Introduction:
On February 4th, 2024, Let’s Help International (LHI) in collaboration with Little by Little Education Services took a significant step in supporting vulnerable refugee children in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. Through their joint efforts, 65 children were provided with essential scholastic materials as they prepared to embark on their educational journey for the academic year. This initiative underscores the critical role of education in shaping the future of refugee children, who often face numerous barriers to accessing quality education.
Executive Summary:
Education stands as a fundamental pillar in the healthy development and future success of children, enabling them to become productive members of society. However, refugee children are disproportionately disadvantaged, being five times less likely to attend school compared to their non-refugee counterparts. Moreover, they often carry the burden of past traumas, necessitating additional psycho-social support.
In response to these challenges, Let’s Help International (LHI) has established the Education and Special Education for the Most Vulnerable Refugee Children (SEMVRC) Program. This program, operating in partnership with Little by Little Education Services, aims to provide refugee children in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement with the necessary financial, material, and psycho-social support to not only attend but complete their primary education. By doing so, these children are given the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and realize their aspirations of becoming educated professionals, thereby positively impacting their communities.
About Let’s Help International (LHI):
Let’s Help International (LHI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the holistic development of vulnerable children, youth, and families, including refugees. Founded in August 2020 in Uganda, East Africa, LHI endeavors to address the root causes of poverty by providing access to education, continuous training for youth, and support for families.
Mission:
The mission of Let’s Help International is to improve the quality of life for children, youth, and families with limited resources by facilitating access to education, training, welfare, and behavior change interventions, empowering them to positively shape their future.
Project Description:
LHI’s SEMVRC Program identifies refugee children in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement who are not attending formal education and provides them with the necessary resources to enroll in nearby public schools. This includes covering school fees, supplying uniforms, books, stationery, and offering psycho-social support. Additionally, contracts are established with families to ensure regular school attendance, monitored by LHI staff in collaboration with school teachers.
Project Goal and Objectives:
The overarching goal of the SEMVRC Program is to increase the level of education among children in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. Specific objectives include enrolling refugee children in school, providing financial and psycho-social support to ensure their retention, and empowering them to complete their primary education, thereby laying a solid foundation for their future endeavors.
Little by Little Education Services’ Contribution:
Little by Little Education Services, a non-profit organization based in the USA, is actively involved in supporting the Digital Inclusion Initiative, aimed at enhancing digital literacy among refugees. In addition to this initiative, Little by Little has extended its support by facilitating the enrollment of 65 children in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. Their comprehensive support includes tuition fees, uniforms, shoes, supplies, and the assignment of a case manager for monitoring and home visits.
Conclusion:
Through the collaborative efforts of Let’s Help International and Little by Little Education Services, refugee children in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement are being empowered through education. By addressing the barriers to education and providing comprehensive support, these organizations are not only changing individual lives but also contributing to the positive transformation of communities. As these children embark on their educational journey, they carry with them the hope of a brighter future, filled with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
