The government of Uganda has made considerable progress in implementing universal primary education by building and staffing hundreds of primary schools around the country that do not charge tuition. But to attend these “free” government-funded public schools, each child must come to class with shoes, books, pencils, a uniform, and a lunch. The poorest and most rural children cannot afford even these basic necessities.

Lunch at most schools is porridge, a very cheap and non-nutritious meal consisting of flour and water. Most schools charge about 500 Ugandan shillings (the equivalent of about 20 cents in the U.S.) each day for a cup of porridge, but some families cannot afford even that.

The government requires guardians to purchase uniforms for the students so that families are more invested in their children’s education. But this policy prevents children such as these from attending school. These children have one outfit. Some do not even possess a single shirt. The non-profit schools supported by Heart for People are their only hope for an education, a future, and a life out of poverty.