Education is a primary political platform every 4 years, whether it is "No Child Left Behind", teacher salaries, or competitiveness in the global market,  We are used to hearing about the need to increase the level of education offered to American students. What we are not used to hearing about  is an education system that boasts of providing free education for children, but little in the way of funding to support that education. Buildings are built and teachers are paid, but with little oversight  there is not a lot of  incentive for them to show up. Children show up, but are sent home if they do not have the required uniforms, shoes, paper, notebooks, pencils , textbooks,  and fees.  So free is not so free. In Uganda, the official government line is that they are strong proponents of education, yet an education system that sees less than 11% of its students actually graduating high school is definitely flawed and in need of help. Most children do not make it pass 5th grade.  

 

While the struggling economy is a primary contributor to the poor quality of education, there are many cultural factors that must be overcome as well. For instance the Ugandan system of education is based primarily on rote memorization. There is no measure of integration of education content in a child's life, no system designed to ensure the concepts/philosophies are internalized and applied.  Students are simply expected to  memorize the correct answers to a test (answers that are usually provided before testing).   

 

At the Rock of Ages School , sponsored by H4U,  Betty is  attempting to challenge the status quo of Ugandan education, and educate children for life-long success. While students still take the standardized tests required by the Ugandan government, teachers are working hard to teach concepts and philosophies (Christianity) that will help students break free from the life of poverty and occupation of prostitution that is prevalent in Mbiko.  

 

One step we are taking  to increase the quality of education at Rock of Ages, is working to provide textbooks for our students and teachers. Currently none of the students have textbooks.  So teachers  write on the board textual content,  and students copy down the content before beginning the subject lesson. This process is repeated for every subject taught on a daily basis and consequently takes up a large portion of  time that could be spent on education. It is our goal to purchase  a textbook for every 2 students in every subject taught (4 subjects total), as well as a teachers manual for each subject. This would allow two students to share a book, provide the teacher with a copy, and open up hours each week for actual lessons to be taught and more content to be covered. Here are the cost breakdowns:  

• The cost of each text book is $10.
•  $40 buys 1 set of text books (English, Math, Science and Social Studies)
• $60 buys 1 set of teachers manuals  
• We need 15 sets of  textbooks per class
• Currently we need text books for 4 classes (grades 1-4

 

Total  cost: $2400

 

 

We are hoping that when the new school year starts in January,  the children and  teachers will have these critical learning tools.

 

 

We are asking local churches to step up and sponsor an entire class of students and while we anticipate much of the need to be met through their generosity we are also asking you, our donors and ministry partners, to help us take education at Rock of Ages to the next level. For the cost of dinner out with the family you can provide textbooks for two students for an entire year.

 

 

Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement.   

 

 

Your H4U Team

 

 

Visit our website to learn more and to contribute to our Textbook Fund! 

Kids copying Textbook into their notebook.

 

Emmanuel Bujjingo

Emmanuel  turned 7  in August. He  is in the top  Class (kindergarten)  at the Rock of Ages School.  He lives with both his  parents, who are refugees from the Rwandan genocide.  They have trouble finding steady employment and sell milk when they can.  Emmanuel is Ugandan born and loves playing soccer.  

 

Your $20/month sponsorship guarantees a spot in the school for Emmanuel  and enables him  to continue receiving an education by qualified teachers, a meal  each school day, and a school uniform. Please consider upgrading to a premium sponsorship of $40/month and a monthly food pack of rice and eggs will be provided to Emanuel's  family the first of each month during the school term.

Please prayerfully consider sponsoring Emmanuel  or making a one-time donation his   name. A one-time donation in any amount will help offset her tuition or if you like, you can specify your funds in Hope 's name for support to her family. Learn how by visiting Emmanuel's Hands4Uganda website page now.

Hands4Uganda.org
 

 

Our address has changed! Please send all mail to: 2900 Summit Dr Pocatello, ID 83201         Our goal for 2012 is to raise $25,000 for land purchase for Rock of Ages preschool in Mbiiko, Uganda, Africa. These children, thru 3rd grade, await construction of their very own school. Currently occupying leased property places restrictions on expansion. Imagine turning children away because there is no room to provide a 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th grade classroom! Y