Child Sponsorship

Paul,24, joined the ChildFund family as a sponsored child, 18 years ago. His parents, though alive and supportive, struggled to make ends meet through subsistence farming, with an annual income of less than $100 (approximately sh370,000). This was barely enough to sustain the family. However, life took a better turn when he was enrolled into the organization’s sponsorship program in the Imanyiro Community, Mayuge District in 2006. 

Paul with his family members.

His sponsor’s support enabled him to complete his Senior Four education in 2015. Having completed Ordinary Level, Paul, through our Local Partner JIACOFE, enrolled in youth training programs where he gained essential life skills, career guidance, financial literacy and vocational training.

Determined to build a career, Paul enrolled in a six-months electrical installation course at Nile Vocational Technical Institute and upon graduation, he received a set of startup tools that became the foundation of his current trade.

In 2020, he joined UMEME, Uganda’s main electricity distribution company, as an apprentice under the Government’s rural electrification program in Mayuge. Through hard work and discipline, he saved part of his earnings and built a modest house. Paul’s skills and dedication soon gained him the trust of community, where he now offers domestic wiring and installation services.

Paul as a child.

On average, he earns $107 (approximately sh400,000 monthly), which he uses to support his parents and siblings while saving $2.67 (approximately sh10,000) weekly in a local youth savings and loan association. He has also expanded his income base by investing in a popcorn machine to supplement his earnings.Today, Paul serves as a community-based trainer under the Nile Vocational Technical Institute outreach program, mentoring seven youth in electrical installation over a four-month period. Each trainee pays $40.38 (sh150,000) for his guidance.

Paul is now a trainer of trainees.

“Securing a qualification in electrical installation, thanks to my sponsor, has changed my life,” he says. His work with various companies has honed his problem-solving and customer care skills. When not busy with work, he enjoys traveling to explore new places.With his savings, Paul plans to establish a retail electronics shop to cater to the increasing demand in his community.