OUR IMPACT

672 Children supported in Early Childhood Development education
"I live with my mother, who separated from my father. She earns a small income by selling vegetables in the trading center each evening, but it's not enough to cover the basic needs of our family of four children. As a single mother and responsible for paying school fees for my three siblings, my mother couldn’t afford to pay my school fees.

I’m so grateful to ZICHA for giving me hope for my education. Without their support, I wouldn’t have been able to attend school. I now dream of becoming a teacher when I finish my studies."  
— Hakima, 6

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"I live with my mother, a housewife, and my father, who makes bricks to earn a living. My father struggled to pay school fees for my three siblings, as his work didn’t provide enough to meet all our family’s needs. I missed an entire term when I first started school because of the lack of school fees. It was at this point that ZICHA identified me for support in continuing my education.

Without their help, I wouldn’t have been able to go and continue with school. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to study that ZICHA provided."  
— Jorum, 8

An Early Childhood Development Center built (Blessed Children School)

After conducting a survey in Masooli Parish and consulting with local leaders, it became clear that parents faced significant challenges in transporting their children to an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Center located more than 3 kilometers away. Reports of children being struck by speeding vehicles and motorcycles while crossing busy roads were common. As a result, many parents opted to keep their children at home rather than risk sending them to school.

This led to the establishment of and ECD Center called Blessed Children School in Masooli Parish, which began enrolling students in 2010. Located in Nangabo Sub-county, Wakiso District, Blessed Children School has since become a renowned center of excellence in the area for quality Early Childhood Development education.

2,483 youths made commitments to sexual purity until marriage through the True Love Waits campaign.  

A group of young people signing the True Love Waits cards.

Testimony of a Youth Committed to Sexual Purity

"My name is Harriet, and I want to share a personal testimony about the commitment I made to sexual purity through the True Love Waits campaign. In 2021, I decided to sign a True Love Waits card after the True Love Waits session by a team from Zima Child Hope Africa (ZICHA) , pledging to remain sexually pure until marriage. At the time, I didn't fully understand the depth of that commitment, but now, looking back, I can honestly say that it has been one of the most important decisions of my life.

When I signed the card, it wasn’t just about saying no to sex; it was about honoring myself, my future spouse, and most importantly, God. I realized that my body is a temple of God, and I want to honor it by waiting for the right time and the right person. It has not always been easy, especially with all the pressures and expectations around me. But I know that I want to wait for a relationship that is built on trust, respect, and love—true love, not the fleeting kind that’s often celebrated in the world.

As I walk this journey of purity, I’ve learned so much about patience, self-control, and understanding the true meaning of love. It’s not just about avoiding physical intimacy; it’s about cultivating a relationship where spiritual  and emotional connection come first. I've found that waiting has allowed me to grow stronger in my faith and in my personal values, and I’m learning more about what it means to truly love and respect myself.

I know the decision to commit to purity isn't easy, and it’s not always popular, but I believe that this commitment will bring a stronger foundation to my future marriage. I’m proud of my choice and grateful for the strength and support that ZICHA has given me to join the True Love Waits community. My pledge is a reminder of my worth, and it empowers me to stay true to my values, no matter what comes my way.

I want to encourage others, especially young people, to consider making this commitment. It’s not just about waiting for marriage—it’s about choosing a path of honor and respect that will lead to a healthier and a more fulfilling future."

— Harriet, 18

3,375 children trained in livelihood and life skills

"I've always wanted to learn how to make snacks so I could add them to the items sold in my mother's shop. ZICHA taught me how to make Bagiya, and I'm so happy to have gained this skill. I plan to use what I've learned to teach my mother as well."

— Jovia, 10

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"I used to hate my father because he is an alcoholic and mistreats my mother. I blamed him for all the hardships our family faced. I had no respect for him and wished my mother and I could live without him. But after this training (Improving interpersonal relationships), I'm now considering forgiving my father and learning to respect him as my parent.

Thank you, ZICHA, for this life-changing training."  
— Mathew, 12