of teachers are actively implementing Active Learning methodologies, including the 5E instructional model. A mid-term assessment is underway to evaluate progress toward the 75% adoption target. This systems-led partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports continues to position Namutumba as a model district for improved teacher practice and learner engagement.

Early childhood and family support programs also exceeded expectations. Through Emma’s Baby SOUP, 170 families with babies received monthly food supplements and nutritional education, surpassing the target of 120 families. In just five months, over 1,255 community members accessed critical health, nutrition, and family support services. This early intervention model strengthens maternal knowledge, improves infant nutrition, and ensures children enter school healthy and developmentally prepared.

Institutionally, 2025 marked important milestones in sustainability and growth. The organization successfully completed its third annual matching gift campaign, raising $174,289 and exceeding its $150,000 goal. 87 donors contributed, including 24 new supporters. In addition, SOUP received its first bequest in the amount of $50,000. The hiring of a Chief Development Officer has strengthened fundraising strategy, diversified funding streams, and enhanced stewardship systems.

Strategic partnerships have continued to expand SOUP’s reach and visibility. Through collaboration with Read with Malcolm, 15 students participated in a global reading contest using digital platforms. Participation was capped at 15 due to limited computer access in the school’s lab, but the pilot proved highly engaging and has strong potential for expansion as digital infrastructure improves. The partnership provides students with exposure to a global literacy community and access to a broad digital library.

Meanwhile, collaboration with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation has created extraordinary opportunities for students. Sixty SOUP choir members are receiving professional-level training in both traditional and Western repertoire and are preparing for participation in the ABF Global Gathering in Tuscany in July 2026. For many of these children, this will be their first international experience. The partnership also includes major capital investments on campus, including a community health clinic, improved sanitation facilities, a new dining hall, and expanded dormitories.

Across all programs, SOUP has continued to strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems, financial management structures, and governance capacity. These improvements ensure that growth in scale is matched by growth in accountability and institutional resilience.

Together, these achievements reflect not only strong program implementation but also increasing organizational maturity. The African SOUP is moving beyond isolated service delivery toward systemic education reform, long-term student success, and sustainable community impact. We are deeply grateful to our partners for making this progress possible and look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.

Links:

• https://www.purecharity.com/field_partners/832/fund