Since our initial trip in 2019, we have been able to support so many students to “Get Schooled” and initiate other projects as well. Here are some of their success stories.
Kirabo Jane
Jane is one of the original Get Schooled students. In 2020, while working on a building site, providing water for the workers, she was attacked and raped by one of the workers and became pregnant. She was 13. Justice is not free in Uganda so we paid to have the perpetrator prosecuted and jailed and then did our best to help Jane and her family pick up the pieces.
We sent her to Set Her Free, a program that “equips Uganda’s most vulnerable girls and young women with the knowledge, skills, and resources that they need to build their resilience, lead self-determined lives, and make informed sexual reproductive health choices, forever breaking the cycle of poverty.” There she received counselling and pre-natal care and then was able to return home after giving birth to Baby Asha (meaning ‘beauty from ashes’).
Once she was fully healed, she returned to school, successfully completed Senior 4 and is now pursuing her education to become a midwife so that she can help other vulnerable girls and women. Her sponsor committed to seeing her all the way through school and beyond and has saved her life in more ways than one.
Nakakade Sarah
Sarah came into the care of Kassanda Children’s Aid when she was twelve years old. Her family faced tremendous hardship after the man who had raped her mother abandoned them, leaving no one to support Sarah’s education. Her mother was born deaf and unable to speak, making it even more difficult for the family to access opportunities and support.
Recognizing Sarah’s need, Vincent took her in and did his best to ensure she could continue her education. However, with only limited resources available, it was a constant struggle to cover her school fees and other necessities. Despite these challenges, we remained committed to giving her a chance at a brighter future.
Everything changed when I (Stacy) visited and witnessed firsthand the difficulties she was facing. Through our support and generous sponsorship from a family in Minnesota, Sarah was able to continue her education and pursue her dreams of becoming a baker and working to make cakes for those in her community. Her progress stands as a testament to the impact that compassion, partnership, and opportunity can have on a young person’s life – all through student sponsorship.
Mukisa Steven
Steven Mukisa joined the Get Schooled Project in 2018 when he was just 12 years old. At that time, he was living with his father after his mother had left the family. Despite these difficult circumstances, Steven remained determined and deeply committed to his education, holding onto the hope of building a better future.
Like many children in rural Uganda, Steven faced ongoing challenges in continuing school due to financial hardship. School fees were difficult to afford, and there were times when his education was at risk.
In 2018, Stacy learned about and visited Kassanda Children’s Aid while on another trip. During their visit, Vincent, the founder of Kassanda Children’s Aid, shared the organization’s activities and highlighted the realities faced by vulnerable children through social media updates.
Later, Stacy came across a Facebook post showing that nine students were at risk of dropping out of school due to unpaid fees. Moved by compassion, she reached out to ask about the total cost and the best way to support the students. After receiving the details, she came up with the concept of her Get Schooled project and generously covered the school fees, ensuring that Steven and the other children were able to continue their education.
That moment became a turning point in Steven’s life.
Through continued determination and opportunity, Steven successfully completed his studies. He is now a trained Electronic Engineering graduate and is actively contributing to his community through his skills and work.
Mbabale David
David came to Kassanda Children’s Aid when he was just six years old. Following the death of his father, his family was left without a provider and faced significant financial hardship. David, his siblings, and their mother began attending church services regularly, seeking both spiritual encouragement and help during this difficult season.
As the family became part of the church community, David’s mother shared her desire to educate her children but explained that she did not have the means to do so. In response, Kassanda Children’s Aid intervened with the limited support available, helping David and his siblings remain in school and continue their education.
Later, Stacy’s son, Dylan, and his wife, Rachel, became involved as sponsors, providing additional support that greatly improved David’s opportunities. With this sponsorship and continued encouragement, David was able to pursue his education and build a brighter future as a vehicle mechanic. His journey demonstrates how timely intervention, community care, and sponsorship can transform the life of a child facing overwhelming challenges.
Ssenyonga Suubi Esther
Esther joined the Get-Schooled Project when she was 13 years old. Like many children supported by Kassanda Children’s Aid, she came from a background where access to education was not guaranteed due to financial challenges.
Despite these difficulties, Esther showed a strong passion for learning and a natural creativity, especially in practical and hands-on activities. She remained committed to her education, even when circumstances were not easy. Through continued support and determination, Esther was able to complete her studies and pursue her passion professionally. She successfully graduated in Fashion and Design, turning her creativity into a meaningful skill.
Today, Esther is working alongside one of her classmates. Together, they have rented a small room where they carry out their fashion work. Although she has not yet been able to fully establish her own independent business due to limited startup capital, she remains actively engaged in her craft and continues to build her experience and customer base.
Esther’s journey reflects resilience, creativity, and steady progress. Her story demonstrates how education and vocational training can open doors for young people, even when the path to independence takes time.