Uganda
Education, Human Trafficking, Job Training
$28,140 Goal
Summary of the Situation
St. Mary Immaculate Villa Maria Primary School, located in a rural district, serves children aged 3–13, including orphans and students from low-income farming families. Many pupils miss school to help on family farms, and most families struggle to pay the $6.25 annual school fee. Previously, NGOs sponsored some students, but these organizations are now withdrawing their support.
The Ugandan government prioritizes skills development in education to address poverty, but funding for training centers is lacking. The school currently lacks proper facilities for vocational training, which is crucial for students’ future employment prospects. A vocational skills development block is planned to provide practical job training (e.g., hairdressing, tailoring) to primary students, increasing their chances of continuing to secondary education and securing future employment.
How will the funds be used?
Funds will be used for:
✅ Electrical installation
✅ Veranda construction
✅ Painting and flooring
✅ Glass installation for doors and windows
✅ Classroom furniture
✅ Skilling tools and equipment (e.g., sewing machines, hairdressing kits, dryers)
✅ Inauguration ceremony
The Sisters’s Response
The Sisters at St. Mary Immaculate Villa Primary School are committed to supporting vulnerable children through practical skills training and financial literacy education. Currently, training is conducted without proper facilities, limiting its effectiveness. The new vocational block will provide a structured learning space for students, with entrepreneurship and apprenticeship programs to prepare them for self-sufficiency. This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, particularly in addressing the root causes of poverty and promoting gender equality.
Systemic Impact
Construction of the vocational classroom block began on April 15, 2024, with initial funding from Sisters Rising Worldwide. However, rising inflation and new taxation policies (Efris tax) in Uganda have significantly increased the cost of materials, leaving the project partially completed.
To achieve the project’s full impact—empowering students through skills training and education—additional funding is urgently needed to complete construction and launch training programs.
Your support will help break the cycle of poverty by equipping students with essential skills for a self-sufficient and empowered future.