Uganda Orphan School opens with 40 Students

Hope Integrated Academy Vocational Secondary School in rural Uganda opened on May 26, 2008 with an enrollment of 33 students for grades 8, 9, and 10. Over half of these students are orphans on full scholarship and others are on subsidized tuition as most of them come from poor families. 
       Most of the orphan students had previously dropped out of school due to lack of tuition. We are providing them a second chance to earn an education. They had been participating in our after-school program, which we continue to run for students attending other local schools. We continue to seek sponsors for the orphan students ($300 a year).
       Ugandan professional teachers have been hired in addition to international volunteers. On average there are always about 6-9 volunteers on site.  The library and computer center are fully operational and are open to everyone in the community. However, we still need more textbooks and computer equipment. The current major need is the science laboratory. Vocational skills training courses will be integrated as more funding is obtained for needed tools. School uniforms are made on campus so students can learn tailoring skills. Seed funding for the weaving and crafts project for women has been secured and this will be one of the first vocational courses at the Academy.
     The Engineers Without Borders team of eight from Univ. of Minnesota have been in Uganda for 3 weeks implementing the water and sanitation system for the school. The system for rain water harvesting. Students will have access to clean water.

Bro. John Mary  founded The Uganda Rural Fund, which sponsors the school, as a way to give back to the communitythat raised him.

To contribute visit: www.ugandaruralfund.org or call: 804 708 5052 or email jmlugemwa@ugandaruralfund.org