Improve Education for 400 Children on Idjwi Island

Greetings from Buhumba Village in Idjwi Island!   We are pleased to report that the kids have returned to school with precautions in place to provide protection from the coronavirus. 

Idjwi Island has been fortunate in that, to date, there have not been recorded cases of the coronavirus.  This may be one benefit of being able to limit transportation to and from the island.  In late August, the sixth grade students took their final year exams.

The elementary school students returned to class in October.  The Idjwi Island Education Fund is supporting the efforts of the Buhumba primary school to protect the children and their families during this return to school.  The fund is providing hundreds of masks for the children and staff at the school. These masks are being made by the island's vibrant community of tailors.  In addition, the well water that we brought to the school in 2019 allows for regular hand washing.  The large windows in the school can be opened to provide good ventilation.

We continue to work to provide regular access to health care for the children.  Malaria, malnutrition, and neglected tropical diseases continue to be a challenge.  Earlier this month, our health care team, led by a local nurse, visited the school to conduct tests and provide medicines.  

Finally, we are thrilled to report that we have started construction of the administrative building at the school.  This building will support our health care program with dedicated space for the clinic and protected storage for medicines.  In light of the coronavirus, we have enhanced the project with an expanded waiting area that will allow for physical distancing.  

Please stay tuned for more news about the new construction, facilities, and programs that will support the children at the school!