In the bustling heart of Kampala, where narrow dusty streets weave through makeshift homes, children carry dreams far bigger than their circumstances. Yet for many, the lack of simple scholastic materials threatens to silence those dreams. Every morning in the crowded neighborhoods of Kampala, children set out for school with dreams as big as the city itself. Yet behind their bright smiles lies a quiet struggle, many of them walk into class without even the most basic scholastic materials.
Take Joan Nakazi, a Primary Four pupil from Kasokoso. Her mother works tirelessly at a small market stall, but most days, there is barely enough to put food on the table. Buying exercise books or a set of pencils is a luxury the family cannot afford. Still, Joan shows up to school determined to learn, often borrowing a pen from a friend or writing her notes on scraps of paper. Her story is not unique—it is the reality for thousands of children across Kampala’s poorest communities.
Without the right materials, learning becomes a daily challenge. Children lose confidence, miss lessons, and some even drop out altogether. Not because they lack potential, but simply because they lack a pencil, a book, or a school bag.
At The Bash Global Initiative, we believe no child should be held back from education because of poverty. That is why we provide scholastic materials to children like Joan—equipping them with exercise books, Geometry sets, pens, and other essentials. These simple tools open the door to learning, restore hope, and remind every child that their dreams are valid. When you put a pencil in a child’s hand, you are not just giving them a tool to write—you are giving them a chance to write their future. We also not only provide materials but also talk to them in the language they understand best through games and basic mentorship for the little ones.
Together, we can ensure that every child in Kampala walks into school ready to learn, ready to dream, and ready to succeed with the right state of mind. By doing so we’re creating a better life for the generations to come for the children of our children and grandchildren where we shall be long gone with barely nothing more we can do even when we would wish to.
““Let us not forget that; behind every book, there is a dream. Behind every pen, a future waiting to be written. Together, we can ensure that no child’s story is left unfinished.”
Jonathan Ndege, Programmes Director at BASH.