Education is key to break the cycle of extreme poverty
In Uganda, millions of families live on less than $1.90 a day (defined as “extreme poverty” according to the World Bank). For these families, education is not free — it’s out of reach. Uniforms, supplies, meals, and transportation all add up, making it nearly impossible for children in extreme poverty to attend school.
BUT EDUCATION CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING!
Hope Empowers Academy (HEA) is committed to giving every child a chance — especially those who would otherwise be left behind. We offer ultra low-cost school fees to families living in extreme poverty. But even with the lowest fees, most parents can’t afford school costs.
THE NEED - THE FAMILIES WE SERVE
Families shouldn't have to choose between food, shelter, and education. Help us bring children out of the shadows and into the classroom.
here's how the progrAm works....
Enroll
What you can expect
What you can expect
- Go to our DONATE page, click the button to give via Children's Home Chain (a U.S. 501(c)(3) charity) Donate page.
- Complete the "Watch Them Grow" form and set up monthly giving via PayPal or by mailing checks.
- After your 1st donation, you'll receive an email welcome pack with your student’s photo, background info, and communication guidelines.
What you can expect
What you can expect
What you can expect
FIRST MONTH
- Welcome email & student introduction.
- After 1st donation: Full emailed welcome packet.
- Option to write your student a letter.
FEBRUARY (Start Term 1):
- Annual student update & school-wide Impact Report
SEPTEMBER (Start Term 3)
- A letter from your student (with option to reply)
You are always invited to visit Hope Empowers Academy to see
FIRST MONTH
- Welcome email & student introduction.
- After 1st donation: Full emailed welcome packet.
- Option to write your student a letter.
FEBRUARY (Start Term 1):
- Annual student update & school-wide Impact Report
SEPTEMBER (Start Term 3)
- A letter from your student (with option to reply)
You are always invited to visit Hope Empowers Academy to see firsthand the impact of your support in the lives of these children.
JOIN NOW → Together, we’ll watch them grow.
FAQs
What you can expect
FAQs
Why become a “Watch Them Grow” partner with Hope Empower Ministry?
As a “Watch Them Grow” partner, you will make a huge difference in the life of a vulnerable child with the gift of education that provides them hope for a bright future.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS
Patrick Ssenyonjo - Director
Grace Cheesman - U.S. Missionary Coordinator
Patrick Ssenyonjo - Director
As founder of Hope Empowers and Hope Empowers Academy, Patrick's calling is to raise children out of extreme poverty through education and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Who is our Hope. Having lived as a homeless child of the slums, he knows how hard it is to break the cycle of poverty. And now, God has called him to help others.
Namata Harriet - Principal
Grace Cheesman - U.S. Missionary Coordinator
Patrick Ssenyonjo - Director
Harriet has been the Principal at Hope Empowers Academy since 2024. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Victoria University and has invested many years working with children, in particular at-risk girls.
When not busy with administrative work, she helps in the preschool class.
Grace Cheesman - U.S. Missionary Coordinator
Grace Cheesman - U.S. Missionary Coordinator
Grace Cheesman - U.S. Missionary Coordinator
Grace is a missionary and English and math teacher at Hope Empowers Academy. She joined HEA in January of 2025. Grace has a degree in Elementary Education and minor in Psychology and Special Education. She is passionate about educating those in extreme poverty.
Our U.S. partner - children's home chain
Donations are sent to a 501(c)(3) organization who oversees use of funds.
Children's Home Chain, in Indiana, PA, has partnered with Hope Empowers since inception. Their Board of Directors are very much involved with ministry management and closely monitor the use of funds to ensure accountability to their donors.
Children's Home Chain receives all donations for Hope Empowers Academy through the Watch Them Grow Program and distributes 100% of these donations for school support, net Paypal fees if applicable. Children's Home Chain does not administer the Watch Them Grow program.
Click the DONATE link above to WATCH THEM GROW!
