school uniform initiative

THE CALLING

Many of SOCOBA’s school-aged young people live with the shame of not being able to afford to purchase complete proper uniform outfits, let alone additional school supplies. In particular, families that have more than one child in school face an even greater burden with each growing child.

Costs of uniforms increase yearly, and seem to actually outpace the growth of our youth. This means families must purchase a new uniform annually or go to school in last year’s uniform that does not fit properly. Many families have little to no income or rely on paltry government assistance, which often means having to choose between food or a school uniform. The consequence of this results in high rates of school absenteeism, and some students choose not to go to school at all in order to avoid facing the humiliating shame and stigma of abject poverty.

SOCOBA’s School Uniform Initiative aims to mitigate the need for families having to cut back on essentials or get into debt just to buy their children’s school uniforms.

GOAL

To provide school uniforms and supplies to identified needy school aged young people for the duration of their time in school.

OBJECTIVES

Provide complete head-to-toe uniforms for those who cannot afford to purchase;
Eliminate school absenteeism due to not having proper uniforms;
Reduce sentiments and evidence of shame and stigma due to not having the basic necessities of clothing and school supplies;
Create a uniform “warehouse” where uniforms can be refurbished and traded-in for successive sizes.

Outcomes

Improved school attendance;
Reduction in incidents of stigma and discrimination due to improper school uniforms.
All students who need uniforms have a complete outfit.