A new school in Uganda : Seventy days from conception to inauguration.
It was 70
days ago, 14th December, 2015, or thereabouts an idea was hatched to consider a secondary school for the soon to be needed "add on" for the children in the David Tyler Primary School.
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.
Much
yet to be thought of, and discussed, but it is more than a start !!!!
