Update from Uganda – Paul and Nancy 2010

This was my second visit to John Paul School and I must admit it was just as exciting for me this time as it was the first time I visited in 2007. My husband, Paul, was able to visit the school in 2008 but unfortunately I wasn’t able to accompany him that time. And while it looked friendly, warm and familiar, in the three years since I was there so much has changed. Now besides having a beautiful school, we also have a girl’s dormitory that can house 80 girls.  A new “indoor” kitchen is under construction and nearly completed.

But the biggest surprise for me was the three solar panels I noticed on the roof of the school.  Much to my surprise I learned a very generous benefactor (the Rotary of Tororo) had donated them plus a computer as well!  Electricity!  WOW!  We are really coming up in the world!  Of course, there is no internet service available but at least the students now have access to a computer and will learn how to use it.  And now that they have electricity in three classrooms it means the boarding students will be able to study after it gets dark (which usually happens around 6PM).  This is a very BIG deal for them!

As usual we were greeted very warmly by the entire community. The students escorted us on to the campus while singing their cheery African songs and lively dancing. We were extremely pleased to have five friends accompany us on our visit this time. They came from Michigan, Illinois, Kansas, and Washington and have all been very generous benefactors.

Their generosity continued during their visit as they brought with them microscopes, slides, beakers and plastic body organ models for use in their science labs. The students were also given lots of clothing and perhaps, their favorite gift, soccer balls for both the boys and girls.  One of my high school classmates from Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City (Mike Cassidy) donated money to purchase bicycles for the teachers to use while they are employed at the school. They too have to walk quite a distance to and from school each day and this is a great motivator for the teachers to remain loyal to the school. The assembly of the bikes turned out to be quite an adventure. Little did we realize when we purchased them they would be delivered in three BIG boxes containing a bazillion parts and no directions. Nothing was pre-assembled, not even the wheels. They were just a bunch of rims, tires, spokes and fasteners. It didn’t take long before we knew we needed local help and hired the assembly.

 

We were also very excited to be celebrating the groundbreaking for the new Science Center and Library.  We’re hoping that construction will begin very soon!

Another major milestone was achieved this year when John Paul Secondary School was officially registered with the government of Uganda. There are many requirements that must be met to receive this accreditation and we are very proud that we have been able to successfully meet them.  We now have a Board of Governors comprised of twelve members that meets three times a year to discuss the progress of the school and deal with any issues that may arise.

The members of the Board of Governors are: Mr. James Mudidi – Chairman, Mrs. Nancy Berrigan – Founder, Fr. Deogratias Syambi – Headmaster.  General Members are:  Ms. Cissy Kagimu, Mr. Luke Ejulun, Mr. Robert Amolo, Fr. Michael Omongot, Mr. Stephen Oitobo, Mr. Sam Okiring, Mrs. Bernadette Okoboi, Mr. Stephen Obuge and Mr. David Ochwa. The Board is guided by the policies of the Ministry of Education of the government of Uganda but as a private school it does not receive any funding from the government. It has to generate its own funds for recurrent expenditures and capital development. That means we now also have a school budget, a bank account and a proper accounting system in place.

Registration of the school has also brought new leadership. Mr. John Okoboi has resigned after four years as Headmaster. We are very grateful to Mr. Okoboi for his leadership and dedication to the students during the “growing” phase of the school. We will be forever indebted to him.

Replacing Mr. Okoboi is Father Deogratias Syambi.  Father Deo previously served as the Headmaster of St. Paul’s school, the largest Diocesan Private School in Mbale and prior to his assignment to John Paul School was teaching at the Seminary High School.  We are very pleased and blessed to have Father Deo as our new Headmaster and wish him every success.

The teaching staff that actually covers all the Arts and Science subjects is as follows:

Fr. Deo                                            Religion/Communication
Mr. Wilson Okiror                           Biology/Agriculture
Mr. Shaban Lubega                       Physics/Marketing
Mr. Robert Amolo                           Geography/ Political Education
Mr. James Adupa                          History/ Geography
Mr. Albert Okurut                            Mathematics
Mr. Tome Okwalinga                     Fine Arts
Mr. Danial Apieun                          Agriculture
Mr. Joseph Osako                         Communication/Mathematics
Mr. Moses Ochan                           English Language
Mr. Roger Okello                             Biology
Mr. George Okuni                           Chemistry/Biology

We are very fortunate to have such a gifted staff for our students.

After spending three days at the school with the students, I once again felt very connected to them. When we first built the school, I thought it was just going to be a building but I very quickly learned it is MUCH more than that.  Paul and I have been welcomed and adopted into the Etesso tribe and given the names of Odele and Igoe.  We are a real part of the people!  We are always inspired when we have an opportunity to visit the school and interact with the students. They have to overcome many hardships just to get an education but they won’t be deterred. They know a good quality education is the only way they can better themselves and their community, to be all they can be. We plan to continue to work hard to give them the tools they need to become well rounded educated young women and men and allow them to follow their school motto…….
“Lumen Summus”    We are the Light