Uganda is the Pearl of Africa. It is a land filled with breathtaking beauty and a rich cultural heritage. There is no shortage of natural beauty from the shimmering waters of the River Nile that starts where we work in Jinja, and lush forests alive with vibrant wildlife and waterfalls. Uganda has a lot of picture perfect places, but the true heartbeat of Uganda is its people, who are known for their warmth, resilience, and deep sense of community. From traditional music and dance to colorful markets brimming with life, Uganda’s culture is vivid and like its people, hard not to love.
Uganda is also one of the youngest countries in the world, with over 75% of its population under the age of 30. It’s a nation bursting with youthful energy and dreams, where children and young adults are eager to learn, grow, and make a difference. However, many of these bright young minds face significant hurdles like poverty, limited access to education, and inadequate healthcare. These obstacles often hold them back from reaching their full potential. By investing in Uganda’s children, we can help unlock a brighter future for them and their communities.
While Uganda’s natural beauty and cultural richness are undeniable, its young population faces challenges that call for action. Many children also lack access to life’s essentials like nutritious food, clean water, and quality education. These struggles can trap families in a cycle of poverty, but the good news is that there are opportunities to create meaningful change. Sponsoring a child is one way to break down barriers and provide tools for success, opening doors to education, health, and hope for a better tomorrow.
Why Child Sponsorship Matters
Sponsoring a child isn’t just about alleviating material problems. It’s about building a relationship and making a lasting difference that empowers children to become self-sufficient and not dependant on organizations like ours. When you choose to sponsor a child, you’re providing them with essentials like education, healthcare, and daily necessities. But it doesn’t stop there. Sponsorship creates a personal connection that reminds the child they’re valued and loved.
Sponsors with Ripples get to share letters, words of encouragement, and from time to time even video calls, letting your sponsored child know they matter. It’s a chance to see them grow, thrive, and dream bigger than they ever thought possible. More importantly, it’s a way to live out Christian values like compassion, generosity, and love, sharing Christ’s teachings in a practical and powerful way.
At Ripples from the Well, we believe sponsorship is about more than helping a child in the here and now. It’s about planting and watering seeds for a lifetime of growth. Every step you take with your sponsored child is a step toward a future filled with faith, dignity, and opportunity.
About Ripples from the Well
Who We Are
Ripples from the Well is a Christian nonprofit organization based in the Central U.S., with outreach programs in Jinja, Uganda. Our mission is to empower the Church to care for vulnerable children and to help build self-sufficient communities that make disciples of Jesus Christ. We believe that child sponsorship is at the heart of this mission. With every sponsor who steps forward, a child receives not only the essentials to survive but also the tools to thrive. It’s about transforming lives, one child and family at a time, through the light of Christ’s love.
As a GuideStar Platinum Transparency nonprofit, we take pride in maintaining the highest standards of accountability and integrity. When you sponsor through Ripples from the Well, you can trust and see that your contributions are making a real and lasting difference.
Our Unique Model
At Ripples from the Well, we’ve created a two-share sponsorship model to meet both the immediate and long-term needs of the children we serve. You can choose to support a Provision Share, an Education Share, or both:
- Provision Share: This share focuses on the basics: food, clothing, healthcare, and hygiene products. These essentials help ease the everyday struggles many children face. By providing these necessities, you give children the stability to focus on growing and learning without worrying about where their next meal will come from, and with hope and tools to build skills that will allow them to provide for themselves.
- Education Share: This share supports a child’s education by covering tuition at a private Christian school, school supplies, and other learning resources. These schools provide a nurturing environment where children gain a strong academic foundation and grow in their faith. Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and this share helps kids build the skills they need to create a better future.
Together, these shares offer a well-rounded approach that helps children receive the care and opportunities they need to flourish. By choosing to sponsor, you become part of a child’s journey toward independence, faith, and hope.
Where We Serve
Our work is centered in Jinja, Uganda, where we partner with the local Church and Christian schools to support children and their communities. While we work in a primarily Muslim area, these partnerships create a Christ-centered network of care, helping children grow spiritually, academically, and socially. Through this holistic approach, we aim to empower not just individuals but entire communities to thrive.
