Dedication of John Paul Secondary School
For the village of Chelekura, the school opening was a major event . . . for the students, a gift of hope . . . for Nancy and Paul, reality!
Initial Purchase of Textbooks for Each Student
An exciting moment for the students – their very own textbooks for every subject! Ultimately, this effort would become the Paul Berrigan Family Library, located in the Science and Learning Center, funded in large part by the Class of ’64 Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kansas.
First Girl’s Dormitory
Increase in the number of female students necessitated turning a small social hall into a girls’ dormitory.
New Kitchen and Installation of Solar Panels
New kitchen construction replaced the old kitchen. The first solar panels were a gift from Tim Blackwell. They were installed on the school and provided energy for one classroom and the Head Teacher’s office.
Groundbreaking for the Science and Learning Center
For John Paul Secondary School to offer full college preparatory (S-5 and S-6) courses, a science and advanced learning center would be a key facility. Once again, village children look on eagerly. After all, they are the future students of JPSS.
Blessing of the Daryl D. Wittich Science and Learning Center
Father Paul Buyela blesses the nearly completed Science and Learning Centerr
Dedication and Grand Opening of The Daryl D. Wittich Science and Learning Center
The dedication and opening of the science center signified a step forward in the school’s development and became a celebration for the students and the village.
Friends of John Paul School approved as a 501©(3)
Our US-based charity is started to support the school.
First Well Drilled on JPSS Campus
The well was dedicated in memory of William Lindquist, Class of ’64 Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kansas, a former classmate. This event brought students and villagers together for a celebration.
Solar Energy Arrives and the Computer Lab Is Equipped
To prepare students for the level of technology required today, the new Anne Bidigare Computer Lab opens. Note the expression on the eager students’ faces! Recognizing the importance of high quality teachers, ground was broken for a Teacher Housing Facility.
Dedication of Glen Dorie Teacher Housing and the Anne Bidigare Computer Lab, as well as the Construction of the Incinerator and Modern Latrines
It was a busy year for the school with the dedication of teacher housing and the construction of an incinerator and new latrines to support the growing campus.
Dedication of the New 160 Bed Girls Dormitory
The major event that took place this year was that an increase in the number of students necessitated a new Girls Dormitory, which was dedicated.
JPSS is Accredited for “A” Level Classes and First S-5 Classes Begin
The accreditation of John Paul School to “A” Advanced Level allows for all class levels up to University. It has resulted in a tremendous spurt of growth, while the school has maintained its reputation for high quality education and moral guidance.
First S-6 Classes Begin and Grand Opening of 160 Bed Boy’s Dormitory
The first S-5 Class moved on to S-6 and will become the first graduating class from JPSS ready for University classes. A Boy’s Dorm similar to the Girl’s was completed to enable additional boarders and campus expansion.
Internet Access Improvement and Building Rehabilitation Come to JPSS
Despite the nearly 2 year pandemic shutdown, John Paul School was one of the only schools nationwide to provide consistent monthly pay to its teachers. During this time, Friends of John Paul School continued its fundraising efforts, pivoting to host our first annual Virtual 5K fundraiser, and invested in vital campus infrastructure, including a new cellular tower providing internet access and extensive building rehabilitation.
Significant revitalization, land acquisition and major construction projects
February marked the return of our students after pandemic shutdown. Strategic acquisition of several parcels of land allow for expansion, and major construction projects were undertaken. A new multi-purpose building (combining dining hall, auditorium, and social hall for up to 1000) and a dedicated modern kitchen/campus catering facility were substantially completed.
Significant academic success and ongoing infrastructure improvements
JPSS achieves significant academic success and continues with infrastructure improvements. The school ranked #1 in the Pallisa district, in the top 18% of all Ugandan secondary schools. To accommodate future growth, JPSS secured government approval to relocate the neighboring primary school buildings for necessary expansion. Furthermore, the campus infrastructure was upgraded with the establishment of a comprehensive piped water system to ensure reliable water distribution across the site, including a tap for the local community members. The multi-purpose building and campus kitchen were completed, furnished and commissioned.
Welcome to the new Board of Governors, 200 additional beds/boarding capacity, and new University sponsorship program for JPSS grads
While ranking #1 in its district for a second year in a row, this year heralds significant infrastructure expansion and program implementation at JPSS. Key completions include the construction of separate 100-bed dormitories for girls and boys, and the establishment of new primary school buildings across the street from the JPSS campus. Improvements also featured the installation of a waste management system for newly added toilet facilities, and an upgrade to the computer lab with an additional capacity of 15 new computers. The JPSS Board of Governors was formally installed, and the University Sponsorship program was successfully implemented.
