Keep HIV+ Children in School-Give them a Future

We at MaSe Foundation Uganda extend our sincere gratitude for your continued support of our “Keep HIV/AIDS+ Children in School” program. Your generosity and compassion remain a constant source of hope and strength for the children we serve.

Despite the many challenges we continue to face, your unwavering contributions have enabled us to provide essential care and education to children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Your donations have been instrumental in ensuring that vulnerable children remain in school and continue to receive the emotional and medical assistance they need to thrive.

Over the past few months, however, we have observed some concerning trends within the communities we serve. An increasing number of parents—both of sponsored and non-sponsored children—are struggling to cope with the daily realities of living with HIV/AIDS while caring for their families. Unfortunately, some have turned to substance abuse and sex work as a means of survival. This underscores the urgent need for enhanced psychosocial interventions, access to consistent medication, and sustainable livelihood opportunities which we cannot at the moment provide due to our meagre funding.

While our current support primarily targets children, it has become evident that a multi-dimensional approach—addressing the needs of both children and their caregivers—is essential for lasting impact. Supporting parents through counseling, skill development, and income-generating initiatives will, in turn, strengthen the stability and well-being of the children under our care.

The lack of consistent access to treatment remains a serious concern. Interruptions in medication have led to increased viral loads among some individuals, raising the risk of further transmission and deteriorating health. Economic hardships have also contributed to instances of child abandonment. In some cases, infected children have been left at schools supported by our program, where our dedicated volunteers have intervened to ensure they receive immediate care and protection.

The situation is indeed challenging, but thanks to your steadfast support through GlobalGiving, we continue to make a meaningful difference. Every meal provided, every school fees paid, and every life sustained is a reflection of your compassion and shared commitment to restoring hope and dignity.

You donations are helping us bring lasting change to the lives of children affected by HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Together, we are building resilience, restoring dignity, and giving vulnerable children the opportunity for a brighter and healthier future.

We extend our deepest appreciation to all our donors for your unwavering support. Despite the significant challenges, your continued engagement ensures that no child living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda is left behind.

• The_MaSe_Foundation_Uganda_team_extend_our_sincere_gratitude_for_your_continued_support_of_our.pdf (PDF)
  

Progress Report: Keep HIV+ Children in School-Give them a Future.

Project Location: Busanga Primary School, Uganda

Reporting Organization: Stichting MaSe Foundation Uganda

Date: June 17, 2025

Introduction

The decision to end USAID support for HIV/AIDS treatment programs created a devastating gap in care for vulnerable children in Uganda. Many of these children, living with HIV, were dependent on this aid for lifesaving medication. As a result, they now face an uncertain future—falling ill, missing school, and, in some cases, dropping out altogether.

At MaSe Foundation Uganda, our desire is to see a situation where no child is denied an education because of their gender, culture, health, or social background. We have been committed to supporting HIV-positive children by covering for their school fees to ensure they remain in school. However, without access to consistent treatment, their health—and thus their education—remains at risk.

Current Situation & Progress

Four HIV+ children currently under our sponsorship are still attending school regularly at Busanga Primary School. This is a major milestone and a testament to what can be achieved with targeted support. In addition, we are offering basic counseling services and exploring partnership opportunities with local health facilities to facilitate access to treatment and counseling services where possible for affected and infected children.

Yet still, several HIV-positive children in our program still miss school frequently due to illness, lack of medication, or stigma. Some have already dropped out, unable to keep up academically or physically. We lack sufficient resources to meet all the special needs these children have, including nutritional support, school supplies, and psychosocial care.

Challenges

Donations have been limited, which restricts our ability to scale up the program or provide consistent support to affected children. There is a growing need for community education to combat stigma and foster a more supportive environment for children living with HIV.

Your past generosity has already helped four children stay in school and look toward a brighter future. But many more still need our help. We are appealing to our friends, partners, and supporters to: Donate towards HIV/AIDS medication and support services. Help us spread awareness so we can reach more individuals who care about this cause.

Conclusion

MaSe Foundation remains committed to ensuring that no child is left behind. While the road ahead is tough, we believe in the power of community, compassion, and collective action. With your help, we can continue to make school a safe and healing place for HIV-positive children.

• Progress report (PDF)