Linking school communities internationally to improve educational opportunities and establish...

Linking school communities internationally to improve educational opportunities and establish long-term relationships

Sister School Project

Sister School Project Process

Identify a school community in Uganda that is in desperate need

Determine how we can make a difference

Begin fund raising activities and collection of needed

educational supplies

Write letters to establish pen-pals between school communities

Uganda is a democratic country with a strong commitment to universal education.

Lacks sufficient resources to adequately fund its school system

English speaking

We have developed multiple contacts in-country to ensure the success of this project

Why Uganda?

Uganda is in East Africa

Where is Uganda?

It is landlocked (no direct access to an ocean)

Where is Uganda?

It is bordered by Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania

Uganda is in East Africa

Size: slightly smaller than Oregon

Population: 26 million

Most people involved in subsistence agriculture

Life expectancy: 45 years

Literacy: the ability to read by age 15 is about 70% male: 79.5% female: 60.4% (2003 est.)

Facts about Uganda - People

Uganda is located directly on the equator

Landlocked - no direct access to ocean

Receives adequate rainfall and generally a rich soil

Because it is mainly on a plateau, several thousand feet high, it has a relatively fair climate

Uganda is a land of great bio-diversity and is home to over half the bird species found in sub-Saharan Africa and many endangered species

Facts about Uganda - Land

Sunrise on Lake Victoria

Uganda - Photo

Uganda PhotoBwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Uganda Photo Young Mountain Gorilla in

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

The government has sponsored Universal Primary Education (U.P.E) through the 7th grade

While U.P.E is guaranteed to all children in Uganda these schools are under-funded

The government provides about $30 per year per child for education in these public schools

Private schools cost much more (from $60 - $500 per year). However, even $60 a year is outside of the reach of most families

Education in Uganda

Students of St. Andrews Matale Primary School

Education in Uganda

Students of St. Andrews Matale Primary School

Education in Uganda

Ugandan School U.S. School

St. Andrews Matale SchoolMajor needs - electricity, windows, desks, books, educational materials and supplies

Hanah Senesh Community Day School, Brooklyn, NY

Kirumba Primary School Major needs - xxxx

Ryan Intermediate School, Queens, NY

Kyabbumba Primary School Major needs - library, classroom doors and space

No American School yet

Lwamaya Primary School Major need - classroom doors, windows, supplies

No American School yet

Status of Sister School Program

LWAMAYA PRIMARY SCHOOL

School is in a rural area

480 students with 13 teachers

There are only 5 classrooms, grades 1, 4 and 6 meet outside

Desk and chairs for only 80 students

Books and school supplies are scarce

Example of School and Needs

Matale School Classroom

School Pictures - 1

Matale School Classroom

School Pictures - 2

School ImprovementsConstruction to improve school and build

desks and chairs

School Improvements Desks for students, doors for classes and windows

School Improvements School supplies for students and teachers use