In Mbale, poverty is preventing children from accessing the care, education and support they need to thrive. Across Uganda, 20% of people live below the national poverty line, and while many parents and guardians have the drive to start businesses and earn more, they lack the savings, affordable loans and business training to do so. With education costs accounting for 6 in 10 school dropouts, it's children that are paying the price: around 82% cannot read and understand a simple text by age 10.

We will work with our local partners Oasis Mbale and Salvation Army Uganda to support 72 community banking groups through our Village Investors Programme (VIP). Each group brings together 30 parents, giving them a safe and structured way to save collectively, access small loans and build financial resilience. Members will be trained in saving, lending, business planning and financial management, learning how to pool savings, keep records, manage loans and invest in their own enterprises.