On February 3, 2025, John Paul Secondary School opened its doors to students, eager to return to their studies and see their friends again after their two-month end-of-year break. Moses Bwayo, the Headmaster, and all the teachers warmly greeted them. When our students return to school after a long break, it’s much like moving back into a college dorm.  They must bring all their clothing and personal items in one trunk, plus they bring their mattresses, linens, and mosquito netting.   The students are accompanied by their parents or guardians, who take them to school by bus or car and sometimes by boda-boda.  You can only imagine the activity on…

We are excited to share some fantastic news!  Our S-4 students have again excelled in their UCE exams, showcasing their hard work and dedication.  Of the 133 students who took the test, 132 achieved Division One which means they qualify to move on to A-level education.  This remarkable achievement fills us with pride and calls for a celebration, as it honors our students and elevates our school. JPSS is ranked as the #1 school in the Pallisa school district for the third consecutive year—a remarkable feat we all share.  See our students celebrate with a parade through Pallisa in the video above. Even more impressive, JPSS was ranked in Uganda’s…

We are absolutely delighted to share the remarkable news about our S-6 students’ outstanding performance in the 2024 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exams! Out of an astonishing 141,000 students who answered the call nationally to take these challenging exams, our 40 JPSS students shone brilliantly, demonstrating the high academic excellence we uphold at our school. A heartfelt congratulations goes out to our top achievers!  David Gidudu impressively scored an incredible 19 points, and was showcased with other top scorers from around Uganda on the front page of the national Daily Monitor newspaper! Talented Hillary Musika followed closely behind with an impressive 17 points. Both students showcased their brilliance…

In 2024, Friends of John Paul School in conjunction with JPSS Administration including Headteacher Moses Bwayo and the JPSS Board of Governors, implemented the JPSS Graduate University Scholarship Program to offer qualified JPSS graduates scholarships to continue their education at a qualified University or technical school. The scholarship offered will include payment of Tuition and Fees for each semester for accepted candidates. In 2024, Tuition costs at advanced education institutions (Universities, Colleges, and Technical Training) can range from $300 to $2,500 per student per year (two terms). Like the U.S., Ugandan Universities typically have a term starting in August and a term starting in January. Parents/Guardians must agree to pay…

In the U.S., the quality and nutritional value of the school lunches provided in both public and private schools is top of mind.  U.S. students are provided nutritionally balanced meals, fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and many cuisine and flavor options at each meal. In Uganda, the standard in all schools for the main meals of lunch and dinner is Posho and Beans.   Posho is a nutritious food that forms the backbone of the East African diet. It is predominantly made from maize flour, which is a good source of carbohydrates, providing the energy needed for the day-to-day activities of an active society.  Posho contributes to a well-rounded intake…

We are often asked what happens to our students after they finish their studies at John Paul Secondary School.  JPSS began offering A-level classes with our first S-5 class in 2019 and first S-6 class in 2020.  Successful completion of these classes and adequate scoring on the UACE exam allows our graduates to continue their education at University, technical school and other tertiary institutions. Prior to this, we unfortunately didn’t have the means to stay in touch with our students as they attended A level classes at a different secondary school.  But now, once our graduates complete their testing, we know the path they hope to follow.  Much depends on…

Soap making is part of the new Uganda curriculum, meant to teach students life skills that can be employed throughout their lives (much like the U.S. home economics and shop classes).  The lead teacher for this is Madam Akurut Caroline. The soap making is done 3 times each term. The students manufacture 15 Jerry cans of soap which will provide enough soap to clean the school for approximately a month. The cost of the supplies to make the soap is approximately 160,000 UGX or about $43. If the school were to purchase the soap, the cost of the same 15 Jerry cans would be about 650,000 or $174, so this…

It is a pleasure to share this exciting news; two former JPSS students have returned as professionals to work at the school as teacher and nurse. Meet Sharon Khabuya and Kevine Mukite. Sharon Khabuya has returned as an Agriculture teacher. She grew up in Bulambuli with four siblings. Her favorite subject at JPSS was Agriculture and her fondest memory was attending a field trip to Aguile Market. Kevine Mukite was raised in Manafwa District with three siblings. She has returned  to care for the students as a nurse. Her favorite subject was English and  she cherishes the memories of fun and friendship with her fellow students and teachers. Both women…