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Meet Ivan Sajjabi
Hello,
I'm Ivan Sajjabi, a passionate youth. I enjoy volunteering, learning about technology, and building my advocacy skills through youth-led programs.
I grew up in a poor and broken family in Uganda. My early childhood was marked by pain and confusion. When I was still very young, my mother had serious misunderstandings with my father and eventually left, leaving my little sister and me behind.
As I grew older, I found myself living with a stepmother who didn’t treat me well. Life became difficult and lonely. After nearly eight years, my stepmother also left the family due to similar misunderstandings. By then, I had more siblings and was forced to take on responsibilities far beyond my age. I had to care for my younger brothers and sisters while still trying to attend school and survive each day.
My childhood experiences motivated me to become an advocate and changemaker so that young people can live up to their full potential and develop their leadership skills in my community and country.
Our Mission
Empowering Homeless Youth
What is the homelessness problem like in Uganda, specifically in your community?
In Uganda, especially in my community, homelessness and housing insecurity among children and young people are closely connected to poverty, family instability, abuse, neglect, and school dropout.
In Kampala, some vulnerable children live on the streets, while others live in overcrowded and unstable housing situations where they remain at risk of exploitation, violence, and dropping out of school.
Many children in my community have experienced homelessness and street-connected life after leaving unsafe and abusive homes. Recently, children who migrated to Kampala have ended up living in informal settlements and on the streets, sometimes becoming involved in child labour.
In my community, I would like to focus particularly on children and youth who are vulnerable because of homelessness, unstable housing, poverty, family difficulties, and being out of school. I want the chapter to create safe opportunities for these young people to learn, build confidence, develop skills, and connect with positive mentors.
How would you reach these youth affected by homelessness?
I would reach youth affected by homelessness by working with like-minded community groups and organizations that already support vulnerable children and young people in the community.
These could include children’s homes, orphanages, shelters and transitional housing programs, schools serving vulnerable communities, churches, and community-based organizations working with street-connected children.
I would also work with local community leaders and volunteers to identify appropriate opportunities to support youth who may not be connected to a formal shelter or institution.
My goal would be to meet young people where they are while ensuring that all activities follow appropriate child-safeguarding and protection practices.
What educational enrichment opportunities do you want to provide?
I would like the Uganda chapter to provide accessible, practical, and engaging educational opportunities for underserved youth. The goal is to create a supportive learning environment where young people can develop knowledge, creativity, confidence, and practical skills that will help them succeed in school, work, and everyday life.
STEM and Science
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Simple, hands-on science experiments
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Environmental science and awareness
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Basic electronics and robotics
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Engineering challenges
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Problem-solving and critical-thinking activities
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STEM competitions and hands-on projects
Technology
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Digital literacy and computer skills
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Computer fundamentals
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Internet and online-learning skills
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Basic website creation
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Digital creativity and content creation
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Responsible and safe use of technology
Reading and English
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Reading clubs
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English conversation practice
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Storytelling activities
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Creative writing and other writing activities
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Public speaking and communication skills
These educational enrichment opportunities would help address the need for stronger educational and protective support for children and young people experiencing poverty and social exclusion in Uganda. Beyond academic learning, I want these activities to help young people discover their talents, build confidence, develop leadership and problem-solving skills, and see new possibilities for their future.
What support does the Uganda Chapter need to serve underserved children and youth?
As a new chapter, the Uganda Chapter needs support with technology, STEM equipment, fundraising, partnerships, and international connections.
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Technology and STEM equipment: Computers, laptops, tablets, robotics and Arduino kits, electronics and science materials, projectors, monitors, networking equipment, and other reliable refurbished devices to support digital literacy and hands-on STEM learning.
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Fundraising and donations: Guidance in developing fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, donation drives, and sustainable sources of support for youth programs.
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International connections: Connections with volunteers, educators, donors, schools, technology companies, and organizations that can provide resources, expertise, mentorship, or other opportunities for underserved youth in Uganda.
With this support, the Uganda Chapter can create accessible educational, technology, STEM, and leadership opportunities for young people in need.
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