Covid-19 is having a severe impact on the pupils of St Martin's school in Kibagare slum, and area already enduring widespread suffering. The school is a sanctuary for over 1000 children from Kibagare providing not just a place of education but a safe space for them from the hardships of their daily lives. St Martin's is a space where the children can be children and at the same time receive regular meals, kindness and care. Now Covid-19 is threatening the existence of our school.
To reopen the school we need to be able to keep the children safe and that presents problems. Social distancing and face masks are vital for every child in any school. Now imagine that same issue in a place where an already existing lack of funding and support makes the education and care of children a difficult job. It becomes an almost impossible task. In addition we are faced with having to create additional space to allow the children come together and at the same time observe social dis
For the school to stay open we need the funds to provide face masks, new uniforms, improved sanitation and a new school hall. Addressing these issues will allow us to adhere to government regulations, minimise infection and continue to provide a safe, bright future for the children in our care.
Ensuring that St Martin continues to be able to welcome children from Kibagare will have a real and lasting impact on the area. We have always been that safe space for the children from the hardships of their daily lives, but just as importantly we provide an education that these children would just not be able access without us.
