Child Sponsorship Through Amigos International

On their recent visit to Uganda, Amigos Worldwide provided Mr Thomas, Mrs Nicholas and Miss Edwards with the opportunity to visit the north of the country to learn more about the child sponsorship programme they are offering young children and their families. 

https://www.amigos.org.uk

At present over 400 children are being sponsored across Uganda. The Amigos website states that 'Child Sponsorship is linked to a very effective rural farming programme which is the key to its success – equipping caregivers to feed their families and set up small businesses to generate an income. Providing a ‘complete package’ means that over time families no longer rely on hand-outs but can support themselves.'

Since 2013, Pilton Bluecoat Cof E Academy has been sponsoring and young man called Isaac who lives in a rural community a few miles away from a town called Masindi. Isaac is now 14 years old and lives with his grandmother. He very much enjoys school and playing with his pet dog Tiger. He informed the team that when he attends school he is provided with a small meal of posho, beans and bread.  He also loves playing football with his friends and supports Arsenal. After school he helps his grandmother by fetching water from a shallow well. During the visit the Pilton team shared letters written by the children and gifts which were also sent. 

Over the years our children and school community have raised the funds for Isaac's education through collections at our Christmas and Summer productions. Isaac writes to us twice a year and his letters are read out during collective worship. Our children also write to him so he keeps up to date with what is happening at the school and in the UK.  

Isaac's £16 monthly fee is allocated as follows:

£2.00 Books, uniform and exam fees

£3.00 School dinner and healthcare

£6.00 Farming skills and training

£5.00 Business skills and training. 

Why Uganda?

• Only 1 in 4 young people in Uganda complete their secondary education.
• Uganda has the world’s youngest population with the highest unemployment rates
• Uganda has one of the fastest growing populations on earth