For many of the children supported by the Molly and Paul Child Care Foundation, school isn't just where they learn. It's where they porridge each day, and for the most vulnerable, it's where they have a safe place to sleep.

Why the tour isn't happening

For 16 years, our choirs travelled from Molly and Paul Foundation schools to share their voices and raise vital funds. Since the pandemic, securing the visas that make this possible has become increasingly difficult. Requirements are constantly changing, and documents that were accepted in previous years are now being rejected, with no way to appeal or receive feedback on the refusals. This year, we started the process earlier than ever and paid additional fees to have our paperwork reviewed in advance. Despite that, all 12 visa applications were declined. We are seeking to have the adult decisions reviewed, but this is a lengthy process with no guarantee of success. Without adult guardians able to travel, the children’s applications cannot proceed either.

The reality is that we haven't been able to run a full tour since 2023, and each year without it has made it harder to sustain the Foundation at the level these children need.

With gratitude

We are so grateful to everyone who has continued to support us over the years through recurring monthly donations, fundraising, craft stalls and generous one-off gifts. Your commitment has carried this work through incredibly difficult years, and it means more than we can say.

Our goal: £100,000 by Easter

Through this appeal, we're aiming to raise £100,000 by Easter to bridge the gap left by the tour. We know that's ambitious, and we hope you'll consider supporting us in whatever way feels possible — every contribution brings us closer.

As a volunteer-led organisation in the UK, every penny raised goes directly to supporting the schools, children, and projects in Uganda.

What your donation supports:

Continued schooling for 1,500+ children, Kindergarten to Grade 12

Daily meals for children who rely on the Foundation for food

Safe accommodation for children in need

Keeping rural communities connected to education where no alternative exists

This is an emergency appeal — we need to raise funds to make sure no child loses their place, their meals, or their home because of circumstances entirely outside their control. Every donation, of any size, helps us hold this together. Thank you for standing with us.

With sincere thanks,

Pearl of Africa Child Care Trustees