For decades, people have flocked out of rural towns to the big cities, drawn by the bright lights and the allure of better lives. Unfortunately, the same rings true for education.
In Uganda, inequity between the quality of education in rural and urban schools remains an unresolved challenge. While the education system in urban areas is not in a top shape as well, it is the rural education scenario which is the benchmark of a country’s progress.
According to the Annual Performance Report, the number of students going to school in rural Uganda is increasing. However, more than 50% of the students in the 5th grade is not capable of reading a text book of 3rd grade. They do not know how to solve basic mathematical problems.
Hence, instead of focusing on uplifting literacy rate, it is time that we focus on quality education. Children are required to be empowered with the quality education and the knowledge that can be applied in their real life.
Ssamba Foundation is taking certain steps to improving rural education systems in Kyampisi Subcounty in Mukono District of Uganda. This Improvement of rural education systems program promotes and improve the quality of education and information consumed in rural communities. The main focus is lifelong education system for sustainable development and improvement on the quality of education for rural schools.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Uganda World Languages Project
In today’s increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, proficiency in other languages is a vital skill that gives people the opportunity to engage with the world in a more immediate and meaningful way—whether in their neighborhood or thousands of miles away—while better preparing them to compete and succeed in the global economy.
The Uganda world languages projects has attracted hundreds of foreign volunteer to Uganda to get involved in the foreign Languages Training Program and other academic and social trainings. If you want to help and be the one to make a change, join our foreign languages teaching volunteer project! The project has introduced new and innovative ways to help rural communities. You can join our teach your language and empower a rural community.
Classrooms Building & Renovation Project
Many of rural schools are structured makeshift huts, with no proper doors, windows, or walls. With simple infrastructure, the schools in these rural areas are extremely prone to the natural elements like rain water leaking through roofs, mould developing on the walls and termites. There is also insufficient furniture, chairs and desks to cater to each child. Our organization supports many rural schools with infrastructure development and support with furniture.
Sponsorship for Orphans & Vulnerable Children
For just $300 per year you can sponsor a child and help break the cycle of poverty. We will send you a sponsor package with photos, information and a letter from your child. And, if you wish, you can correspond directly with your child. Sponsorship provides
- Two nutritious meals per day
- The chance for a brighter future
- Skills training that goes beyond the classroom
- Quality education from caring and attentive teachers
- Small class sizes (many schools in Uganda have student teacher ratios 1:100 or more)
Scholastic Materials Support Project
To those who come from very low financial background, we provide for their textbooks, library and laboratory facilities so that they are not left with any reason for not attending the schools. While each area we serve has unique needs, Ssamba Foundation encourages and sustain the academic progression of children from early education programs through secondary school and beyond. Youth and children in poverty come to our office to receive educational support, such as:
- Uniforms: clothing, backpacks and shoes
- Financial support: school fees and transportation costs
- Libraries: study areas and reading materials for all ages
- Supplies: textbooks, calculators, notebooks, pencils and pens
- Scholarships: vocational training, college and university assistance
- Study aids: tutoring, educational workshops and special youth programs
- Community literacy: books for classrooms and libraries and reading tents.
- Computer center: free Internet access, basic computing courses and tutoring services
School Meals Project -Providing nutrition
Hunger keeps hundreds of children out of school around the district. As their parents often have to leave for farm work very early in the mornings, many children in poorest villages have to walk hours to school on an empty stomach. Parents are also worried about their children’s safety if they attempt to cook alone. Many families opt to take their children to the fields with them, where they can be fed, instead of sending them to school.
In response, the Ssamba Foundation launched the School Meals Project, which provided free school lunches to children in the poorest areas and we are now funding initiation of school garden- every school should have a garden. With support from the community, volunteers lead this initiative, using home-grown ingredients to prepare nutritious meals. The schools receive a steady supply of fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers.