Empowering Youth in Rural Uganda with AAH

Beyond celebrating AAH’s 15 years of commitment to empower youth through education in rural Uganda, we had many more reasons to celebrate the impact of our organization. We are glad to report that for the first time in the history of Arlington Academy of Hope, our primary students have scored 8 out of a possible 8 and total of 10 out of 10 subjects. In addition, Uganda’s Primary Leaving Examinations results showed that 142 students passing in Division 1, placing Bududa District in the top among the 6 rural districts of the Eastern Region. Each of the top 10 schools in Bududa was an AAH Outreach partner school.

But perhaps the biggest symbol of change was the number of graduates who had completed university or trade school. Before AAH began working in Bududa and Namisindwa, there was just a handful of graduates each year. Now, on this 15^th anniversary, AAH was showcasing its 156 students who had completed University or Vocational schools, with many of them working and helping bring new change to their communities. 

We are continuing to support students in our schools. This past year, our Junior school enrollment was 400 (an increase of 50 students from 2018), with 215 (53%) of these students being girls, and the remaining 185 (47%) boys. In the Secondary program, a total of 379 students were enrolled, with 179 (51%) being girls, and the remaining 170 (49%) boys. To continue to support girls mentorship and empowerment, three major programs were established: a girls’ cycles in secondary schools, workshops with our She’s the First partners in Narobi, and sanitary pad distribution.

We continue to be inspired by our students and teachers, and continue to find new ways to support the important work they are doing.