The Hungerford Scholarship: Changing the Future for Rural Uganda
John Paul Secondary School has long been a beacon of hope and opportunity for students in the Pallisa District. One of the key initiatives that have contributed to this growth and success is the Hungerford Scholarship Program.
“Sue and I support many charities but without question, John Paul School is one of our favorites! Besides being a wonderful cause, you get so much value for your dollar! For the equivalent of $250 a year you can give a child a great education. Imagine that! For $250 a year you can help to break the chains of poverty with the promise of a bright future . . . and forever change a young person’s life. What impact and what a return on your investment.”
The JPSS Larry & Sue Hungerford Scholarship was introduced in 2018. The idea and purpose behind the program is to provide a path to the quality education offered by JPSS for talented local students who would otherwise not have access. The options are typically not good for bright students in a rural area like Pallisa: attend a local school with lower fees but very poor education outcomes (costly government-run boarding schools fees are unattainable***) or end their education after the primary level.
Top government-funded schools now charge nearly $700 in tuition per three-month term ($2100 per student yearly). That’s a significant amount in this East African country where annual GDP per capita was $864 in 2023.***
The Hungerford Scholarship Program is designed to provide full tuition and boarding to students who demonstrate exceptional academic potential. Starting this year, 2025, Larry & Sue have generously increased the number of incoming student scholarships from 12 to 20. A total of 47 students applied for the program and we are happy to welcome the 20 selected candidates, including 3 orphaned children, as S-1 Hungerford Scholars.
The selection process for the Hungerford Scholarship is rigorous. Scholarships are awarded based on the results of Ugandan Primary Leaving Examination administered at the end of the 7th year of Primary School, and feedback from the Headteacher or administrator of the Primary School. Also considered is the region the child is coming from with high preference given to the poorest regions. Family and personal situations are considered as those with the least resources are prioritized. This combination merit-based and need-based approach ensures that the most deserving students are given the chance to excel. Upon receipt of the applications, the Academic Subcommittee of the JPSS Board of Directors meets to review and confirm the information in the applications and ultimately select the recipient.
The Academic Subcommittee of the Board of Governors meets to determine the 2025 Hungerford Scholars
The funding of both the tuition and the boarding fees allows the students to live on campus, even if they reside close-by, so that they can avail of the resources provided with after class hours access to teachers, additional tutoring and preps, and access to computer lab and electricity. The hope is that these bright students are able to thrive at JPSS throughout their 6 years with all expenses paid, and ultimately be prepared to continue their education at a University or tertiary level. The University Scholarship program is now in place to be able to help them continue their education at this point.
2025 Scholarship recipients and their parent/guardian
Once a student is accepted into the program, he or she must continue to exemplify the traits of a Hungerford Scholar, including:
- The student must demonstrate that he or she is working at their full capacity, is engaged in classroom learning and seeks to improve.
- The student must follow all school rules and regulations and must not be considered for any disciplinary action.
- The student must participate in all school activities like preps, classes, cleaning the compound and other tasks requested by teachers and administration.
- The parents and guardians of Hungerford foundation sponsorship will also be expected to actively participate in all school activities when called upon by the school Administration.
- Any student that leaves the school automatically loses the Hungerford scholarship i.e. it is not transferable.
Similar to the University Scholarship Program, Hungerford Scholars are to ‘give back’ to the school and community. They are expected to take the lead as mentors for younger students in the program, and serve as prefects and head students as needed. Additional mentoring and education and career guidance will be provided to these scholars as most (if not all) will be the first Secondary School graduates in their families.
The impact of the Hungerford Scholarship Program is evident in the achievements of its recipients. For instance, in recent years, Hungerford Scholars like Anthony Ateese have gone on to excel in their academics and qualify for government scholarships to University. These students have not only made their families and communities proud but have also set a high standard for future scholars.
The daily struggle to pay often unpredictable and unregulated school fees is a crushing issue for many across sub-Saharan Africa, where the lack of a few hundred dollars can determine a child’s future.***
The Hungerford Scholarship Program at John Paul Secondary School is more than just a financial aid initiative; it is a commitment to nurturing future leaders and empowering them to make a positive impact on their communities and beyond. As the program continues to grow and support more students, it stands as a shining example of how education can change lives and build a brighter future for all. The entire JPSS community is eternally grateful to Larry & Sue Hungerford for making this a reality.
*** Muhumuza, R. (2024, December 11). Parents in Africa struggle with unpredictable school fees that force children to drop out | AP News. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/uganda-school-fees-8cfb7cc13f8042f9c959fc8cdfd496b7
