Only those who can read, write and calculate have the chance to learn a profession and thus lead an independent life. But in Uganda – like in many other African countries – many children do not even go to primary school because they have to work or their families cannot afford the tuition.
Therefore the objective of the Somero initiative is support the education and professional training of young people in Uganda in a direct and unbureaucratic way. For this purpose, Somero organizes educational „sponsorships“. The support focuses on girls and young women.
Through the educational sponsorships Somero finances tuition fees, school materials, other items of everyday use, such as soap, attire as well as medical expenses. But the support is not only of financial but also of non-material, psychological nature – to promote young people on their way to an independent life, it is necessary to provide holistic support not restricted to school education. In addition, support includes offering a professional perspective, consulting in all aspects of life, medical and also psychological consulting, as many young people are traumatized by physical and sexual abuse, extreme poverty and HIV/AIDS.
The stipendiaries are thus accompanied by a mentor, who meets with them on a regular basis. If needed, the mentor helps the young people to receive appropriate medical and psychological care. The mentor helps promote the stipendiaries’ self-confidence and self-responsibility. Currently, the Ugandan social worker Geofrey Nsubunga is the responsible mentor. He has extensive experience in working with children and young people in the slums of Kampala and he is relentlessly dedicated to their needs. He has already mobilized several other social workers who will support him as a mentor as soon as the Somero initiative grows and he will no longer be able to mentor all stipendiaries by himself.