Slum Network for Education e.V.
Education and future for children in the Bwaise Slum in Kampala, Uganda
The association “Slum Network for Education e.V.” is committed to giving orphans and children from extremely difficult living conditions in the Bwaise slum in Kampala, Uganda, a real chance at a self-determined life.
Our ultimate goal: to build a school that will provide education, protection, and hope to these children—children who would otherwise have no access to education.
In addition to this future-oriented project, we are already supporting the children's home founded by Salim Semambo. We are providing the necessary resources so that the children can grow up in a safe environment, have regular meals, receive medical care, and attend school or an education.
Nabweteme, 8
Our story
Kawuma, 9
Since 2005, Salim Semambo – who himself grew up in Bwaise – has been running a children's home in which 25 children and young people aged 4 to 18 now live.
For many years, the home was financed only through individual donations and so-called slum tours. From 2016 to 2021, Salim, as an elected city councilor, also contributed significantly to the home's maintenance with his income. But since the coronavirus pandemic, the situation has become dramatic: The number of children in need has increased, while donations have declined sharply.
In August 2024, I, Michaela Gabrielides (Chair of Slum Network for Education eV), visited the Bwaise slum with my husband Gabriel. What we saw there deeply moved us: children living in a hostile environment, without enough food, without school, and without prospects.
But at the same time, we met Salim – a man with an unwavering determination to give the children a future far away from crime, prostitution, and drugs. This encounter has stuck with me ever since.
The personal support for individual children ultimately led to the decision to found an association together with Salim – in order to put the project on a secure footing.
What we have already achieved
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Basic needs: Every month we provide a budget for food so that children no longer go hungry.
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School education: 13 of the 25 children now attend the primary school “Dream Wise Junior School”.
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Medical assistance: Children with serious illnesses like malaria can receive medical treatment. One girl is finally receiving her urgently needed medication regularly.
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Personal equipment: Each child receives their own mattress, blanket, and clothing to ensure a safe and dignified home.
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Vocational training: Starting in autumn 2025, 12 young people will begin a one-year, practical training program in the professions of their choice – with the goal of being able to support themselves later.
Kayima, 10
Our vision
Musanje, 6
In the long term, we want to build a school with adjoining living quarters for the children of Bwaise – a safe place for orphans without a home. There, they can not only learn but also grow up in safety.
The planned site will also provide opportunities for self-sufficiency, thus improving the children's nutrition and teaching them practical life skills. Another important component is a water pump to ensure a supply of clean drinking water.
In addition, we want to:
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Bring children from the slums to the surrounding areas so that they can grow up in a safe and child-friendly environment.
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Provide even more disadvantaged children with education, a warm meal, and a real perspective for their future.
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Ensure that every child receives the best possible education and that particularly gifted children can even attend secondary school or pursue a university degree.
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Take in more children in order to give as many as possible the chance for education, protection, and a better future.
Our vision is a school that is far more than a place of learning: it should be a home, a refuge, and a springboard to a self-determined life.
How you can help us
To make all this a reality, we need your support – through donations or sponsorships.
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With a one-time donation , you can help us bridge acute bottlenecks.
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With a regular monthly donation, you give us planning security and make sustainable changes possible.
We promise you: Every euro goes directly to the children and their care.
Your support gives the children in Bwaise not only education, but also hope, security and the chance for a self-determined life.
Mumbejja, 5
