We're seeing something change, and I wanted to share it with you.

We're reaching more girls and young people than ever before. But what excites me most is this:

Our work has always been shaped by what girls tell us they need. Increasingly, it's now being led and delivered by girls and young people themselves.

When girls have safe spaces, trusted relationships and real opportunities, they don't just change their own lives — they create change in their communities.

That's what your support for Awamu makes possible.

Girls Are Smashing It in School

At the end of last year, 56 girls from our education programme sat their national exams.

The results were incredible:

100% passed
84% achieved the grades needed to continue science subjects at A-Level

For girls who had previously dropped out of school, these results represent far more than academic success. They represent confidence, resilience and hope for the future.

Across our partner schools, girls are building their own support networks — mentoring one another, leading clubs and encouraging each other to stay in school and succeed.

"When I came back to school, I didn't believe I could succeed. Now I can see a future."
— Aminah, Senior Four student

Girls Feel Safer and More Able to Speak Out

We're seeing real shifts in how teachers and school leaders respond to girls experiencing violence, stigma and safeguarding concerns.

Attitudes are changing. Schools are becoming safer and more supportive environments for girls.

Teachers are developing a stronger understanding of safeguarding and a greater focus on girls' wellbeing.

"This training opened my mind and changed how I work with children."
— Deputy Head Teacher, partner school

Perhaps most importantly, girls are gaining the confidence to report abuse and seek help safely.

More Girls Are Getting the Healthcare They Need

We're incredibly proud of our local partners, community mentors and peer educators — many of them former programme participants themselves — who are reaching record numbers of girls with vital healthcare services.

Working alongside local health providers, they are taking care directly into communities, reaching girls and young women who might otherwise be excluded because of fear, stigma or cost.

In the first few months of this year:

1,478 girls accessed healthcare through our community outreach programme
280 girls received care, counselling or treatment through our clinic
17 health workers and 20 peer educators were trained in girl- and youth-friendly services

For many girls, this is the first time they have been able to access healthcare in a safe and supportive environment.

"When I was supported at the school, I felt safe. No one judged me."

Skills Are Turning Into Income

Our vocational training programme supports girls who have experienced violence, exploitation and exclusion from education.

Alongside tailoring training, girls receive literacy support and practical business skills to help them build independent futures.

Today:

50 girls are currently in training
More than 85% of graduates from previous cohorts are now earning an income or continuing their education

"I'm happy I can now make a shirt, understand how to start a business, market my products and write my name."
— Shanitah, 15, current trainee

Our Nansamba Safe Haven Continues to Save Lives

At Awamu, protection, healthcare and emotional wellbeing come together to create a network of support around every girl.

Since January:

195 girls have found safety through our shelter, accessing healthcare, counselling and legal support
A new shelter location has been secured, increasing safety and accessibility for girls with disabilities or injuries
209 cases of violence have been supported through Community Mentors working alongside government protection services

Behind every one of these numbers is a girl, a family and a community coming together to ensure that no girl has to face violence or abuse alone.

Looking Ahead

Every achievement you've read about here is part of something bigger.

We're seeing girls become mentors. Peer educators. Club leaders. Community advocates. Young women creating opportunities for others.

The future we're working towards isn't one where girls simply receive support.

It's one where girls lead change themselves.

Thank you for being part of that change.

Girls leading change: what we're seeing in Kampala