FINCA International has been awarded a $1.6 million grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to expand a sustainable financing model for early childhood development (ECD) centers in refugee-hosting communities across Uganda. Building on a successful 24-month pilot, this next phase will deepen support in Nakivale, Kampala, and Kiryandongo, while exploring opportunities in Rwamwanja and Kyaka II. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the core of the program is a two-generation approach, which recognizes that quality ECD services flourish when both children and their caregivers have the tools to succeed. The model blends investment in ECD centers with income-generating support for families and community-driven governance, creating a pathway to long-term resilience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis investment is a tremendous opportunity to transform how we think about financing education in vulnerable communities,\u201d <\/em>said FINCA\u2019s Global CEO Andr\u00e9e Simon. \u201cBy putting community-led solutions at the center, we’re building a model that is sustainable, scalable, and responsive to the real needs of children, families, and educators.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n FINCA Uganda CEO James Onyutta noted that local centers are showing they can attract investment, manage finances, and grow, without losing sight of their mission to serve. \u201cBy equipping development centers with the tools and training to become self-sufficient, we\u2019re not just supporting education, we\u2019re helping to build viable enterprises that anchor communities.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n