The School System in Uganda

Children in Uganda typically begin their schooling around the age of three in Nursery School, which usually lasts three years and is divided into Baby Class, Middle Class, and Top Class.

This is followed by Primary School, which spans seven years. At the end of the seventh year, students take the national final exam known as the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE). Those who pass are eligible to move on to secondary school.

Secondary School is divided into two stages. The first four years are called Lower Secondary (Senior 1 to 4) and conclude with the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE). After that, students can attend Upper Secondary (Senior 5 and 6) for two more years, ending with the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). This qualification is comparable to the German Abitur and, depending on performance, grants access to university.

Afterwards, many young people choose to pursue a university degree, a diploma program, or vocational training. Entry requirements vary depending on the field of study.

Only just over half of all children complete primary school. Of those, about 26% make it to upper secondary school — and only 5% eventually reach tertiary education.
(Source: UNESCO / World Bank)

Why We Fight for Education

In the villages where we work, most families rely on small-scale farming. Their income is low and often unpredictable. Many parents have never attended school themselves and are unable to read or write. Family structures are often unstable.

Attending school becomes an enormous challenge. In addition to school fees, there are costs for uniforms, supplies, exams, and transportation. Many families simply can’t afford it. Especially girls tend to drop out early — they are married off young, become mothers too soon, and the cycle begins all over again.

Education is the only way to break that cycle. It opens the door to a different life. A solid education brings safety, structure, and hope.

Whenever possible, we try to place our sponsored children in boarding school from grade 5 onwards, even though the fees are higher. For many of them, it becomes a real turning point. At boarding school, they receive regular meals, a structured daily routine, and can truly focus on learning. That’s often not possible at home. The journeys to school — especially secondary school — are long and sometimes dangerous. Many children walk three to four hours a day, setting out at dawn and returning after dark. For girls in particular, the risk of assault is high.