Stop and Applaud Teachers
Stop for a second and think about the last time you learned something. Learning is essential for living, especially in our rapidly changing and unpredictable world. That’s why in this HUGS update I’d like to applaud teachers. Teacher like Albert, working at Good Shepherd School who completed a HUGS sponsored Diploma in Special Needs Education.
HUGS works with so many dedicated, creative (and often exhausted) teachers. Teaching in Uganda has many challenges. Currently, many are finding their pay is inadequate in the face of rapid cost of living rises and many state employed teachers are turning away from their profession. In response a widely publicised quote from the Uganda Minister of Education states ‘You are not in the teaching profession to make a living out of it. You have to set up other ventures like piggery and poultry’. Tough words for any hard pressed educator, who regularly works in front of a class of 100 children, to hear.
HUGS has always prioritised the welfare of teachers. We provide funds to create safe accommodation, support higher professional development courses and do everything possible to provide staff with well resources learning environments. Above all we show respect.
This week HUGS transferred funds for a new Computer Lab at the Asili Girls Secondary School. Teaching staff will soon be able to use state of the art equipment, to make a huge difference to the employability of the young women they teach. This investment follows the funds you raised for the Asili science lab. We are improving working conditions and promoting job satisfaction.
The Teaching accommodation at St Francis de Sales Special Needs School is complete and we have provided funds to make the classrooms exciting, colourful and vibrant places to work in.
Also this week we have provided money for the Good Shepherd School to purchase 3 acres of land, so that teachers and pupils can grow their own nutritious food. This picture shows Sebastian one of our school directors planting a field of beans.
None of this would be possible without the generosity and long standing support from you, our donors. We are always looking for new support, so if you know anyone who wants to be involved please contact us. You never know, they may learn something new.
Richard Bircher. HUGS Chair
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