By Nathanael Simbilyabo
Every May semester, the Uganda Study Programme (USP) at Uganda Christian University (UCU) holds a garage sale to raise funds for needy students.
Funds are raised through the sale of donated items from the university community, including clothes, shoes, used books and electronics. These items are then sold to others in the community, creating a cycle of giving and support.
This year’s event raised over 3,083,000 Ugandan shillings in just two days. This initiative, part of the wider UCU 10K campaign, has been a lifeline for many students who have struggled to pay their fees for several years.
The garage sale not only helps students financially, but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Here are some of the students and members of the UCU community sharing their thoughts and feelings:
Atim Patricia law student: “I just bought some books and I hope all the proceeds can help several people in this world.”
Namayanja shadia, Civil and Environmental Engineering student: “I bought a pair of pilot cases. They are quite cheap and the materials are good, but most of all I feel good about supporting a fellow student”.
Geoffrey Ssenoga, a lecturer at the School of Journalism, also shared his experience. “I feel happy that I am contributing in a small way to the completion of the students’ studies.
I bought a book, and although I may not be able to start helping people in Karamoja, even a small contribution can be significant in the grand scheme of things.
Emily Entsminger, Student Life Coordinator at USP, emphasised the importance of the event. “It’s a sale that we do every year in May and the proceeds from all the sales go to some of our needy students with scholarships so that they can attend UCU. “
I would like to thank the team who put the sale together and everyone who came out to buy things and support our scholarship fund,” she added.
This year’s USP Garage Sale continues to turn donated goods into fulfilled dreams, ensuring that students can continue their education despite financial hardship.
