Jannat,Shamim, Musa

When we visited one of the Suubi children, we met three siblings — Jannat, Shamim, and Musa. They are currently living with their grandfather and step-grandmother. Sadly, these children have not attended school for the past three years.

Originally, the children lived in Eastern Uganda with their parents. Their father worked hard to support their education, and they were attending school regularly. However, tragedy struck one day when their father and grandfather were traveling to Kampala in a minibus that was involved in a serious accident. Their father sadly lost his life, and their grandfather sustained permanent physical and mental injuries.

After the burial, the children tried to continue with school. For a short time, the school showed sympathy and allowed them to attend without immediate payment. But when that period ended, they were asked to pay school fees, which they could not afford. As a result, they were sent home.

Eventually, their mother remarried. Unfortunately, she did not take the children with her — a situation that is not uncommon in some communities, where new husbands may not accept children from previous relationships. With nowhere else to go, the children went to live with their injured grandfather and step-grandmother and they have never seen her since then she never turned back. 

Despite their difficult situation, the grandparents tried their best to support the children’s education, but they simply did not have the financial means. The children faced embarrassment at school due to unpaid fees and were ultimately forced to drop out completely.

During our visit, the grandfather knelt down and humbly pleaded with us to help his grandchildren return to school. He expressed deep sorrow, explaining how much the children long to continue their education and build a better future.

Their story is heartbreaking, but with support, it can change. Access to education would restore their hope, dignity, and opportunity for a brighter tomorrow.