Recently our students received math kits and notebooks; they already had pens and pencils. They need to contain these in backpacks so the supplies don't get lost and so they can transport them to and from school safely. The backpacks will be provided to our 45 students at the Vijana Primary School in Luberizi, which is currently experiencing hardship following a storm that destroyed the roof off of four classrooms but which continues to hold classes.
Most of the children attending school must also work in the fields and do other chores before and/or after school. The chances of either misplacing or damaging their school supplies in the process of doing these chores remains high. Many of the students simply leave the supplies at school, eliminating the possibility of home study.
A backpack allows students to bring home materials that are protected and contained. This was unheard of before the recent distribution of supplies. As such, the backpack will open up new possibilities to further the students' education. This is especially important since the roof destruction has disrupted studies and work at home has the potential to help them catch up.
The education of these 130 boys and girls - for as long as funding continues - allows them a start in breaking the cycle of poverty. Even the younger kids realize that the path to a better life comes through education. As important as the rudimentary education that can be achieved by these impoverished schools is, getting communities to treat one another without discrimination regardless of circumstance is paramount in their need to recognize basic human rights.