expand ugandaEncouraging. Equipping. Expanding.Encouraging children in learning and faith
Ebenezer is a merit scholarship program rooted in local church schools. Children earn tuition support for the next school term through their academic achievement. The aim is to recognize that accomplishment, encourage continued effort, and give students throughout the class a goal to work toward.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
How the program grew
The program grew out of relationships with Ugandan families and schools. It began at Grace Christian School in Kacungwa, later expanded to Mustard Seed School, and then reached Ebenezer Christian School in Isingiro. Pastoral Support Mission, Expand Uganda’s ministry partner in Uganda, coordinates the program with the schools.
A name that remembers God’s help
In 1 Samuel, Ebenezer is the name Samuel gives a memorial stone, remembering the help God had given his people: “Till now the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12 (ESV).
How students earn a scholarship
The scholarship model recognizes the highest-performing 10% of students in each class, from Primary 1 through Primary 7. In a class of 50, for example, five students would earn a scholarship toward the following term’s tuition. Tied results can mean an additional award. Each term brings another opportunity to qualify.
Teachers identify qualifying students, school leaders check and approve the selections, and PSM reviews the lists. Students’ achievements are announced at the end of the term and recognized with certificates. This recognition is intended to build confidence and a sense of accomplishment in something the children have earned.
Expand Uganda provides scholarship funding through PSM, which distributes it to the participating schools. Local educators remain central to the process because they know the students and their work.
Learning and faith
For the churches, this is also a way to care for children as they grow in learning and faith. Within these church schools, practical educational support sits alongside the ongoing work of Christian discipleship.
As Ebenezer continues, the aim is to build dependable support for future school terms and share students’ progress through the schools’ reports and stories. Pray with us for the children, their families, and the teachers and church leaders helping them grow.
Recognizing the work of learning
Share in the work
Pray with the churches, follow their stories and help resource the ministry.