Mission Direct - Volunteers helping the world's poor

The Modern Primary school in Rukungiri houses 900 children. Many of them are orphans - often due to the epidemic of AIDS in this region and are fully looked after by the school. None of the children who attend Modern School would have any hope of an education otherwise.

Our involvement:

Mission Direct began supporting the project in 2006. In that time we have worked to transform an already successful project further, by

- building 8 new classrooms (including 4 making a hall) in the junior school
- building new accommodation blocks for children and staff
- building another 8 classrooms such that the pre-primary children can be re-housed complying with local law.

Outcome:

- Class sizes have fallen from around 120 to around 60, making teaching easier and more successful.
- The nursery facilities mean that children as young as two can be prepared for learning, including, crucially a grasp of English.
- New dormitory facilities have meant many more children who live too far away could join the school.
- The school has been equipped with many bring educational supplies
- Teachers have provided input for local teachers and classes

This hospital is the only facility for many miles, offering good basic care and the ability to offer limited surgery.

Our involvement:

Each year Mission Direct sends medical teams to the Hospital. They listen carefully to the needs local medics need and offer support, advice and training. We have also provided important equipment. Volunteers have also been involved in refurbishing some parts of the hospital

Outcome:

The training and equipment has enabled local medical practitioners be more effective in their roles. Village clinics have also highlighted priority cases for attention, thereby saving lives.

In Uganda the state is providing teachers and offering free education but there is little money on offer for facilities. Nyakageme is a state school where five of their ten classrooms were close to collapse. Many pupils are taught under trees.

Our involvement:

Mission Direct volunteers have now built 2 classrooms, partnered by a school in Nottinghamshire

Outcome:

Children can learn in a safe and effective environment, especially when it rains.