Neema, a single mother, faced numerous challenges while raising Tania. From struggling to make ends meet to wrestling with specialized health care for Tania, Neema's journey was far from easy. However, she remained determined to provide her daughter with a better life and a quality education. Unfortunately, finding a school that catered to Tania's unique needs seemed like an impossible task. Neema and Tania's lives took an unexpected turn when she received a Sunshine Scholarship. Now in her final year of high school, Tania's graduation is a testament to her resilience, determination, and the power of education. Tania's success is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the transformative impact that the Sunshine Scholarship program has had on her journey.

You have never seen a smile or heard a laugh quite like Mama Sham’s and her daughter, Sham. Both have overcome numerous challenges so the pride they feel as Sham completes her high school education, after 10 years on the Sunshine Scholarship, is palpable. Her father's abandonment left her and her mother homeless, but thanks to her mother's job with Noonday’s partner in Uganda, they secured a loan and found a new home. Though life remained difficult, they were relieved from worrying about school fees. Sadly, Sham's father passed away, but her mother's employment had already improved their lives. Sham is now dreaming of a brighter future as she explores her high education options.

Nuwasiima Apophia is from Western Uganda. She graduated from Cornerstone Leadership Academy in 2022 and became a Sseko Scholar the following year. Thanks to her Noonday Sunshine Scholarship, she is now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Arts with Education at Kyambogo University. In a country where less than 3% of women make it to University, Nuwasiima hopes to use her degree to create a classroom environment that inspires little girls and young women to pursue their dreams.  

Nakato, a survivor of domestic abuse, had enough courage to use her voice by going to the police in Uganda. There are good officers in Uganda, to be sure, but in general, police culture in Uganda operates on bribes. Nakato didn’t have funds to bribe the police. But she had something else: tenacity. She and her friend resolved in their hearts that they would show up at the police station every day until justice was served. Eventually, the police on duty couldn’t ignore them anymore. Eventually, Nakato’s husband was arrested, and eventually, he went to jail. Nakato and her children are safe today. But they are not only safe; they are flourishing. Swabula and Sufula remain at the top of their class and have been able to receive a quality education for 10 years now thanks to the scholarship program.

Nankumba Betty from Buikwe District in Eastern Uganda and is a graduate of Cornerstone Leadership Academy. I am a beneficiary of the Noonday Sunshine scholarship. Thanks to the Noonday Collection community and your support, I am currently studying at Makerere University Business School pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Office and Management Studies. I am forever grateful for your kindness and support. May God bless you!!! 

Annet has a smile that lights a room and she loves to dance. She is also a single mother of five.  Mariam is her only daughter and the first in
the family to attend secondary school. Mariam aspires to become a doctor in the future. Unfortunately, her older brother recently passed away at the age of 19 due to an untreated leg infection. Annet is still recovering from the shock of losing her son. Despite the tragedy, the family is grateful that Mariam can pursue her dreams through the educational opportunity provided by the Noonday Sunshine Scholarships.

My name is Nabutiti Dinah from Eastern Uganda. She is a graduate from Cornerstone Leadership Academy Girls and became a Sseko Scholar. Thanks to the Noonday Sunshine scholarship she is now studying at Makerere University Business School and pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. After observing Agnes, the general manager of Arise Kollections, a Noonday Artisan Business Partner, she has become even more confident that she can use her interest in business to create a flourishing world for her community. During her time as a Sseko Scholar, Agnes was able to mentor her in business fundamentals and show her on a practical level the in’s and out’s of business management. In Uganda, business still tends to be very male-dominated, she is very grateful for both the financial and emotional support of the Noonday Community as she continues to pursue her dreams! 

Ayikoru Sandra is from Arua city in West Nile Region. She is a graduate of Cornerstone Leadership Academy and a Sseko Scholar. Thanks to her Noonday Sunshine Scholarship as well as her mentorship during her Sseko Scholar term, she is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business administration at Makerere University Business School, which is the best business program in the country. She is very grateful for the support of both the Noonday Sunshine Scholarship and the mentorship from Agnes Netunze (a Noonday Artisan Business Partner) who inspired her and encouraged her in her dreams to pursue a business degree.  

Jabal, like many others, faced
abandonment by his father, leaving Mama Jabal and the children without furniture or bedding. Unfortunately, Mama Jabal's experience of abuse is not uncommon. Women worldwide still face oppression, especially in places plagued by violent conflict, extremist ideologies, deep-rooted patriarchy, and severe poverty. Women and girls are targeted and suffer disproportionately. Unlike many women, Mama Jabal had a supportive community through her work with Noonday’s partner in Uganda. After her husband threw her out, she found a spoon
and fork on her chair at work, followed by a mosquito net and bedsheets. Her colleagues rallied around her, providing the essentials that had been taken away and enough money for rent. Jabal, Mama Jabal’s oldest is now in secondary school, thanks to the years of support from the Sunshine Scholarship.