A new school in Uganda : Seventy days
from conception to inauguration.
A Ray of
Hope, UNESCO Youth Ambassador for the Culture of Peace, is always delighted,
and very grateful, to receive the support from David Tyler Trust, Ulster
Teachers’ Union and Classic Kitchens.
It was 70
days ago, 14th December, 2015, or thereabouts, that Daniel and I got
wrapped up in a period of madness. ( Daniel is our project director in Uganda )
Encouraged by each other, an emotional mutual symbiosis or, “the blind leading
the blind”, we decided to involve ourselves in the most adventurous of
initiatives. We kept it secret, maybe because of the fear of failure. Our
primary school would soon ( in maybe 3 years !), demand an “add on” for our
students at secondary level, and also a community was discovered that needed the
educational institution : we therefore decided to venture upon a new path.
The first
premises perused, although suitable, did not have all of the attributes needed
– that site was soon replaced in our focus, by a more appropriate location. The
new site had 6 classroom size rooms, plus a storage area and office space.
The journey
had started.
As the weeks
progressed, with positive steps every day, we aimed for the possible opening date as 22nd February.
The buildings
were scrubbed – and then painted. The
demands by young adults for self improvement determined the nature of the
resource and name. “Hermitage Community Secondary School and Vocational
Centre.”
A management
committee was formed, with representatives from various stake holding groups,
teachers advertised for, interviewed, and tested. Potential students were spoken
to, and a strategy was determined for enrolment.
Furniture
was needed, also text books stationary and other educational expendables.
As it is
important for every child to have a mid day meal, so equally essential for our
students. It seemed natural, aware that a kitchen was needed, that our friends in Classic Kitchens, Aghalee
would assist, and on the day of the school opening the kitchen was completed.
So 70 days
from conception, the school doors were unlatched for the first 13 students
quickly followed by 17 more and 5
vocational students. Day 3. 24th February – an enrolment of 35
pupils including vocational.
Plans for
the future include hairdressing and fashion design, and of course a school
badge and uniforms. Only a dream away, and with support like that of, David
Tyler Trust, Classic Kitchens and Ulster
Teachers’ Union the reality is around the corner.
Much yet to
be thought of, and discussed, but it is more than a start !!!!
