“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
— Nelson Mandela
This adage is particularly true in developing countries where education can make the difference between a life of poverty, and becoming a self-sufficient, productive member of society. Yet a quality education is beyond the reach of many children because their parents’ meager income is not sufficient to provide basic necessities for the family, and for school fees.
A few years ago, the Conejo Compassion Coalition began a program to pay the school fees for high potential children whose parents could not afford to send them to school. In Uganda, there are 5 students whose schooling is being paid for by individual CCC sponsors. These students will have their school fees paid each year until they graduate from high school, providing they continue to meet the performance standards for each grade level. The difference in these children’s lives is already apparent as teachers, parents and local residents bear witness to their progress. Through this program the Conejo Compassion Coalition is helping to create the future leaders of Uganda.
David
David’s mother left him when he was a baby. He was raised by his grandmother, but because of her meager income, she was unable to send him to school. When the Conejo Compassion Coalition learned of his plight, David had missed his first two years of school. Although he started behind his peers, David has successfully navigated the elementary school experience and is scheduled to graduate this year.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth is the child of a single mother whose modest income made it increasingly difficult to pay school fees for all of her children. Elizabeth was on the verge of dropping out of school after completion of second grade. With the help of CCC she has now finished her first year in middle school and is doing very well.
Judith
A brilliant scholar, Judith’s potential was limited as a result of underfunded and under-performing rural public schools. She was identified to our organization by a former school administrator and CCC provided Judith with a scholarship to one of the best middle schools in Eastern Uganda. She has now graduated from a respected high school and is preparing for college.
St. Augustine Primary School
The little school that could!