By Noela Nalujjuna | Harambee Centre Board Chair
Dear Friends and Supporters of Matale,
We hope this update finds you and yours happy and healthy. We have been busy working with the leadership team at St. Andrews to kick-off the girls’ dormitory construction in 2016, currently planned for May 2016. We are excited about it and do look forward to sharing the construction progress with you, once it commences.
Local Fundraising efforts:
The on the ground leadership team in Uganda is still committed to raising a significant amount of the funds needed to fully complete this project – 40%, which is a big deal for this rural community. They held fundraisers in 2015, including former students of the school and plans are underway for similar fundraisers in 2016. It shows their belief in the need for the dormitory resource for the girl students in the community.
2015 O-Level Final Exams:
In February, we received news from the new Head Teacher, Ms. Judith Naluyima regarding the school’s performance in the 2015 UCE (Uganda Certificate of Education) national exams. UCE exams are preparation for the last two years of secondary school or UACE (Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education). We are pleased to see that the school’s performance continues to improve with each passing year; this was the best performing class since the school’s founding in 1986! Overall, 100% passed of students passed their national exams, a first in the history of St. Andrews! 60 students sat for the exams, with the following results:
- 7/60 (12%) passed with a 1st grade,
- 14/60 (23%) passed with a 2nd grade,
- 14/60 (23%) passed with a 3rd grade, and
- 25/60 (42%) passed with a 4th grade.
Chicken Coop project supported by Sister School – Southridge High School (Beaverton, Oregon):
St. Andrews has had a strong sister-school relationship with the Uganda Club at Southridge High School. The Uganda club donated funds for St. Andrews to begin a chicken coop project, which is helping the school to:
- Teach poultry keeping and management skills to students
- Sell eggs and help some deserving students with school fees. Four students are currently obtaining an education because of this project. They are;
o Brenda (Senior 2) – Uganda Shillings 230,000 or US$ 69/per school term
o Annet (Senior 1) – Uganda Shillings 70,000 or US$ 21/per school term
o Martin Senior 3) - Uganda Shillings 115,00 or US$ 35/per school term
o Gonzaga (Senior 4) – Uganda Shillings 260,000 or US$ 78/per school term
Attached are photos of the chickens, some students tending to them and some of the eggs that have been laid by the chickens. The eggs are either sold or provided to students and staff for nutrition. For continued updates from the students themselves on the ground, please check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/www.matale.co.ug/?fref=ts
As you progress through what we hope is a peaceful, joy and health filled 2016, we kindly request that you continue to include the Girls’ Dorm Project in your 2013 giving; together we continue to change lives and make an impact that will last for generations! DONATE TODAY! by clicking on the Give Now button below. Alternatively, please help us spread the word to your community; we know there is power in numbers and power in personal connections. As always, we are appreciative for your support and generosity,
Wishing you and your loved ones the very best this Spring 2016!
ZoomUganda and Harambee Centre teams.
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