A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN IN UGANDA AND THE USA: INSIGHTS FROM NAKASEKE DISTRICT, UGANDA, AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES IN CHELSEA, MASSACHUSETTS

This study presented a comparative analysis of the educational needs of underprivileged children in Nakaseke District, Uganda, and underserved communities in Chelsea, Massachusetts, USA. The research aimed to assess the educational challenges faced by children in these regions and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, with the goal of informing policies and practices to reduce educational disparities. A cross-sectional research design and quantitative approach were employed, with stratified random sampling used to include key stakeholders and purposive sampling to select schools and educational centers serving underprivileged populations. The findings revealed that while both regions faced challenges such as inadequate learning resources, teacher-student ratios, and socio-economic barriers, these issues were more pronounced in Uganda, where the digital divide further hindered students' academic and career readiness. In contrast, students in the USA benefited from stronger government and NGO support, better infrastructure, and more equitable access to quality education. To address these disparities, the study called for collaborative efforts between governments, NGOs, and international stakeholders to promote inclusive and sustainable educational development. Strengthening partnerships and implementing targeted interventions could bridge the educational gap, foster global educational equity, and create long-term positive impacts for marginalized children in both regions. KEYWORDS: Educational needs, educational disparities, learning resources, teacher-student ratio,