Discover the heartwarming journey of hope and transformation on Bezi Island
From challenges to triumphs, see how we are making a difference in the lives of Bezi children
Before our arrival, no foundation with similar goals had ever reached Bezi Island because it is a remote fishing community tucked between Kayenze and Ukerewe. Being the very first to extend meaningful support here is both humbling and inspiring. Our outreach brought essential resources, encouragement, and hope to families especially the children and girls who had long been overlooked due to geographical and logistical challenges. Residents welcomed us warmly, sharing heartfelt stories of resilience and expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to dream of a brighter future. This milestone has strengthened our resolve to keep showing up for Bezi’s children and families not just once, but for as long as it takes to see lasting change.
Before our intervention, children on Bezi Island faced, and many still face immense daily challenges. Worn-out sacks or tied cloths served as school bags, leaving precious learning materials and exercise books at risk. Families struggled with poverty, unstable livelihoods, and limited access to essential services. Fishing remains the main source of income, yet unpredictable catches and frequent relocation of fishermen leaves many children and women vulnerable. With our limited resources, we have been able to reach and support a few children especially girls offering them hope and dignity. However, countless others still need urgent help, and with donor and community support, we can extend our reach and impact.
For many school-going children on Bezi Island, attending school with worn-out bags, torn uniforms, or no proper shoes was and is still for others a daily reality. Through this outreach alone, our initiative changed that story, 15 children proudly received brand-new school bags, and 10 more were gifted fresh uniforms and sturdy, strong and durable shoes. The excitement on their faces was priceless. What may seem like simple items to the majority of us became symbols of hope, dignity, and belonging for them, helping each child step into the classroom with confidence and renewed enthusiasm for learning.
In our mission to safeguard the future of Bezi Island’s young generation, we were able to come together with our esteemed friends, partners and team to provide government health insurance to 21 pupils at Bezi Primary School. Many of these families live on a tight budget, making it impossible to afford the best or immediate treatment during sudden disease outbreaks or emergencies. With this coverage, the children now have access to quality medical care whenever they need it freeing parents from heavy financial stress and giving every child the chance to grow up healthy, active, and ready to learn.
Many children in Bezi Island attend school with limited or no basic learning materials, which can hold back their progress and confidence throughout the process of learning. Through our program, we provided exercise books, pencils, pens, erasers, and rulers to several pupils across different grades as far as our capability. These supplies not only help them complete classwork and homework, but also encourage a sense of pride in their education. By removing the barrier of inadequate learning materials, we are empowering children to engage fully in classes, improve literacy and numeracy skills, and dream bigger for their future. Our belief is simple, when a child is equipped to learn, a community is equipped to grow.
We believe lasting change begins with strong family bonds. During our visit, our team held heart-to-heart sessions with both children and their parents, creating a safe space to talk about education, resilience, and life goals. We shared practical tips on developing study habits, maintaining discipline, and fostering respect at home. Parents were encouraged to take an active role in their children’s learning journey like celebrating small wins, providing moral support, and creating a positive home atmosphere. Through the discussions with the school head teacher and some teachers, we inspired children to dream big while reminding parents of their powerful role as mentors. Together, we planted the seeds of hope, unity, and determination for the future.
Every school day, young girls and boys from Bezi Island make a challenging ferry trip to attend Kayenze Secondary School. Despite the early mornings, long travel time, and unpredictable weather, they remain committed to their studies. To support their journey, we gathered 14 girls and provided a three-month supply of sanitary pads in this way removing a key barrier that often leads to absenteeism. This simple but impactful intervention helps them stay in class, learn with confidence, and continue chasing their dreams just like their classmates who are boys without compromise. Our goal is to not just meet immediate needs, but to inspire lasting change for the next generation of Bezi’s young women.
Our dedicated female team members engaged with the young girls through interactive sessions that went beyond traditional learning. They covered essential topics such as decision-making, personal hygiene, leadership, self-confidence, goal setting and all the necessary talk the girls need in order to navigate life as strong and independent women. By openly sharing their personal journeys and offering practical guidance, they inspired the girls to dream bigger, embrace their worth, and face life’s challenges with resilience. These sessions created a safe space for questions, encouragement, and building a vision for a brighter future.
Many families on Bezi Island face instability when some fathers, due to personal or economic reasons, start new families on the island while leaving their original families behind on the mainland. When challenges arise or opportunities move elsewhere, these children and women are often left in difficult living conditions. Through our outreach, we support mothers and caregivers with guidance, resources, and mentorship to maintain stability and provide children with safe, nurturing environments. By empowering families and promoting resilience, we aim to ensure that every child can continue learning and growing, even amidst uncertainty. With the help of donors and community partners, we hope to reach more families and strengthen the foundation of this community.
Our outreach has brought more than just supplies and materials, it has sparked hope and unity on the families on Bezi Island. Children now have access to exercise books, uniforms, proper shoes and guidance that inspire them to dream beyond the shoreline. Parents are becoming active partners in education, local leaders are engaged, and families feel a renewed sense of possibility. These changes are helping us a lot in building a stronger, self-reliant community that values education, health, and mutual support. With continued support, we can grow these programs, mentor future leaders, and ensure the next generation thrives with opportunities their parents could only imagine.
