Summer is winding down and back-to-school season is upon us. Many parents are rejoicing, while kids may be groaning, that soon they will be returning to the land of lectures and homework. If the kids in your life can be included in this group, perhaps they’re in need of a reminder of the importance of education.

While many here in the US think that education is a right, the unfortunate reality is that worldwide it is really a luxury that not everyone can afford. In Uganda especially, public schools require payment in order to be able to attend. Not many families can afford to send their kids to school, so the kids end up working in the family business or doing odd jobs to support the family.

For orphaned children, the situation is much more dire. They have no familial support, and in some cases, older children have to support their younger siblings. They end up begging on the streets, prostituting, taking any lowly odd job just to fight for basic necessities to survive. Facing these extreme economic troubles, the ability to earn an education is far beyond their reach. Without this education, they are doomed to a life of the streets without hope of self-sufficiency or independence.

So as your kids are grumbling of returning to school, use this story to remind them that they are fortunate to be able to receive an education. They should be thankful that they have a place they can go to each day to see their friends, laugh, play, and learn. Remind them that the skills they are learning today will provide them with a lifetime of opportunity to earn money and support themselves, and one day their families. And it could always be worse…

Take it a step further, you can buy one of our handmade Kambulagos (or necklaces) as a back-to-school gift to the student or teacher in your life. It is a symbol of the importance of education. Each necklace is hand-made by women in Uganda who have learned a trade skill that provides them a steady source of income. Additionally, proceeds from each Kambulago sold benefit the orphaned children at our schools in Uganda by providing them with a free education that will give them a hand up to live a prosperous life of independence and self sufficiency. Talk about a win-win.

Kambulagos come in a range of colors and sizes and vary in price from $15-$30 plus shipping and tax. Take a look at our selection and order yours today at: hope4hearts.org/products

With Gratitude,
Cristen