2008 | seroma

Back to Uganda

Our two schools could not be more different. Gilgal Primary School is a bush school which cares mainly for orphans and neglected or poverty stricken children and provides them with a basic education. Seroma Christian High School is commited to building up a generation of capable students ready to support their country and its development. As far as energy and water supply are concerned the schools share the same problems. The National Electricity Board is completely overwhelmed by the present demand. There are several electricity cuts a week, lasting several hours at a time. Diesel generators are used to fill the gap, but diesel is becoming increasingly expensive, especially for the production of electricity. The use of solar panels which could be charged during the time when the state supply is constant would be an immediate help. In addition we could make use of economical and energy saving installations and light bulbs. The second phase would consist of solar panels concentrated on specific groups of buildings. This would lead to greater independence from the state supply of electricity and replace the expensive generators - a real advance in environmental protection. Africa’s sun is a wonderful source of natural energy, but we have to invest in order to use it effectively.

Developing countries need sources of energy, natural or otherwise, in order to keep abreast of present economical developments. Oil would seem to be a natural choice, but its disadvantages become clearer daily. The protection of the environment is also a theme in Uganda. We were very impressed by the sewage plant now being built in Seroma Christian High School. Water pumped out of the boreholes will be returned, clarified, to the Nile. Such projects must be ecologically acceptable, economical, and efficient in use.

Gilgal Primary School

Five years ago we were greeted by 250 children, learning in primitive conditions without enough books, sufficient clothing or food. This Spring 600 laughing, expectant boys and girls came running to meet us. This success is a joint effort between us and the Headmaster, Pascal Murenzi and his dedicated staff. The school is built for 500, but he cannot turn any child away as long as it can be fitted in somehow. Thanks to our sponsors and Board we have achieved a small miracle with very modest means. Hundreds of school books have been bought, nearly every child has a uniform (often the only clothing they have) and we can provide a hot meal every day. A Swiss foundation enabled us to drill a borehole which now provides drinking water for the school and surrounding village.

The general level of hygiene is still unsatisfactory and a source of great concern. The toilets consist of four holes in a concrete floor. There is water, but no washing facilities or toilets. The raw sewage just sinks into the ground. So far we have not had the money to improve these conditions.

But help is coming! Preisig AG, a large Zurich firm specialising in sanitary installations, heating systems and roofing has generously offered to help us They will give financial support, paying for 8 toilets, washbasins and showers, complete with a 3500 litre watertank. The sewage will be clarified so as not to endanger our supply of drinking water. Uganda is increasingly aware of the dangers of water pollution.

So far the school has been without electriciy. The children and staff made use of candles and paraffin lamps, both of which can be dangerous and have led to fires and death elsewhere.

Aids

The first tests have shown that approximately one quarter of the children are HIV positive. They receive tablets on a daily basis and their condition is basically stable. Gilgal Primary School is affiliated to the State Schools and the accepted State requirements. The running costs of the school are, on average, 5000 Swiss Francs a month. Included in this sum are food for 600 pupils, plus staff, salaries for 16 teachers, a cook, and general staff members, school material and examination fees. We are very grateful to our sponsors who help us to carry this load. We are also aware that the success of the school is mainly due to the efforts and endurance of our Ugandan friends. They work at the front, fully aware of their responsibility.

Self support

Shortly before leaving we were able to buy 40000 square metres of agricultural land for 10000 Swiss Francs. Poverty stricken widows from the village will live next to the land in modest accomodation. They will work on the land, receiving vegetables and fruits as payment. We were advised by state approved experts to plant 70% of the land with vegetables and fruits. In this way the school will become self supporting as far as food is concerned, independent of the rising food prices and the poorest villagers will have work. 30% of the land will be used to grow coffee. This is a cash crop and will be ready to harvest in 4 years . A piggery and poultry will complete our farm. The waste from the coffee production can be used as fertiliser on the fields.

Official opening of Seroma Christian High School

This remarkable boarding school has been growing continuously during the past five years and has achieved official recognition for its high academic standards, discipline and concentration on the fight against corruption. Christian faith and ethics are central to the school’s aim of building up a new generation to serve Uganda.

Our society paid for a new library, and bought hundreds of school books. These are very expensive in Uganda because most of them have to be printed abroad. We also sponsor a number of poor, talented students who would otherwise be unable to benefit from such an education. East Africa needs such people. There are also 200 Kenyans, 100 students from Tansania, and some from Ruanda in this boarding school.

It is clear that education is of paramount importance for the development of a poor country.

We ask you to invest in education, in clearly defined projects, in training for people with a sense of responsibility and ethical conviction.

Uganda’s First Lady, Mrs. Museveni, who is also a member of Parliament, attended the official opening of Seroma Christian High School as guest of honour. During her speech she promised to help in solving the urgent problem of water supply for the Mukono area - we must wait and see what happens!