The May Photo:
FRIENDS ARE TREASURES
In this image, you can see our poject leader Susan Laker standing in the girls dormitory in the boarding section of the Hopeland Highschool, where our Kampala kids go to.
The school system in Uganda
In Uganda, the educational journey of a little one begins with Nursery School (3 years), then onto Primary School (7 years), followed by Secondary School (minimum 4 years and always in boarding section), and a grand finale with a two-year Course. For the academic champions, they might even ace classes 5 and 6 before jetting off to University. And when things get hard at home, some kids will join the Boarding school section already during Primary school, which happens quite a lot.
A few more photographs from that day, shot by Serena Martineau
Building Dreams with "das Freiheitspaket": The New Dormitory at Abba Father Junior School
Also in Jinja the need for a school with a dormirtoy had arosen. Especially as the home situation of many kids became not so good. however in jinja the schools we were working with were lacking a dormitory. Thankfully however the team of "Freiheitspaket" stepped in and helped us in 2024 compelte a domritroy for also the kids in jinja: A brand-new dormitory for Abba Father Junior School—a milestone that promises brighter futures and happier hearts.
Imagine stepping into a space that feels like home. That's precisely what we've achieved for the students of Abba Father Junior School. Gone are the days of cramped, stuffy quarters. Our new dormitory boasts spacious, well-ventilated rooms with perfect temperature control, nestled comfortably on the first floor. It's not just a building; it's a haven where students can thrive, dream, and excel.
The impact? Tremendous! The students are beaming with newfound enthusiasm and a zest for learning. With improved living conditions, health issues have dwindled, allowing these young minds to focus on what's truly important—education and growth.
Currently housing 60 pupils, including both 22STARS and school-sponsored learners, the dormitory is ready to welcome even more students. With room for up to 50 triple bunk beds, we’re prepared for the future influx of P-6 students rising to P-7 next year.
Behind the Magic: How It All Began
Our journey kicked off in January 2024, with the goal of constructing a safe and modern dormitory. Spearheaded by Mr. Wafula David and Mrs. Nambozo Aidah, our dream faced a few roadblocks, but thanks to determination and teamwork, we triumphed.
A Shout-Out to Our Heroes
None of this would have been possible without our incredible partners—the Freiheitspaket Teams of 2022 and 2023. Their relentless efforts and generous hearts were the pillars of our success. Special thanks to Tanja Baumann, Ricco Groß, Jonas Henfling, Stella, André Marks, and the entire team for making this dream a reality.
For the most recent donation that brought this project to completion, we extend heartfelt thanks to the 2023 Freiheitspaket Team, especially André Marks, Ricco Groß, and everyone else involved. Tina Hennig, Melis Alkis, Tonia Heinrich, and all other contributors played a pivotal role in making this dormitory a reality.
The Nuts and Bolts: Project Budget Breakdown
From bricks to beds, every detail was meticulously planned and executed. Here's a sneak peek into our budget:
- Bricks, sand, cement, and iron sheets formed the sturdy structure.
- Metallic doors, windows, and roofing materials ensured safety and durability.
- Mattresses and beds made the dormitory a cozy sanctuary.
With a total budget of €30,038.75, we built not just one but two incredible dormitories, doubling our impact and reach.
Gratitude and Future Plans
The school administration couldn’t be more grateful. Their heartfelt thanks echoed their belief that this project was once a distant dream. Our collaboration with Abba Father Junior School is a testament to what we can achieve together—a testament to hope, unity, and a brighter tomorrow.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to forging paths of opportunity for every child. Together, let's continue building a future where dreams take flight and communities flourish. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Let's keep the momentum going!
"Education is the key to fight poverty and diseases."
Each month, we will publish a blog post exploring the story behind the featured Charity Calendar photograph, offering insightful commentary and additional images. Check here which months we already posted.