Seed Effect Stats
We wrapped Q3 celebrating incredible stories of life change, strategic hires, strengthened systems, and a powerful spotlight on the real cost and priority of education for Seed Effect families Since launching, Seed Effect has empowered 120,178 South Sudanese and Ugandans Thank you for making this work possible!
MEMBERS SERVED
120,178 4,498 of 2025 new member goal reached!! 54%
“After the share out, I bought some goats, even one time I bought a cow, and then I paid my children’s school fees ” - Sam, Seed Effect Member
Strengthening the Foundation
At Seed Effect, we believe lasting transformation begins from the inside out both in the communities we serve and within our own organization As we invest in strengthening existing groups and ensuring data integrity across all branches, we have slowed new group formation, dedicating much of 2025 to strengthening the foundation that makes this impact possible: our team, systems, and structures
This year, we expanded our Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) capacity with the addition of a new MEAL Manager, and other key roles across Seed Effect Uganda from a Systems Administrator and Compliance Officer to new HR and Procurement staff each strengthening the structure behind every savings group meeting, data report, and story of transformation Alongside these key hires, investments in leadership development, finance and compliance systems, and upgraded data tools are helping us serve more families with excellence.
These behind-the-scenes efforts may not be glamorous, but they’re transformational. By strengthening our internal foundation today, we’re preparing faithfully for tomorrow equipping our teams to serve with , and faithfulness as God continues to multiply Seed Effect’s impact Read more here
“Through your support, we have built a robust evidence and accountability framework that ensures every dollar contributes directly to measurable impact The improvements in data quality, reporting accuracy, and program learning not only enhance transparency and efficiency but also ensure that interventions are more responsive to the real needs of refugees and host communities ” SHARON AOL, SEED EFFECT UGANDA MEAL MANAGER
The Hidden Price of “Free” Education
In Northern Uganda, families are determined to keep their children in school, even when “free” education isn’t truly free
Seed Effect member, Betty Poni, shared, “It was hard for me to keep my children in school. I couldn’t feed my family twice a day. We ate once, and in the evening, we would go to sleep without food. Even buying sandals for my child was a struggle.”
Stories like Betty’s are echoed across our savings groups, and our data reflects the same reality 67% of first loans taken by new members are used to pay for their children’s school fees By the third savings cycle, that number drops to 20%, while loans for business growth increase from 17% to 36%.
This shift tells a powerful story: as financial stability increases, families move from crisis-driven borrowing to long-term, income-generating investments. Education remains the first priority, but it’s no longer a desperate one Read more about what our members face to keep their children in school here
Seed Effect member, Betty Poni, who cares for eight children, receives a small loan during her group meeting in the Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Northern Uganda
Meet Agnes
Agnes Bako’s life was marked by anger, broken family relationships, and constant financial pressure as she cared for seven children and an additional dependent. Her home was filled with conflict, and she often fought with her husband and others in the community. But everything began to change when a friend invited her to a Seed Effect meeting where the teachings on forgiveness, peace, and financial stewardship spoke directly to her struggles Agnes found a renewed faith in Christ, began to heal, and developed financial discipline She saved over 1,595,000 UGX ($419 USD) through farming, took out agricultural loans to expand her work, and paid school fees for her daughter making her life unrecognizable from the one she lived before
“At home, we now live peacefully with my husband Whenever I return from the meetings, I call my children and share with them the message we were taught The Bible study conducted in the group has made me know Jesus Christ as my personal Savior I learned that I was created by God I learned that saving is Biblical Thank you so much, Seed Effect, for coming and bringing change ” AGNES, SEED EFFECT MEMBER, YUMBE
Agnes is no longer known for her temper but for her joy, kindness, and leadership She now hires others in her garden, shares what she learns with her children, and dreams of building a better home Her journey is inspiring others to believe change is possible
