HUGS Update July 2025

A life changing difference 

Last week HUGS Trustees travelled to Little Shepherd, Good Shepherd and St Zoe’s schools and attending the formal grand opening of SEVA school.  In total 1350 vulnerable children are enrolled at these schools, receiving a life changing education. It is clear HUGS donors are helping make a huge difference to the lives of so many children. The joy and success of the schools is palpable. We want to share this with you.

Let us invite you to see the beauty of SEVA school. A team of painters and artists have transformed the drab grey concrete, common to so many schools in Uganda, into a blaze of colour. The new library and music room, are colourful and fitting tributes to HUGS Partners Jamie’s legacy and Two Tone who funded them. As you read this the shelves are being loaded with books and the instruments assembled; all donations from generous supporters.  The children who attend come from the Kosovo slum, where the the backdrop of their lives is usually dirt, risk and danger.  SEVA school is the opposite. The opening event was a celebration of joy, and future potential.

Let us invite you to a meal at Little Shepherd school. Over the last year the school has taken a long hard look at their children’s diets to improve health and learning. Out of the 420 kids, 96 board, so any deficits in nutrition are the cook’s responsibility. They have devoted an acre of land to bananas, planted a perimeter of fruit trees, bought a cow for milk and put aside a patch of land for every class to grow food of their choosing to share. Now walking between classes you can see rows of cabbages, egg plant and carrots. Children as young as 5 are learning the skills of how to provide a balanced diet and sharing these skills with their families.

Let us invite you to dance at Good Shepherd school. Despite having to overcome disabilities the children at Good Shepherd school are full of confidence. The school prioritises physical skills, sport, singing, vocational skills such as carpentry, hairdressing, tailoring and traditional dance. Regardless of abilities the kids give their all. It’s a joy, and HUGS visitors are invited to join in… though we will never match their energy.

The final invite is to study at St Zoe’s school, now a centre of excellence in primary and secondary education.  The school is so popular, it has applicants from Kampala (60 miles away). This was the first school HUGS developed. It’s spacious, well organised and maintained. It was a joy to see the water pump, constructed 23 years ago is still working. St Zoe’s plans to open a 6th form is the next few years as the demand for a pathway into University is so great from parents and pupils. As expectations rise, their achievements grow.

Our visits ensure your donations are being used correctly. We offer assurance that the children are thriving in these well lead, schools and every penny of your donations is making a life changing difference.