Since Uganda instated Universal Primary Education (UPE) by removing primary school fees in 1996, enrollment has drastically increased, but many classrooms now have 200 students in one room with one teacher. Teachers are often forced to hold classes outdoors because of the lack of sufficient facilities, and many observers are skeptical about the relative quality of the education. Furthermore, there is still a large discrepancy in the education received by girls and boys. There are also a large number of orphaned children—usually due to HIV/AIDS—being cared for by other relatives, thus putting strain on the pocketbooks of extended family to support each child's learning and care.

In addition to UPE, the government of Uganda committed to improving secondary education opportunities. Increased numbers of secondary schools combined with their expansion into more rural areas helped improve access and was thought to raise attendance exponentially. However, secondary schools in Uganda require fees for books and stationary. Although some bursaries exist for poor children, these costs remain an insurmountable hurdle for poor families who must already pay the opportunity cost of allowing their child to study rather than work. The result is that many children never receive secondary education and are therefore stuck in the poverty trap of basic labor.

FSD works with organizations that sponsor payment of school fees, ensure student health, and offer many forms of education to underserved youth. Interns and volunteers can spend their time supporting youth development in a wide variety of subjects and programs geared toward opening doors for children to grow out of the poverty traps that afflict their families.

Read more about Youth Education & Development programs and opportunities initiated by our Community Partners in Uganda.

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