Uganda Humanist Schools Trust Uses FBB Support in School Expansion Project

Third-quarter education beneficiary Uganda Humanist Schools Trust gave us this report about how they are using the funds contributed by members of Foundation Beyond Belief. Members donated $3,615 to UHST last quarter.

FBB Contribution to the Success of the Mustard Seed Humanist School Expansion Appeal

In May 2011, Uganda Humanist Schools Trust launched an appeal to enable a substantial expansion of the Mustard Seed Humanist School in Uganda. The school was stuck on a small plot of land with little room for expansion and with a desperate need for an additional four classrooms. The opportunity to purchase a failing Moslem primary school close to the site was taken and, after an appeal by UHST, with the help of the British Humanist Association, the Rationalist Association/New Humanist, and international humanist friends, we were able to secure the site for the school by the end of August 2011.  The purchase gives the school an additional two acres of land, five classrooms, staff offices, a kitchen, and latrines for boys and girls.

Once Mustard Seed takes full possession of the site in December, there will be some work to do on the buildings, including concreting floors, plastering and painting, and fitting windows and doors. It will also need attention to the kitchen and latrines, arranging water supply, and extending electricity to the new site, which is 80 to 100 meters away from the existing site. The $3,615 raised through the generosity of FBB supporters will make a substantial contribution to this essential work. There can be little doubt that this new acquisition has created space and facilities which will allow the future development of the school to proceed unhindered.

In the coming year we turn our attention to finding ways to improve the pay and conditions of teachers. The school can only afford to pay teachers as little as 50 cents a lesson, and this has an adverse impact on motivation and retention. We also want to move closer to our goal of providing one textbook per student in each subject, as well as providing more non-book learning resources, including materials for science, art, and music.

Click here to read a full report following our recent visit to the Mustard Seed School.  The school is very grateful for this additional support from Foundation Beyond Belief and hopes to have further good news to report in 2012.