Steps to a brighter future: how Walk to School changed lives in Namuwongo
Since 2008, Walk to School has transformed the lives of more than 180 children living in Namuwongo – one of Kampala’s poorest informal settlements in Uganda.
Namuwongo is a complex environment where children face numerous risks, including child labour, exploitation, abuse and teenage pregnancies. Many children are at risk of dropping out of school or never enrolling at all. Without access to education, these children are left vulnerable and without opportunities for a better future.
Walk to School addressed these challenges by providing children with access to quality education and providing a safe space to protect them from the dangers of street life. The programme equipped children with foundational literacy and numeracy skills, while also educating them and their families about their rights.
Opening pathways to education
11 students
Are currently pursuing university and tertiary studies – including biology, engineering, chemistry, and early childhood development. One is on a government scholarship, earned through exceptional Senior 6 performance.
Seven graduates
Have completed degrees, diplomas, and professional certificates, with some now employed by government, running successful businesses, or even working with Chance for Childhood to uplift their community.
Two medical graduates
Are now practicing professionals, supporting their families and communities.
Vocational skills and employment
21 young people
completed vocational training in trades such as mechanical engineering, tailoring, hairdressing, agriculture and catering – many are now independent, employed, and supporting their siblings.
14 others
are in vocational institutions, with one to two years left.
Ten young people
in highly vulnerable situations were supported further through the Uplift the Child Africa Network and trained in practical life skills. Half have reintegrated back into their communities.
Girls protected and empowered
The programme has supported 98 girls, delaying early pregnancies, reducing exploitation, and enabling girls to pursue their education safely and confidently.
“My daughter doesn’t fear walking home anymore – she knows she belongs in school.”
– Mother of a girl supported by Walk to School
Saved from early marriage: Ellen’s story
Ellen was 15 when her relatives suggested marriage as the best option for her after her parents separated. Her mother wanted her to continue with school but was struggling to keep her housed and safe in the community. Ellen’s father wasn’t interested in her education and had a friend ready to marry Ellen.
Walk to School staff worked with Ellen’s mother, local leaders and local police to get Ellen boarding at school and provided uniforms and psychosocial support, and closely monitored her wellbeing. Ellen not only stayed in school, she thrived: she completed Senior 6, is now saving for her diploma in Business Administration and recently supported her mother to relocate to a safer community.
A community transformed
The programme has gone far beyond individual impact – its ripple effect has spread across communities:
– Hygeine has improved and incidences of flooding reduced with the construction of 1,000km of drains built in the community.
– Families report a 90% improvement in their wellbeing, from greater income stability to better emotional resilience.
– Children who may have otherwise been on the streets or working menial jobs are now educated and ready for their futures.
In December 2025, Walk to School came to an end. The programme has walked with over 180 of Kampala’s most vulnerable children from poverty into brighter futures. Their stories are living proof that education does not just change a child – it changes a community.
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