Why John Paul?
Because of its extreme poverty, Ugandan has an education system that cannot adequately prepare its students to successfully function in the modern world. There is a critical need for quality secondary schools.
Fact: Along with education, Ugandan schools provide access to clean water, food and medical attention. Most secondary schools have boarding facilities which also provide a safe haven for young students – especially girls. Young women not in school suffer from an extremely high teenage pregnancy rate or early marriage.
Fact: At present, schools have been re-closed for the past 20 months. Between March of 2020 and June of 2021 there was a 22% increase of pregnancy among girls aged 10-24. Two of every ten children had less than one meal a day. Other incidents, including child abuse, child labor, negative mental health and sexual exploitation, have been documented.
Fact: While schools ARE reopening in January, several Ugandan secondary schools which were not adequately funded have closed, unable to withstand the long period with no tuition. Many school buildings are being converted into businesses or health clinics. Teachers (in a market where there has always been a shortage) are quitting and disillusioned students are taking menial jobs like selling fruit or mining.
Fact: Private secondary schools provide a greater opportunity for entrance into university which leads to a lifetime change.
Why John Paul School?
A Door . . . A Path . . . and a Promise began with a visiting missionary’s appeal for a school to serve the poverty-ridden village of Chelekura, Uganda, in East Africa. For Nancy and Paul Berrigan, that appeal became a lifetime commitment and sparked the vision that became a reality.
From the beginning, Paul determined that John Paul School was to be a “premier institution.” This meant premier facilities, far superior to other buildings in the community, highly-qualified (degreed) teachers and sufficient up-to-date textbooks and tools. Premier also meant an emphasis on the sciences and technology which would enable students to carve out a role in the world of the future. Paul’s vision would – and still does – govern the development of the campus.
JPSS moved up more than 200 places in its national ranking among Ugandan secondary schools. We stand fourth in the Pallisa District, 874 out of 2094 nationally and 1022 as the best performing science schools in the country.
Administrator Fr. John Chrysostom and Headmaster Moses Bwayo offer valid reasons why the school is ranked so highly and enjoys such a great reputation.
“The Ugandan Education system is mainly theoretical. Most graduates of this system can reason but without practical skill, attributed to the government’s failure to equip major institutions with the necessary equipment to provide enhanced practical learning. JPSS brings new hope and opportunity to this negative trend through the provision of necessary equipment such as science laboratories and computer technology that have enabled our learners to acquire practical skills. We promote the Educate Club to develop entrepreneurship, and we emphasize religion and ethics, discipline and teamwork and creative thinking.”
Fr. John Chrysostom
“Our teachers are highly accredited; even more important, they are highly committed to helping their students succeed. A teacher is paramount in the success of every student; just as a driver determines the success of a journey so does a teacher. A highly committed teacher will always enable his or her students to excel. Additionally, we guide and parent students in a holistic manner, keeping them closer to us and this has enabled them to be nurtured roundly. We instill moral values and integrity through frequent guidance and counseling sessions, rewards and discipline. Every day begins with mass and every lesson with a prayer.”
Headmaster Moses Bwayo
“What we realize now is that John Paul School is becoming the academic giant and hope of every parent.”
— Fr. John Chrysostom
Why John Paul School?
Because student test results prove we are changing lives and you deserve to see confirmation of our efforts. Here are some of John Paul School’s most recent successes . . . which occurred DESPITE more than a year’s disruption in learning.
Meet Bernard, recent graduate of JPSS. Bernard scored highest in the Pallisa District with 6 passes on the recent national exams. His score enabled him to pick the university of his choice. Bernard plans to pursue a Bachelors of Arts in Education, specializing in Languages, English and Literature with a goal of teaching. Congratulations, Bernard; we are so proud of you!
Six S-6 students earned passing grades in two principle passes, enabling them to join a university if they can pay the tuition. Most will pursue careers in Education because of its employability and affordability.
An additional five S-6 students scored one principal pass. They may be eligible for tertiary learning institutions.
All 17 S-5 students who sat for promotional exams advanced into S-6.
Gloria is an S-4 student. She received the highest grade of all the girls on the 2020 exams.
The Hungerford Scholars, children from Chelekura village who are on scholarship did exceptionally well. All S-4 Hungerford Scholars advanced into S-5.
Overall, 113 of 114 students who took the exams passed; all can study at Advanced level. Abraham scored an exceptional 20 aggregates on his exams.
Why John Paul School?
Because you can be assured that 97% of your contribution will go toward student and teacher programs and facilities.