Off the coast of Central Africa, children on these lush islands face overlooked challenges — from hunger to school exclusion. Meet the local leaders ensuring no child is forgotten.
São Tomé and Príncipe is often described as peaceful and beautiful. But behind the postcard image, many children face poverty, undernutrition, and weak education systems. Rural isolation and economic inequality shape the lives of the youngest citizens. These are the three most urgent challenges:
More than one in three children under five suffers from chronic malnutrition. Limited healthcare access, especially in rural and coastal communities, increases the risk of preventable diseases and stunted growth.
While school enrollment is high, classroom overcrowding, teacher shortages, and long travel distances prevent many children from learning effectively — especially outside the capital.
High unemployment among parents and young adults contributes to neglect, emotional distress, and school dropout. Many children grow up without consistent adult guidance or opportunity.
Despite these challenges, Uganda’s children remain full of hope — dreaming of education, health, and opportunities for a better tomorrow.
At iam4allkids.org, we focus on the children who grow up quietly — often without voice or recognition. On these islands, we spotlight the people ensuring children have food, education, and a reason to stay hopeful.
We:
Highlight school feeding programs and rural health outreach
Support inclusive education efforts in under-resourced villages
Share stories of children finding care through local community hubs
Even on the smallest islands, care can make a lasting difference.
It is easy for island nations to be overlooked — and easier still for the children within them to be forgotten.
Nearly 40 percent of young children suffer from chronic malnutrition
Rural schools often lack trained teachers, textbooks, and consistent infrastructure
Many families struggle to provide stability due to unemployment or migration
We believe every child on these islands deserves to be seen, nourished, and supported.
Even where voices are quiet, impact is loud:
In coastal clinics, children are growing stronger with new nutrition programs
In mountain villages, students are learning with joy — even when books are few
In crowded homes, young leaders are mentoring their peers with compassion
And because of your support, these small stories are reaching the world
In São Tomé and Príncipe, the smallest victories are shaping big futures.
CENAST runs local feeding centers, nutrition outreach campaigns, and family counseling in areas with high child poverty. Their programs offer fortified meals, growth monitoring, and education for caregivers on how to support their children’s health at home.
They also partner with schools to ensure children don’t have to learn on an empty stomach.
Where hunger once controlled a child’s day, CENAST now provides nourishment and peace of mind.
STP Solidária works to make education more inclusive and accessible for children living far from urban centers. They provide bicycles, school materials, and learning workshops for rural students who would otherwise be left behind.
Their team also trains volunteer teachers and helps build safe, child-friendly classroom environments.
STP Solidária believes no child should miss school just because they live far away.
In 2023, CENAST led a weeklong nutrition campaign across the Lembá district. Dozens of children received screenings and high-protein meals while mothers attended workshops on hygiene, breastfeeding, and home cooking using local crops.
Community leaders helped spread the word, and radio stations broadcast messages about child nutrition across the islands.
For many families, it was their first time accessing health education that felt personal and practical.
In 2024, STP Solidária launched the Rural Learning Caravan, visiting remote villages in Cantagalo with a van full of books, school kits, and young volunteer mentors. Children participated in reading circles, creative arts, and confidence-building games.
Teachers received new chalkboards, and families were given solar lamps to support evening homework.
The caravan made learning feel like a celebration — and reminded students they matter.
Meet the organizations ensuring island children are healthy, educated, and supported:
Delivering nutrition, hygiene education, and family support to reduce child hunger and illness.
Promoting school access and inclusive learning for rural and marginalized students.
Offering long-term care and shelter for children without parental support.
Running youth development, girls’ empowerment, and environmental education programs.
Supporting early childhood education and mobile health campaigns in underserved regions.
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