October 28, 2024 – In a world where access to education is one of the most powerful routes to personal and social transformation. Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI) is making a significant impact in Uganda by providing 240 scholarships to girls in the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement and the Karamoja sub-region. This support wouldn’t be possible without the funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Education is a cornerstone of WPDI’s vision, championed by its Founder, Forest Whitaker. As UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, he deeply understands the transformative power of education, particularly for those left in the shadows—like adolescent girls and women. While WPDI’s programs are inclusive, prioritizing girls’ education is crucial in regions where they face the compounded challenges of poverty, conflict, and restrictive traditions. In many cases, families with limited resources choose to educate their sons, leaving daughters behind. WPDI’s scholarship program seeks to break this cycle by empowering girls to complete their secondary education and pursue higher education opportunities.

Funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery will support WPDI’s mission in Uganda, including the scholarship Programme which will allow many girls in the region to go to school. This support is not just about education; it’s about giving hope and a future to those who have faced unimaginable challenges.

A key aspect of this scholarship program is its integration with training courses on peace education and sustainable development. This ensures that our beneficiaries not only gain academic knowledge but also practical skills in leadership and economic development, empowering them to make a lasting impact in their communities as they progress through life.

 

As Forest Whitaker states, this program is about “planting the seeds of peace” by investing in the potential of youth. WPDI’s scholarship program is not just changing individual lives—it’s building a brighter, more peaceful future for Uganda.

The Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative has received £75,000 in funds for the scholarship program raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, awarded through Postcode Education Trust.

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