Covid-19 Update – July 2020

John Paul Secondary School is still closed by order of the Ugandan Government; we eagerly await notification for re-opening.   If there has been one universal side effect to the Covid-19 pandemic, it would be “disruption.”  Covid-19 has disrupted every person’s life in some manner – for Ugandan students, it has been devastating.   Yet . . . it is further reinforcement of the value of John Paul Secondary School to the area.  

The Crisis in Uganda

Virus statistics have not been as high as some other African nations – as of late July, Uganda has reported 1089 positive cases, 975 recovered with one very recent death.  Nevertheless, the lack of a strong health care system has forced its government to take drastic measures such as closed borders, nightly curfews and lockdowns effecting all schools.   A recent report filed with the Associated Press tells an alarming story and we reference it for the following information.  

Although the pandemic has disrupted education across the globe, the schooling crisis is more acute in Africa where 80% of students don’t have internet access and even electricity can be unreliable, making distance learning difficult.  Uganda’s government has pledged to distribute 10 million radios and 130,000 solar-powered TV set, but authorities have failed to honor past promises, including a free mask to everyone.  Even local newspapers, which have inserted learning materials, are often unaffordable to many households – Ugandan per capita income was less than $800 in 2019.

Even more important, African schools provide a safe haven from work and exploitation and are often the major resource for meals, clean water, sanitation and preventive health measures.  Teachers have been furloughed or let go in many areas . . . or left out of discussions concerning future education solutions.  They are discouraged and have expressed the need to possibly change their profession.   Finally, recent media reports in Uganda cite some school owners looking to sell their properties or turning dorms into rental units to keep up with loan payments.[1]     

The John Paul School Promise 

We are hearing that most of our students are eager to return – they have high stakes in our college prep curriculum.  Earlier, we determined to pay our dedicated teachers for two months.  Since then, several have remained at the school, working on curriculum development, finessing programs and preparing for the opening.  These teachers have continued to be paid.  While we cannot project the school opening date, rest assured, John Paul School will be ready.  We anticipate the return to be highlighted by a new boy’s dorm, a dedicated faculty, updated programs and renewed enthusiasm from both teachers and students.  

John Paul Secondary School will continue to offer. . .

  A door . . . a path . . . and a promise.

[1] Home learning, reopening schools especially hard in Africa

The Associated Press

 July 20, 2020