Ekyemisana is a new trust (set up by Ike Garson - Oxfordshire’s International Education Officer between 1997 and 2008) which has arisen from a 10-year relationship with Ugandan schools. It has a clearly identified focus dedicated entirely to children’s welfare. It is sustainable, community-based and supported by the Ugandan government. Ekyemisana has reputable partners in Uganda who will assist in the delivery of its aims and vision.
Oxfordshire’s school links with Ugandan schools go back to 1996 and to date, there are over 60 partnerships in existence.
From our frequent visits to Uganda, we have learnt that very many primary school children do not have anything to eat at lunchtime, an issue that directly affects the way they perform at school in the afternoons. In some cases, even water is not available to drink during a 9-hour-long day.
The Ministry of Education & Sport (MoES), has introduced ‘Universal Primary Education’ (UPE) and has seen a large increase in the number of children entering schools. If UPE is to have the desired impact, it is widely accepted that results will only improve if a lunchtime meal is made available to children.
Ekyemisana - the Luganda word for ‘lunchtime’ - is an ambitious long term programme to help primary schools feed all their pupils with a maize meal which is part of the Ugandan staple diet. Our objectives also include the provision of a free meal to teachers, who in many cases cannot afford a lunchtime meal themselves, which results in their inability to perform effectively in the classroom.
The work of Ekyemisana will be self-sustaining and eventually self-managed. It is designed to empower local communities to become sustainable. Local administrators will oversee the programme in each District with support from Rotary International, Living Earth and Kulika. Teachers, pupils and parents will be encouraged to become directly involved and as a result, we expect it to be self-propelling through the generations.
Ekyemisana is seeking the support of Oxfordshire’s schools (and of their PTAs) to be able to carry out its initial objectives. Subsequently, support will be sought from major funders such as the DfID, the EU, the Gates Foundation and the World Bank.
How can you help? If you have not yet chosen your preferred charities for this year, we would appreciate it if you could give us your consideration. For example, Ekyemisana would be an ideal fundraising vehicle for Harvest Festival. Other possibilities could include a non-uniform day, a sponsored spell, a sponsored run, a Bring-and-Buy sale etc. If you would like to discuss alternative ideas and be advised about Gift Aid options, please give Ike a call on 0773 855 9161or visit our website www.ekyemisana.org .
From 1 October, Ike would be willing to visit schools and to talk to School Council or small assembly groups about Ekyemisana
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hired a minivan, and started our journey in Budapest, driving NE, to Bag. We had arranged for another Summer Festival Day, like we did last year. This occasion brings the village people together, to share and enjoy, music, and dance. No strangers ever enter this part of the village, because of the poverty. Mudbrick,two room homes, have no running water inside, or toilets, or roads. The children looked healthy this time, as they were enjoying the Summer sun. Winter tells another story. 