John Paul School began with the request by a missionary priest to build a small secondary school in a remote village in Uganda. Fifteen years later, this simple undertaking has developed into a highly respected center for advanced learning serving not only that remote village – Chelekura – but the region surrounding it.
From 14 original students in 2007, the school is now home to 600 young men and women. A dedicated, degreed faculty now administers a curriculum ranging from S-1 through S-6, which represents a full college preparatory syllabus based on the British educational system.
Because of the significant need for quality secondary education in Uganda, and concurrent with the continued success and excellent reputation of John Paul Secondary School, school officials in Uganda have advised us that there is almost unlimited opportunity to expand the school. Nevertheless, the key factors determining the ultimate size of the school must include current campus footprint and contiguous property available, input from all stakeholders and a realistic assessment of the funding required for each increment of growth.
The original Three Phase Plan has been modified to compensate for the 22-month closure of all Ugandan schools due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The Three Phase Plan below remains based on a maximum school enrollment of 1,000 students and includes developmental elements and maintenance that occurred during the time the school was closed. Going forward, elements of this plan can and will be adjusted based on actual growth, funding and circumstances.
Completed Projects: 2022
| Purchase any contiguous properties that become available | Significantly increased the campus footprint with the acquisition of nine parcels of property |
| Build Multi-purpose building (Dining Hall, Auditorium, Social Hall) | This $450,000 project provides seating for 500 students and staff at a time for each meal, 750 attendees per musical or stage performance |
| Furnish Multi-purpose Building | Sufficient furniture acquired to feed entire student body and staff in two servings. |
| Construct Modern Kitchen | A large kitchen featuring 5 modern stoves, plenty of storage and multiple indoor serving lines |
| Recruit and employ the highest degreed teachers available and compensate them at a premium | Paid all teachers throughout the COVID pandemic and all returned when schools reopened |
| Equip students and teachers with supplies necessary to achieve academic excellence after the school reopens | All books, chemical equipment and supplies, that were depleted during the pandemic were replaced prior to school |
Phase 1: 2023
| Construct additional dormitories | Accommodate student growth to planned 1,000 enrollment, provide separate facilities to address the academic and social needs of older S-5 and S-6 students. |
| Build and furnish new classrooms | The explosive growth of JPSS has magnified the need for multiple additional classrooms |
| Acquire a School Bus | Bus to be used for off-site teacher and student transport and transportation to academic, sports and recreational activities |
| Relocate soccer pitch | Current soccer pitch is located in the middle of the campus, the ideal spot to add much needed classrooms. The new location must provide enough space to become FIFA approved |
| Construct government mandated facilities and procure mandated equipment. | The 2023 curriculum requires construction of at least 2 stalls for dairy animals, a garden (size and crops yet to be determined) and five tailoring machines |
| Purchase any contiguous property that becomes available | Accommodate student and faculty growth |
Phase 2: 2024
| Construct additional dormitories | Accommodate student growth to planned 1,000 enrollment, provide separate facilities to address the academic and social needs of older S-5 and S-6 students. |
| Build and furnish new classrooms | The explosive growth of JPSS has magnified the need for multiple additional classrooms |
| Construct Teacher Housing | Additional on campus teacher housing is needed to attract the best teachers to this remote region. |
| Convert existing kitchens to Teacher Housing units | Additional teacher housing will be necessary as student population grows |
Phase 3: 2025
| Building and equipment maintenance | Maintain the grounds as needed |
| Build and furnish additional classrooms | To accommodate 800-1000 students |
| Furnish existing facilities | Add or replace beds, tables, benches, chairs and worn pieces |
| Maintain heavy traffic areas | Replace dirt paths with stone to control mud |
| Secure the entire campus with security fencing or natural barriers | For safety reasons, protect entire or specific campus areas |
| Build a Medical Compound comprised of a Clinic & staff housing | The medical facility would serve the school and surrounding village area |
| Purchase required books | Remain current to the curriculum |
| Introduce added studies | Purchase musical instruments |