This month, thanks to generous donations from you, our community of friends and supporters, we were able to start our Education Project by helping nine children enroll as boarding students for the second term of this school year. Eight students started at Lorengechora Primary School, and one girl changed from a day scholar to a boarding student at Kapuat Primary School in the village of Iriiri. In rural Karamoja, it’s much better for students to be boarders at school because they have more opportunity to learn and no chores or duties at home that take them away from school.
Our first group of children were recommended by their teacher and community leaders because they are hardworking, interested in learning, and have done well in the past in school. Their parents want them to get an education but aren’t able to afford the school fees and costs.
In Uganda, grade level is determined by knowledge level, not by age. Despite their desire to learn and family support, these students have not been able to progress beyond P3 (Primary Level Three, equivalent to Third Grade) because their local community school does not have the resources to pay qualified staff. They only have one teacher for all of the children in the community, and the teacher is only paid room and board, not a salary. Because the school is only able to teach P1-P3, once these students complete those levels, they just start again and repeat the same material. In order to finish primary school, they need financial assistance to go to a more expensive school that offers P4-P7.
Thanks to your donations, on June 2nd, everyone was all smiles as the Lorengechora students moved into their dorms, assisted by their parents, school staff and the Kapei team.
We made video interviews of all of them. Here’s a sample of what the parents and students had to say on their first day in a better school:
“I am Andrew. I am happy to be here in Lorengechora primary school. My education was not advancing in Lobok community school because I was in the same class throughout. But now I see a straight path of education ahead of me with Kapei initiative.”
Andrew, student
“I am from Lobok village, I repeated P3 – three times! at Lobok Community School. I could not join any other school because my mother is not able to afford it. For now I thank this NGO which has helped me come here in Lorengechora. Right now we have to work hard in school.”
Erina, student
“I believe my boy has got his life. Despite my husband’s loss, my hope is back. [Simon] is a fortunate child of God. My joy and happiness goes to Kapei people who thought of helping our children get education. Today, every family I see living a good life have someone educated. May this child bring the same to my family.
For those who came up with this idea of education, bravo, you thought wisely, God keep guiding you in this work. And for those who gave up their needs for the wellbeing of our children, God gives you more blessings to continue helping vulnerable Karamojong people and Africa at large.”
Regina, mother of Simon
Thank you to everyone who is supporting us and our students!
This is only the first step of our Education Initiative. There are so many families in need of support to send their children to school, and we are already working on identifying more candidates for sponsorship. Our goal for 2024 is to offer this opportunity to more students in primary grades and, if funding allows, to extend support to some secondary school students, especially girls.
If you would like to help, please use the form below, and please know how greatly your generosity is appreciated!