Hidden Treasures Primary School, Uganda - June 2023 Update
Since 2007, BJP has been a committed supporter of the Hidden Treasures Primary School in Kiyoola (Mukono District), a very poor village near to Lake Victoria. Pastor Mike Howell of Uganda Ministries has just returned from his annual trip to the school and has provided an update with regard the progress at the school site;
New Toilet Block: The Education Authority required us to re-site the main toilet block due to health reasons. Construction of the new toilet block for the pupils has now been completed and this has made a big difference to the health and hygiene at the school. The block just needs to be painted to complete the project. The Old toilet block has been refurbished and is now the staff toilet block.
New School Kitchen and Rest Room: Due to problems with the siting of the old kitchen it was decided to construct a new and larger one away from the main classrooms. Next to this we also constructed a rest room for pupils who may be unwell whilst at school. These buildings also need painting to complete the project.
The estimate for painting the new toilet block, kitchen and rest room is around £1700.
Classroom Floors Resurfacing: The cement floors in six of the school classrooms are now badly pitted and broken up (As photo below) and need resurfacing. The estimate for this work is around £3000.
Teaching Staff: Two teachers recently left to begin other teaching posts. We have already replaced one of them but we still need to recruit a new teacher for the Baby Class. Until the appointment has been made we are combining the Baby Class with the Middle Class.
Sadly, during the last term (ended in May), one of the Head Teacher’s children, aged 14 years, died due to sickle cell anaemia.
Due to the rising cost of living in Uganda it was decided to increase the staff salaries with effect from January 2023.
Academic (P7 – Primary Leaving Exams) Results: At the end of 2022 we registered 26 candidates for these exams and 24 of them passed with grades (3 – Grade 1 / 19 - Grade 2 / 2 – Grade 3) to take them to Secondary School. The results were a little than previous years but the teachers believe this is due to time lost due to the Covid restrictions and school closure. They are expecting an improvement at the end of 2023.
I am pleased to report that many of the students who have attended Hidden Treasures Junior School since it opened have gone on to University, vocational training and into regular employment.
Boarding Section: In order for the Year 7 pupils to be able to catch up on their lessons and concentrate on their studies for the PLE exams at the end of the year, the school has arranged for them to board at the school. Currently there are 17 pupils boarding.
Sports: The school has been doing very well in athletics competitions and ball-games at sub-zone and zonal level. One of the schools pupils, Ochang Edrin, performed well in cross-country, steeple chase, short relay, long relay and high jump. He earned a certificate of recognition and has been selected to compete at District level next term.
Many thanks again for your generous support of Hidden Treasures Junior School. Your kindness is providing an opportunity for the children of Kiyoola to enjoy a good level of education, improved health and welfare, and future employment
~ Pastor Mike Howell, Uganda Ministries
