After 15 years of teaching in elementary schools of Gomba District, I witnessed a heartbreaking trend where by many children, especially orphans and those from impoverished families, were dropping out of primary schools. The barriers were severely lack of scholastic materials like books, pens, backpacks, shoes since many walk long distances to schools on foot. Inadequate sanitary supplies for girls and lack of food at school prompted many to drop out of school and begin working at a tender age.

Moved by this crisis, my wife and I founded Friends of Children in Gomba (FCG) in January 2022, a nonprofit community organization dedicated to supporting orphans, less privileged, and disadvantaged children. Established to address the immediate needs of these vulnerable students, FCG focused on providing essential supplies like books, pens, backpacks, shoes and sanitary materials to keep children in school. We also prioritized nutrition through introducing feeding programs to ensure students had meals, boosting their attendance and concentration at school.

Starting small, FCG relied on community donations and our savings, but its impact grew as local leaders and volunteers joined the cause. Over time, we expanded to offer mentorship and psychosocial support, helping children build resilience and hope. By partnering with schools and families, FCG created a safety net for Gomba’s most vulnerable, enabling hundreds of children to stay in school and complete primary education.