How Sponsorship Works with Ripples from the Well
Sponsoring a child with Ripples from the Well is simple but deeply meaningful. Here’s how it works:
First, you choose whether to sponsor an Education Share, a Provision Share, or both. Your sponsorship goes directly toward meeting the needs of a specific child, whether it’s ensuring they have the basics covered or providing them with a life-changing education.
Once you’ve chosen, you’ll start to connect. Sponsors and children exchange letters and updates, building a meaningful relationship that spans continents. As you see your sponsored child grow, you’ll witness the real impact of your decision: a child’s transformation.
Steps to Sponsor a Child in Uganda
If you’re ready to make a difference, here’s how to get started:
- Explore Shares: Take a look at how child sponsorship works and decide which share; Provision, Education, or both, feels right for you.
- Sign Up to Sponsor: Sponsor a child and fill out the sponsorship form, where you’ll pick your preferences and start your journey.
- Connect with Your Child: Begin communicating with your sponsored child through letters and updates. You can email us or use the communication tab in your sponsor profile once logged in.
- Grow Together: Pray for your child, encourage them, and witness their growth through the updates and stories you’ll receive.
The Impact of Your Sponsorship
Sponsorship changes lives. Not just for the child, but for their family, their community, and even you.
When you sponsor, you’re giving a child the tools they need to pursue education, develop their faith, and grow into self-sufficient adults who can make a difference in their own communities. You’re also helping families find stability and opening doors for others to experience the love of Christ.
Why Sponsor Through Ripples from the Well?
When you sponsor through Ripples from the Well, you’re not just making a donation, you’re starting a relationship. Our program is built on transparency, trust, and a commitment to Christ-centered care. Here’s what makes us different:
- We Build Relationships: Sponsorship is about more than financial support. It’s about encouragement, connection, and making sure every child knows they’re valued.
- We Focus on Faith: Everything we do is rooted in our Christian mission. Through partnerships with the Church and Christian schools, we help children grow spiritually, into the Church, while they build practical skills.
- We’re Accountable: As a GuideStar Platinum nonprofit, we ensure every dollar goes where it’s needed most, making a real difference in children’s lives. We are always open to inquiries and requests for updates!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sponsorship
What does it cost to sponsor a child?
Each individual share is $35 a month (Education or Provision), which is lower than most sponsorship programs, keeping it financially attainable for many looking to sponsor. You also have the opportunity to sponsor both shares at $70 a month (both Education and Provision), which enables us to deliver high-quality care, education, and programs. Whether you are looking at sponsoring a share, or multiple children, every commitment makes a lasting impact for Christ in the lives of these children.
Can I communicate with my sponsored child?
Yes! We would love for you to send your sponsored child a letter. You can email sponsor@ripplesfromthewell.org with the subject line "Letter to: (child's name)." Letters can be sent as a Google Doc, Word, or PDF file. You can also use the communication tab in your sponsor profile once logged in. Ripples from the Well screens all communications to ensure safety and works hard to deliver your child’s letter promptly. For tips on connecting, visit our guide, How to Write a Letter to Your Sponsored Child.
How does Ripples choose the children in its program?
Ripples from the Well has multiple, full-time social workers in Uganda who work to identify the most vulnerable children and families in the communities we serve. These social workers, who are native to the area, carefully assess each child’s circumstances, considering their family’s current situation, ability to earn income, and other important factors. While we can’t directly support every child, many benefit from our programs and community initiatives.
What happens if I can’t continue sponsoring?
If your life circumstances change, we’ll ensure your sponsored child continues to receive support and find a new sponsor as quickly as possible.
How will my contributions be used?
Your funds go directly toward your chosen share intent, Provision or Education, for the child you chose to sponsor. Every dollar is spent with integrity and transparency.
Take the First Step
Sponsoring a child in Uganda is a simple act that can change a life forever. Ready to begin this incredible journey? Start now by sponsoring a child or email us at sponsor@ripplesfromthewell.org.
