Fostering Relations and Highlighting Impactful Programs: Japanese Ambassador H.E. Sasayama Takuya Visit

Ashinaga Uganda was honored to welcome the Japanese Ambassador, H.E. Sasayama Takuya, on the 18th of July to the Ashinaga Uganda Rainbow House, which offers emotional care for children who have lost their parents, and the ‘Terakoya,’ which supports primary education in reading, writing, and arithmetic for orphaned children who cannot attend local primary schools.

This visit provided a unique opportunity to showcase our diverse range of domestic programs that empower and support orphaned students in Uganda. His Excellency, the ambassador of Japan, had the chance to learn about the following programs:

1. Ashinaga Uganda Rainbow House: The heart of our operations, the Rainbow House is a vibrant hub for education and community support. Here, students receive academic tutoring and emotional counseling and participate in various extracurricular activities designed to foster holistic development.

2. Higher Education Support: We are committed to ensuring our students can access higher education opportunities. Our scholarship programs provide financial assistance and guidance to help students enroll in universities within Uganda.

3. Leadership Development: Our leadership programs aim to cultivate future leaders who are academically proficient and socially responsible. Through workshops, seminars, and mentorship, we instill leadership, community service, and global citizenship values.

4. Life Skills Training: We recognize the importance of a well-rounded education and offer life skills training to equip students with essential skills for personal and professional success. This includes financial literacy, health education, and career planning.

5. Entrepreneurship Initiatives: To address the economic challenges many of our students face, we run entrepreneurship programs that encourage innovation and self-sufficiency. Students receive training and support to develop their business ideas, contributing to their communities’ economic development.

6. Care Program: The ambassador also learned about our comprehensive Care Program, which supports students who have experienced trauma or significant loss. This program offers psychological counseling, health services, and personalized care plans to ensure the well-being of our students, helping them overcome their challenges and thrive both academically and personally.

The visit left the ambassador feeling inspired and motivated to continue joining hands with Ashinaga to make quality education more accessible to children in need in Uganda. His excellency shared: “Ashinaga Uganda’s Rainbow House initiative is one of the valuable practices in human resource development. When I visited, the children’s energy filled the classrooms, which made me happy. I want to support such effort strongly.”

The ongoing collaboration between the Japanese Embassy in Kampala and Ashinaga, Uganda, has been instrumental in the success and growth of our programs. We are deeply grateful for the embassy’s support, which has enabled us to expand our reach and enhance our services.

This partnership has facilitated numerous initiatives, including educational exchanges, cultural programs, and infrastructural development. The embassy’s involvement has provided financial assistance and fostered a sense of global solidarity and shared purpose.

As we look to the future, we are committed to further strengthening our relationship with the Japanese Embassy. Through continued collaboration, we can achieve an even more significant impact, empowering more orphaned students to realize their full potential and contribute positively to society.

The Ashinaga Uganda co-director, Diana Namakula, shared: “The visit of the Japanese Ambassador to Rainbow House is essential for cultural exchange and potential collaborations between Rainbow House and the Japanese Embassy. This visit could lead to fruitful partnerships, enabling Rainbow House to tap into more opportunities and resources for children’s education and well-being. By working together, Rainbow House and the Japanese Embassy can create meaningful initiatives that benefit both the organization and the Nansana community.”

We thank the Japanese Ambassador, H.E. Sasayama Takuya, and the embassy team for their unwavering support and dedication to our mission. Together, we will continue to invest in the future of Uganda’s youth, building a brighter and more prosperous future for all.