Bulike school is at the heart of UCSS’ ministry to transform all of Uganda one village at a time. It all starts with the children! And recently, Bulike school was ranked # 1 of 100 schools in the Luuka District. Here is an update on recent achievements, challenges and future please for the education program.

UCSS’ Education Program has continued to benefit the community, through the primary school, as well as sponsorships of those in the secondary school and tertiary institutions. Bulike Community Primary School is currently solely supported by Uganda Counseling and Support Services. The organization offers free educational services to the pupils and the community, and is also responsible for the teachers’ salary and operational expenses. The school sits on 6 acres of land along with poultry, goat keeping and pineapple farming projects. The school teachers are also supported in undertaking further studies to boost their competence.

In 2015, Bulike School ranked # 1 of schools in the Luuka District in their 7th grade standardized tests!

Below is a breakdown of achievements, challenges, and plans for the education program.

Achievements:

• Total enrollment is up to 675 children from kindergarten through 7th grade.
• The 4th classroom block is being constructed and it houses 4 classrooms. The block will be fully functional by December, 2015. The community was able to contribute 1000 bricks to the construction projects at the school.
• UCSS is sponsoring a total of 61 children for various programs: 5 in primary school, 26 secondary and 30 in tertiary institutions.
• School bags and scholastic materials donated by the visiting team from the USA (Mission MAD) generated motivation among the students.
• Attendance of Bulike community primary school students improved from 65% in 2011 to 95% with an average of 587 out of 675 enrolled pupils.
• Our children participated in inter-scholastic sports and games (track & field and soccer)
• The registration for government support is in progress, and we hope that the government will start supporting the school by June 2016.
• Early marriages have been reduced significantly. Today we have significantly fewer girls being married off by age 13 because they are in school. Due to sensitization, the community is embracing and understanding the value of education.

Challenges

• School building 3 is in working condition but still requires flooring, windows and doors.
• Limited availability of basic scholastic materials. Limited furniture in the classroom.
• Parents have reduced the amount of food they contribute to the school due to fears of expected famine in the prolonged drought.
• We need a home for our 7th graders! The current class is graduating this December, and they currently have no place to go. This is especially problematic for the girls because if they do not continue to go to school they will be married off quickly. The board has approved the construction of the 8th grade school building in the neighboring community of Buluya but we have not yet identified the funds for this project.

Future Plans

• Complete the hand-over of Bulike primary school to government sometime in 2016. We will maintain an advisory position on the School Board of Directors after government take-over to ensure that the primary goals of the project are met, like maintaining our christian values.
• We will ensure that the school continues to provide quality education by providing continued education courses to the teachers and also enforce Christian values.
• Continue supporting the students in secondary and tertiary institutions until successful completion of their studies.
• The board approved the construction of a secondary (high) school in our second community called Buluya. We will begin construction of the 8th grade school building as soon as we have the funding.

Success Stories

• Mr. Isabirye First 3 daughters were married off at the age of 15. His 2 boys that followed them also did not go to school due to lack of school fees. When Bulike Community Primary School started, 3 of his younger daughters are now enrolled at the school in Kindergarten, Primary 3 and Primary 6. Without UCSS’ intervention, they too would either be married or preparing for marriage.
• 15 year old Waiswa Rajab is in primary six and older than the majority in his class because he had dropped out of school. “Before I started to attend this school, I was a hunter and I did this all day to provide food for my siblings and parents.” My elder sisters got married before I even joined this school. If the school had not started, I would be a casual labourer around the village, and would have missed out on the knowledge I have gotten so far. My dream is to be a police commander when I finish school”.

If God is moving you to support this ministry, there are three things you can do now:

• Make a donation
• Request to have me speak to your church or group
• Ask how you can get involved.

Thank you for all of your support, and may God bless you.

Blessings,

Dr. Ronald Kaluya