To Help or Not To Help - That is The Question?

Recently, there was yet another tricky question. "Does Obama need help with his finances or not?" In fact, the short answer is no. At least, not help from ServeDirect. And by the way, this article does not refer to SD taking a strong, political stance on supporting former US presidents.....Obama is a new Wobulenzi Town Academy student.

New student, Obama does not need OUR help with school fees, but he may genuinely need some help from another source. The real questions are 'How to help?' and 'How much?' and 'How long for?'

ServeDirect believes strongly that the answer is not direct or individual student sponsorship. It is not helpful or fair to select one individual out for support - and it is not helpful for 'outsiders' to be seen to prefer a particular student or family for financial help**. However, WTA does have a clear, fundamental remit to provide education for those who wouldn't normally be able to afford secondary school fees. With its limited budget, how on earth does WTA help the most needy?

Moreover, Charles and Annet firmly believe that everyone should pay something towards their education. Happily, WTA does have two strategies to make it possible for the most needy, most deserving students to be in school:

• Fees are relatively much lower and affordable, compared to similar schools
• Many parents are offered a 'school bursary' (reduction) according to their finances.

However, for those in dire need or in a real crisis, WTA has an innovative solution - 'The Safety Net Fund'. The Safety Net Fund has existed behind the scenes for many years, allowing WTA to identify and provide financial help to students suddenly in need.

For example:

Tracy's father died suddenly, soon after she also lost her mother. WTA provided help via the safety net fund until family finances stabilised. 

Moses was a teenage orphan also responsible for raising younger siblings. By earning money in the holidays, he could send them to school, but then had nothing left for himself. The safety net offered more long-term help to take him through to A' levels.

Gloria's family managed to pay her school fees, but then became stuck without money for books, pens or uniform.

Mary pays all her school fees herself, by making snacks to sell, but cannot afford the actual exam fees to take her A' levels. 

Johnson Farage (interesting names!) is a very bright student, whose family arrived in Uganda as refugees. The family struggle to pay fees but need help with boarding costs.

In each case, the WTA safety net fund sprang into action to offer protection and relief where necessary and where possible.

So - if young Obama does need help, it will be WTA, not SD that makes that decision. (In his case it could even be renamed Obamacare!). Experienced WTA staff always discuss with the family and evaluate the level of need.

WTA does not discriminate or favour or judge - any student from any background, tribe, faith or nationality can request assistance, usually via Kato Patrick, the Bursar. 

Can you help us fund the Safety Net? Donations can be made to ServeDirect, via the green Donate button on the homepage or by clicking here. These donations help to keep the safety net fund topped up and ready for use at any time each term.  

****(And why SD doesn't offer individual child/student sponsorship at WTA ? There are several strong reasons for this, but that will require another article!)