Over 1,000,000 children in Uganda have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic (UNICEF, 2005). Surviving adult relatives are overwhelmed, and cannot afford even pencils, let alone school fees for the children. Far too many AIDS orphans are recruited for child labor, or worse. Kids that don’t stay in school are sentenced to a lifetime of dependence, and are more likely to contract HIV.

For just $50 per year, KIDA can send a child to elementary school with the necessary supplies, provide a uniform and shoes, and offer on-going counseling. These annual costs and fees for a secondary student are $150. That’s approximately what it costs for one day of schooling at a private prep school in the United States. In 2008, the Friends of Ruwenzori Foundation funded schooling for 75 children. In 2010 we have committed to funding 86 primary and secondary children with school fees, supplies and uniform and 2 university students' fees from the KIDA community.  KIDA holds periodic Saturday workshops for the school children and their caregivers to offer counseling, training in life skills and group support.

Uganda’s public and private education follows the British system which administers a major exam following the fourth year of secondary school. Those who pass move on to two more years in secondary schools that are essentially prep schools for university. Many young people in the KIDA community do not pass the S4 exam, and will need to study a trade. To help increase self-employment opportunities to these S4 "school leavers" and adults, KIDA began a vocational training program in 2006. The school offers skill training in carpentry, masonry, tailoring, catering and hotel management.  To date 68 people have developed the skills and have created their own jobs.

You can help save a vulnerable child from an unstable future. Contact us to help support KIDA’s effective work with AIDS orphans through education and self-empowerment.