Small Cost, Big Change: The Ripple Effect of Supporting a Child’s Education

A classroom full of primary school children in Uganda — **Primary School Nakirebe, Uganda**

Our commitment to holistic healthcare extends beyond our hospital in East London.

Since 1998, we’ve been actively involved overseas, notably in Uganda, where we’ve dedicated efforts to support vulnerable children and adolescents through supporting Mildmay Uganda’s Universal Fund.

What is the Universal Fund?

Mildmay Uganda established the Universal Fund over two decades ago, and it has been instrumental in providing:

Education: Sponsoring primary and secondary schooling for children who might otherwise lack access.
Socio-economic Upskilling: Equipping young individuals with essential life skills to navigate their futures confidently.
Vocational Training: Offering practical training programs to prepare adolescents for sustainable employment opportunities.

Through these initiatives, the Universal Fund has transformed the lives of thousands, fostering hope and opportunity in communities across Uganda.

Economic wellbeing and the ability to provide for one’s household is the foundation for behavioural change; a significant contributor to ending the HIV epidemic and Mildmay Uganda continues to make significant contributions toward the United Nations' five-point plan for ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.

A young African woman in a gown with a mortarboard at graduation. — Fund beneficiary Catherine graduated and became a professional counsellor in 2022.

Research shows that expanding access to education and skills training not only enhances individual livelihoods but also drives broader economic progress. Providing young people with vocational training and socio-economic upskilling equips them with the tools for economic independence and long-term growth.

Through apprenticeship programmes and Village Savings and Loan Associations, Mildmay Uganda helps build financial resilience, particularly for vulnerable families affected by HIV. These initiatives support individuals in creating secure futures, improving health outcomes, and helping break the cycle of poverty that hinders progress in HIV care and treatment.

The Impact of COVID-19

The fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges globally, and our overseas programmes have not been spared. We’ve observed a significant decline in support for our partnerships in Uganda, directly affecting the reach and efficacy of the Universal Fund. This downturn jeopardises the education and development of many young individuals who rely on this support.

Join Us in Rebuilding the Universal Fund

Our goal is to help restore the Universal Fund to its full potential, ensuring that Mildmay Uganda can continue to provide essential services to those who need them most. We invite you to be a part of this mission.

How You Can Help

Supporting a child’s education in Uganda is both impactful and cost-effective:

Secondary Education: Approximately £287 per year can sponsor a child’s secondary schooling.
Primary Education: Even less is required to support primary education.
Vocational Training: Approximately £500 will provide a year's training for an adolescent.

Your contribution, no matter the size, can make a profound difference. By donating to our Uganda Fund, you’re investing in the future of vulnerable children, empowering them with the tools they need to succeed.