At Ishimwe Children Foundation (ICF), we are dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable children, including orphans and those with disabilities, by providing comprehensive educational support, food supplies, medical care and clothing. We believe that education is the most powerful tool to combat poverty, early marriages, and teenage pregnancies, and we are committed to fostering gender parity in our community.
Currently, ICF supports over 31 children enrolled across various educational levels, from pre-primary to secondary. Each child receives essential resources such as school fees, uniforms, shoes, backpacks, and scholastic materials.
To enhance their learning experience, we offer after-school tutoring and homework assistance, and provide informal education. We also facilitate participation in school field trips to broaden their
range of experience. Our engagement extends beyond the classroom. We actively participate in Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and collaborate closely with school administrations to monitor and support the academic progress and personal development of our children. These partnerships ensure that each child receives the attention they need to thrive
We are grateful to the administrations of schools such as Litle Angels-Kabale, Kabale primary School (DEMO), and Excell High school for their continued support. Their willingness to provide subsidized fee structures and flexibility with payment schedules has been invaluable. Despite the ongoing challenge of raising school fees, we are proud to report that we have consistently met our financial obligations each term, thanks to the generosity of individual sponsors, general donations, fundraising activities, and scholarships
We are particularly proud of our students’ achievements. All primary school students sit for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), while high school students undertake Uganda Certicate of Education (UCE) O-Level exams. Remarkably, 100% of our students have progressed to the next level of their education. Additionally, one girl at Bavos Secondary school in Kisoro District completed her O-Level with a high score of 90% in every subject.
Through these initiatives, Ishimwe Children Foundation strives to break the cycle of poverty, better education and empower children to reach their full potential.
CHALLENGES
At Ishimwe Children Foundation (ICF), we face challenges such as limited funding, sponsorship to children, paying school fees and providing scholastic necessities is our biggest financial challenge. As the children grow up and advance to secondary school, the school fees bill multiplies. For example a child who advances to the high school from primary school will mulitiply his/her fees bill by 8. Cultural barriers, especially towards girls’ education, also lead to early dropouts.
Despite these challenges, we remain committed to empowering every child through education by seeking partnerships and support to create a brighter future for all.
ISHIMWE CHILDREN HOME
Ishimwe Children Home is a safe home for vulnerable children, providing them with shelter, education, healthcare, and emotional support. Currently, we are home to 10 children, offering them a nurturing environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive. Our mission goes beyond providing a temporary home, we aim to give these children a loving and supportive family environment.
After nurturing children in our orphanage, we also work diligently to secure foster families for those under our care where by have secuered foster families for 20 children. We believe that every child deserves a permanent and loving home, so we carefully identify and place them in families that can provide long-term care and stability.
Through this approach, we ensure that children not only receive essential support at Ishimwe Children Home but also transition into family settings where they can continue to flourish.
With the support of our community and partners, we remain committed to transforming the lives of vulnerable children and giving them the foundation they need for a brighter future.
CHALLENGES
Despite our commitment to providing a safe and nurturing home for vulnerable children, Ishimwe Children Home faces several challenges.
Many children come from traumatizing backgrounds, requiring specialized psychological support, which is not always readily available.
Limited financial resources make it difficult to meet the growing needs of the children, including food, medical care, education, and daily necessities.
Currently we need adequate shelter and facilities for the ophanage that will save us from spending on renting and having enough space to maintain a comfortable and safe living environment for more orphans.
Additionally, securing foster families for children remains a challenge, as finding willing and well-prepared families who can provide long-term care and emotional stability takes time and resources.