Helping Uganda Schools

HOME EDUCATION? A possibility

Last month the President of Uganda announced schools would remain closed at least until January; leaving millions with no reasonable way to receiving an education.  HUGS sponsored schools care for over 1000 children, many who live in remote rural locations or are from families where resources are scarce and no one, who can read or write, is on hand to offer advice. HUGS has continued to respond, to do something to mitigate against this ongoing loss of human potential.

We have been in discussion with other charities facing identical challenges, and all of us are concerned many children, especially girls, may not return to education. We have found a way to supply home schooling workbooks, but without teacher support their impact may be minimal.  A fellow charity ‘Fields of Life’ have found a recipe which offers hope: a pencil, a workbook, a teacher visit to the community once a week, and a solar light (to read by at night).  This low-level support also offers a lifeline for teachers, who have been without income for months.

HUGS is working to ensure when children do return to school, facilities are ready for them to pick up on essential learning.  We have been busy fund raising for St Francis de Sales (our school for children with disabilities and hearing loss) with an art competition and auction. ‘What does Sound look like to you’ was the title. We had 13 entrants, including two from artists with hearing loss, and one from a sensory supported class of children in Manchester, all who have cochlear implants. They conceptualised sound as soft woollen pompoms. The artists have generously donated their pictures to be auctioned in November. We will share details next month.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support HUGS. Your generosity is needed more than ever, and your kindness is appreciated by so many.