2012 Appeal
An invitation to support liberal-secular secondary education in Uganda
Uganda Humanist Schools Trust started fundraising for the schools in January 2009. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, which include individuals and Humanist groups in the UK and internationally, we raised over £35,000 to help the development of the schools in each of our first two years, and more than twice that amount in 2011. The schools are making good progress but the facilities remain relatively basic and there is still some way to go before they become self-sustaining.
Our priority has been to help in areas that have a direct impact on improving the educational experience and welfare of students in each school. During 2011 funds raised from our supporters has been spent on: scholarships to enable 78 orphans and other needy children to attend the schools; textbooks to help the schools to develop a reading culture, to support classwork and independent learning; science equipment so that teachers and students can conduct experiments and learn from observation; a computer lab with reserve power backup; at Isaac Newton School we raised funds for a dormitory, with solar lighting and roof-top water collection, for 48 girl students ; at Mustard Seed School we completed the science lab, refurbished the school offices and hall, and purchased the neighbouring school to provide extra classrooms and space for future expansion.
In the early life of a new secondary school staffing costs are disproportionately high as teachers have to be found for eight or more secondary subjects, even when there are only one or two classes to be taught. The funds we provided have allowed the schools to pay travel allowances to teachers employed on a casual basis and, in a few cases, to pay for accommodation local to the school. At the end of the year we introduced a bonus for all staff to aid recruitment, foster retention and strengthen commitment to the students.
These have made a valuable addition to: funds the schools have raised themselves from children who can afford to pay school fees and from funds provided by supporters of other Humanist organisations including the Rationalist Association and readers of the New Humanist, the North East Humanists and the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU).
There is a growing sense of confidence and purpose among both teachers and students. In recent visits to the schools we have seen students working with textbooks in class, conducting experiments in science and learning basic computer skills. During our International Friendship Weeks students display impressive discussion and debating skills. We have seen a huge improvement in students’ confidence in English – listening comprehension, general vocabulary and speaking in small and large groups.
Targets for fund raising during 2012
Discussion with the schools has identified the following priorities for 2012:
rebuilding kitchens and installing energy saving stoves; improving conditions for teaching staff by refurbishing and furnishing staffrooms and improving pay and conditions of employment, including some on-site housing; increasing the number of scholarships to enable more bright children from poor homes to attend the schools and boost school income; purchase additional books and learning resources; refurbish buildings by fitting windows, doors, plastering and concreting floors; grading land to create a playing field for sports; further improvements in water supply and sanitation. There are also many other things the schools need such as providing materials for art, music and sport; money for students to travel for sports events, debates and many students need help with their examination entry fees.
Would you be willing to help?
The schools have made a good start. They have recruited some committed teachers but can only afford to employ them on a casual basis.
We invite help from individuals and groups with the following:
- Cash donations enable the schools to provide necessary books and learning resources, as well as to make provision for art, music and sports. All three schools desperately need money for infrastructure improvements such as kitchens, toilet and washing facilities.
- Targeted fundraising for specific large items in excess of £1000. This might appeal to groups wishing to organise fundraising events. We will discuss with the schools and donors the most appropriate targets for such efforts.
- Scholarships for the schooling of needy children. £120 meets the costs for one year of school fees and helps to raise the standards for all children. A commitment to see a child through 4 years of education to O-level is particularly welcome.
If you are willing to help the Humanist schools to provide much needed schooling to children in Uganda, please send a cheque made out to:
“Uganda Humanist Schools Trust”:
Address: 31 Greenmeadows Road, Madeley, CREWE, CW3 9EY, UK.
Please say whether your money is for (a) a cash donation or (b) scholarship
If you belong to a group and are interested in identifying a large item for targeted fundraising then please discuss this with Steve Hurd Tel. 01782 750338.
General enquiries: uhstinfo@gmail.com
Scholarships: uhstscholarships@gmail.com
Web: www.ugandahumanistschoolstrust.org
Copies of a fundraising leaflet with a form for completion of your information are in this PDF file.
You can make regular donations using the following Standing Order Form.