ElectricAid Project of the Month

Kiteredde Young Scientists

For some people, Uganda is probably most famous for the atrocities committed by Idi Amin and for Forest Whitaker's portrayal of him in The Last King of Scotland. Uganda has come a long way since those dark days, has reasonably well-functioning governance and has made great progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. ElectricAid's longstanding partnership with the Bannakaroli Brothers is another positive story to come out of Uganda. The Brothers specialise in the care and education of orphans and other vulnerable children, of whom there are huge numbers, due to HIV/AIDS. We have funded the Bannakarolis on a regular basis for six years now, concentrating on basic educational and incomegenerating agricultural projects. An ElectricAid representative visited five Bannakaroli projects in 2008 and was deeply impressed with the effectiveness of this partnership.

Kiteredde Secondary School in the Rakai district of Uganda is one of the schools owned and run the Bannakaroli Brothers. It was founded shortly after Ugandan independence in 1962 in the tiny village of Kiteredde. Today, it boasts a population of 450 students and wants to extend its teachings to 500 by the end of the year. The school principal Bro. Peter told us that the students excel in Arts subjects even with the limited teaching resources at their disposal. A newly passed government policy somewhat unrealistically made the teaching of biology, chemistry and physics compulsory in all Ugandan secondary schools. As with Governments closer to home, the policy was introduced, but no resources were made available. This stretched the school's modest resources to the brink. The Bannakarolis in spite of this were undeterred. ElectricAid received an application that explained the situation and a detailed budget for the provision of chemicals and equipment for the laboratory. With our grant of €6,500 in May 2007, the Brothers were able to equip a laboratory catering for 70 students and to source enough basic materials and chemicals for some years to come. Teachers can now teach science practically, as well as theoretically. The report indicates that the funding has made a crucial difference to the effectiveness of the school.

We know that by supporting the education of young Ugandans they will have a chance to go on to change their own society and to create greater prosperity around them. With your continued support, ElectricAid, through the Bannakaroli Brothers, will be able to continue to give hope to the children of Uganda.