Many children, especially those who are orphaned and/or vulnerable, need school uniforms. Some children don’t have uniforms and many that do have uniforms that are too small or have been torn and patched many, many times. In addition, many children don’t have jerseys (sweaters) or track suits (sweat suits) to wear during the cold winter months or decent shoes and socks. While a uniform is required, luckily children are still allowed to come to school if they don’t have one. However, the lack of a uniform especially a decent one, highlights their poverty and/or circumstances and leads to decreased self-esteem. A child without a decent uniform is often more quiet and withdrawn.
Three OVC whose uniforms and jersey's were in bad condition.
If you look closely at the girl on the left, you may see where someone hand sowed her uniform together, The little boy on the right in the back row has pants on that are so small they won't close all the way. The girl in the gold and maroon on the right has a uniform on, but it is for another school so the colors are wrong.
This little girl received a pair of shoes from a donor from the United States. So she has nice, new shoes on, but her uniform and jersey are worn out. The little girl behind her didn't get a pair of shoes and also needs a uniform.
| School Uniform Costs* | ||
| Primary School | Girls | Boys |
| Dress | $17 | |
| Skirt | $8 | |
| Short sleeve shirt | $7 | |
| Long pants | $11 | |
| Short pants | $7 | |
| t-shirt | $7 | |
| Track suit | $25 | $25 |
| Shoes | $13 | $13 |
| Underwear | $1 | $1 |
| Socks | $1 | $1 |
| Total, complete uniform: | $65 | $72 |
| High School | ||
| Tunic | $22 | |
| Skirt | $10 | |
| t-shirt | $11 | $11 |
| Trousers (grey) | $17 | |
| Trousers (navy) | $17 | |
| Tie | $5 | $5 |
| Belt | $4 | $4 |
| Jersey (sweater) | $22 | $22 |
| Track suit | $50 | $50 |
| Underwear | $2 | $2 |
| Socks | $2 | $2 |
| Shoes | $20 | $20 |
| Total, complete uniform: | $157 | $168 |
| * Approximate costs. | ||
