Educational / Spiritual Program

The existing structure of the education system in Uganda has been in force since the early 1960s. It consists of seven years of primary education followed by the lower secondary cycle of four years and the upper secondary cycle of two years, after which there are three to five years of university studies. On successful completion of the primary school cycle, one can either join lower secondary school or take a three-year craft course in a technical school. However, only about 40% of the primary school graduates are absorbed into the secondary cycle.

The demand for primary education has radically increased with the introduction (1997) of free primary education for four children in every family. This saw school enrolment increase from 2 million in 1986 to over 6 million by 1999. However, there are significant discrepancies between urban and rural areas, with the former having more permanent schools and better teaching and instructional materials than the latter. This disparity is greatly exacerbated for the orphans, and limits their ability to pursue secondary education and ultimately pursue jobs, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

To overcome these challenges, PI puts tremendous effort into educating young minds while inspiring faith, love, and compassion in their hearts. Our goal is for the children to grow up with strong character, knowing how to take care of themselves and others, as well as the critical importance of education. In addition, they learn that they are unique and precious children of God, with the obligation to reach out and help others in their community. And despite their own personal hardship, we witness an amazing phenomenon of them wanting to help/teach each other. We have seen them develop an amazing ability to share what little they have, and be compassionate for those they recognize are even less fortunate than themselves.

Our Education Specialist and our Life Skills and Vocational Specialist lead our Educational/Spiritual program. Together they collaborate to ensure the children grow up strong mentally and spiritually strong. Together they are responsible for the overall educational development of the children as they progress from primary through secondary levels. They also help teachers develop and apply age-appropriate curricula, and are responsible for credentialing of teachers supporting the orphanages.

The primary Educational/ Spiritual program goals:

• Give the children a solid educational foundation
• Instill the spirit of giving
• Impress upon them the value of community involvement
• Provide career and spiritual guidance

Financial support is needed to pay for the following Educational/Spiritual program needs:

• The salary for two Educational specialists
• Books and school supplies (pencils, paper, etc.)
• Curriculum Development
• Desks for classrooms
• Chalk boards for the classes
• Posters, games, bibles,
• Computers

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