Since the beginning of August, Ugandan schools have remained closed, to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of children are not receiving an education, including those enrolled in the 6 Schools, HUGS supports. Our new school for deaf and disabled children, St Frances de Sales School, was not able to open as intended.
However, universities remain open, as classes are mostly on-line and our sponsored higher education students are progressing well. We are pleased to tell you, that the pupils who managed to sit their end of Primary or O level exams before schools closed have done exceptionally well, despite all the interruptions. They’re amazing children.
Empty dormitories
This time, lockdown has not included a ban on transportation and access to jobs, so the economic impact on poor families is not as great. However, there is substantial hardship. Carmel Dowling, one of the HUGS Trustees, is currently in Lira, on a 10 week placement to help teach at the Asili Girls School. She tells us how many schools are facing difficulties retaining teachers (there is no furlough scheme) and how there is no income to cover running costs. However, many schools are using what little funds they have to supply reading and writing equipment for children to continue learning at home. Ronald in the KosOvo slum, is expanding the ‘Joy of Learning project’ where small groups of children (mostly illiterate) come together to listen to stories together, which is catalyses an interest in learning to read.
There is very little access to laptops or tablets, and where they are available, access to the internet is prohibitively expensive. However, many people do have mobile phones, and we have heard accounts of teachers recording lessons and sending sound files to children who live in remote areas.
HUGS has responded by continuing to invest in infrastructure to improve education when the schools re-open. The water catchment at Little Shepherd School is completed, The Bullocks at Good Shepherd School are fattening well and St Frances de Sales School is now stocked with equipment waiting for their first pupils to arrive. The coffee harvest at Little Shepherd school turned a good profit this year. Also, we are building a network of interested people to help fund clean water connections to families living in the Kosovo slum in Kampala. Twenty new water pipes, (giving clean water to 300 children and 200 adults) are soon to be laid. The overall project will be 200 new water connections. Whether schools are open or not, a child cannot learn if they are unwell from drinking contaminated water.
Thank you for everyone’s support. If any supporters would like to play a more active role in any of our projects, please contact us on hugstrustees@gmail.com
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