Keep Hope School COVID-free and Create a Library

This has been a challenging year for schools, students and faculty around the globe and the Hope Institute of Transformational Leadership and Development is no exception. What is exceptional is that as a vocational school with limited computer resources both on campus and among students, hands-on, face-to-face instruction is essential in the areas in which the school offers degrees. These include Auto mechanics, Catering, Hair and Beauty, Electrical Installation and Fashion and Design. Two new courses, Shoe-making and Leatherwork, and Plumbing were added to the curriculum this term.

The school closed due to Covid in March 2020, but was allowed to reopen in October, 2020. While many of their colleagues were unable or unwilling to return due to Covid concerns, 27 students returned and completed their studies in March, 2021. In addition, 98 new students started their studies.

On 7^th June 2021, the President of Uganda again closed all academic and religious Institutions due to very high infection rates for Covid19. As of June 19^th, a total lockdown was instituted countrywide for the next 42 days. No vehicles other than security and ambulances will be allowed. Covid vaccines are largely unavailable. Only 1.5 percent of Ugandans have been vaccinated.

The total of 98 new students incudes those deferred from the March 2020 intake who started studies in March 2021 and were in their second term as of the recent lockdown. The academic calendar and year has been distorted by the Covid19 pandemic, and the Institute is currently following the calendar issued by the Ministry of Education & Sports.

Hope Institute Successfully Avoids Covid19 Cases

Through GlobalGiving and the annual fundraiser organized by Friends of Canon Gideon USA, (FOCAGIFO), resources were raised to support the Institute’s Covid19 preventive measures. As of the lockdown on June 7^th, 2021, FOCAGIFO had not registered any Covid19 cases. FOCAGIFO was able to control transmission mainly by emphasizing Standard Operating Procedures, especially the use of masks, washing of hands and social distancing. Students were encouraged to board rather than commute in order to reduce the transmission risks of commuting. The phased learning whereby students in year Two were leaving as year One students were beginning to report, enabled some space for social distancing. The Institute bought a tent, sanitizers, washing cans, class and dormitory spraying equipment and other materials. The Fashion & Design class made masks for the whole school and each student was given 2 masks to supplement their own masks.

The biggest challenge remains the exorbitant costs for Covid19 tests, making it very difficult to have all students and staff tested upon return. Currently, testing costs between $40-70 per person. Another challenge is meeting the space requirements standards for social distancing recently issued by the Government.

Library Space is Renovated and Needs Books

A second goal of the most recent fundraiser was to fund the renovation of a library and study space as recommended by the Uganda Vocational accreditation board. This has been accomplished but the challenge of purchasing the very expensive texts required remains. The FOCAGIFO, USA board is discussing whether the purchase of vocational training manuals should be the focus of a future fundraiser. Sending these books from the U.S. has proven to be not only expensive but risky given the potential for mail theft. We welcome any suggestions on successfully shipping books to Uganda. Please contact karin.ringheim@gmail.com.

Despite the challenges of COVID, The Hope Institute had a productive year. FOCAGIFO USA is very grateful for the support from our donors that has enabled us to provide some assistance to this amazing and deserving little school.