As the academic year in Uganda draws to a close we hold a back to school fundraising appeal. Each year we provide  school bags and school uniforms to the children at the center. Children are not allowed to enter school without the correct uniform and appropriate footwear. It might only cost around $20.00 to provide a uniform but it is out of the reach of many families It is yet another potential barrier which can mean a disadvantaged child either cannot attend school at all or attends in a uniform in a very poor state. Attending school in a neat and tidy uniform can make a huge difference to a child’s confidence and self-esteem and how they feel about attending school. We also aim to provide school bags stuffed with items needed to help to carry out studies and to encourage children to keep clean. Each bag goes to a disadvantaged school child in readiness for the new school year in February. Assisting school children with the supplies he or she needs to keep clean and carry out their studies boosts confidence and encourages attendance. Both of these things produce better academic results which mean it is more likely that children will stay at school longer. Receiving a backpack is exciting and for many children is probably one of very few things which is ever really “theirs”.