FOR $10 HELP A VULNERABLE CHILD BACK TO SCHOOL

56 hildren have been mobilized from the marginalized pygmy communities locally known as the Batwa. Batwa people are indigenous Ugandan pygmy community originally leaving in the rain forest belt of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest that is home to the famous mountain gorillas in the south Western region of Uganda.They were primarily surviving on hunting, gathering fruits, roots and honey. They were forcefully removed from the forest in 1990/91 to protect mountain gorillas.  Batwa children face bullying, isolation, and mockery in schools, often due to their ethnicity and poverty, leading some to drop out.

 Research suggests that over 40% of Batwa children encounter psychological abuse at school and home, affecting their ability to commit to education. Many Batwa families cannot afford school fees, uniforms, scholastic materials, and even food, which are all essential for continued schooling. Even with free primary education programs, other associated costs act as significant barriers.

 Some Batwa parents may not fully comprehend the long-term benefits of education or may be too impoverished to provide adequate support and motivation for their children to attend school. The distance to schools and the frequent movement of Batwa families due to lack of land ownership make it difficult for children to consistently attend and progress in their studies. Batwa girls are particularly vulnerable to dropping out due to early marriages and pregnancies, which endanger their lives and the well-being of their children. 

 the Batwa community's displacement and subsequent marginalization have created a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities, with severe consequences for their children's education and overall well-being. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach involving government intervention, community sensitization, and sustained support from all stakeholders to ensure the Batwa can access education, enjoy their rights, and preserve their cultural heritage. Kigezi Healthacre Foundation has embarked on mobilizing the children by actively involving the parents and community leaders to send the children to school. So far 56 children have been identified. Most of them have never gone to school with many of them having dropped out.