Vision Group donates sh2m worth of books to SOS Children’s Village

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Reaffirming its commitment to supporting children, Vision Group has donated books worth shillings two million to the SOS Children’s Village Kakiri in Wakiso District.

The donation was part of activities marking this year’s Day of the African Child, celebrated annually on June 16. The books, handed over by Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama, are aimed at enriching the learning experience of children and promoting a culture of reading.

“We brought these books as a token of love and encouragement,” Wanyama said. “We believe that children need both opportunity and inspiration to thrive and access to the right material is part of that journey.”

The event, held under the continental theme “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights” brought together stakeholders in education, government, and child welfare, with children actively participating in a mock parliament.

In his keynote address, Wanyama challenged parents, schools, and policymakers to allow children to enjoy their childhood and not burden them with unrealistic academic and social pressures.

“Let children be children,” he urged. “We are placing too many adult responsibilities on young shoulders. As Vision Group, we will continue to highlight these issues and amplify children’s voices.”

Wanyama also responded to a heartfelt letter from a student, Helen Kemigisa, who aspires to become a journalist. He pledged to mentor her and connected her with top Vision Group photojournalist Miriam Namutebi for additional guidance.

Moses Kadobera Leneker, interim national director of SOS Children’s Villages Uganda, praised the gesture and called for increased government support for children.

“Our population includes over 22 million children. Budget allocations must reflect this reality,” Leneker said. He appreciated Vision Group’s partnership and urged more media houses to follow suit in championing child rights.

The event featured lively performances, poetry, and speeches from young people, who used the platform to address challenges such as unequal access to education, malnutrition, mental health, and safety at school.

The Day of the African Child is held in memory of students who lost their lives during the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa while demanding quality education. For the children at SOS and their guests, it was a day not only to remember but to look forward with hope, purpose, and support.

“Children are the building blocks of a nation,” one student declared during the mock parliament. “When you invest in us, you are securing Uganda’s future.”