the abc’s of school sponsorships

When Change the Truth first started its school sponsorship program, the cost for sponsoring a child in secondary school was $285.00 per year. Several generous donors seized this opportunity to make a donation for a specific child, hoping to be able to support that student all the way through the six years of secondary school.

Over the years, we have made changes to the program – changes that have greatly benefitted the sponsored students.

The children have recently been transitioned to schools that meet higher standards and attract better teachers. More students have boarding status now. More textbooks and school supplies are provided. Everything from soap, toilet paper, a broom, a mopping rag and other required items are also now provided. Treats on visitor’s day (Melissa sees each sponsored child on visitation day), transportation expenses, exam fees and uniforms are all now completely covered. The students are simply in a better position to succeed.

Change the Truth has also tightened its expectations of sponsored kids. Good grades, regular attendance and a high degree of effort are required. Active and enthusiastic engagement with CTT volunteer teams is expected. So is the timely presentation of report cards and regularly written correspondence.

Of course, better schools, more textbooks, room and board… all these come at a greater cost. Also, the price of food has increased dramatically over the years in Uganda. So have other basic necessities, like clothing and shoes.

So, the amount required for the sponsorship of a secondary school student for the year 2011 is $850.00 (slightly less if there is a guardian in the picture… someone who can pitch in to buy hygiene items for the child).

Providing educational opportunities to the children at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage has always been the primary goal of Change the Truth. As we take more and more children into the sponsorship program, though, (and more of them graduate and move on to University) we have had to make the entry requirements tougher and make ongoing expectations greater. I am happy to report that two students (Billy and Isabella) are currently waiting to hear about acceptance into University. CTT has known and sponsored these two since 2007. We are so proud of their determination to succeed and of the relationship we have developed with them; we have promised to see them through the next chapter of their education.


Billy, 2007

Billy, 2010


A CTT scholarship is no longer a given. Kids have to perform well in order to get one and have to work hard to maintain it. And they don’t have any Tiger Moms (or any moms) reminding them of this. It’s pretty much all up to them.

Some of the kids just aren’t cut out for academics; CTT is now offering those students a chance to attend vocational school instead. For the first time ever, Change the Truth will have two students (Henry and Saka) attending trade school this year.

Henry and Saka

If you would like to make a donation toward the school sponsorship program, simply earmark your contribution as such. CTT would greatly appreciate your support. If you prefer that a specific student be the recipient of your generous support, I can make that happen. You can begin an ongoing relationship by writing letters, sending pictures and small gifts from time to time and receiving, in return, letters, pictures and grade cards from your sponsored student.

Getting an education - and this is particularly true for young women in developing nations – is the only clear way out of the devastating cycle of oppression, loss and poverty. The success of these kids will make all of us better people… and together we'll live in a better world.