Funding provided by the Isle of Man Government will help hundreds of disadvantaged children in Uganda receive a better standard of education.
Onchan-based DO! Developing Orphans is one of seven charities to receive International Development assistance through this year’s Small Grant scheme.
The charity has previously received funding from the Isle of Man for the construction of three classrooms at the Broadway Nursery and Primary School in Padibe, northern Uganda.
The school, which has 279 pupils, currently consists of nine classrooms, two boarding dormitories, a kitchen and toilets. The new grant will improve the delivery of education by providing a multi-purpose hall and accommodation for teachers.
These additional facilities are required by the Ministry of Education and Sports in Uganda before the school can complete its official registration and deliver examinations.
The proposed hall will be used for examinations, assemblies, mealtimes and other school events. The teacher accommodation will help the school to attract and retain quality teachers and will also ensure the safety of boarding children by having staff on site at all times.
Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK, said:
'This project in northern Uganda embodies the aims of our International Development programme and will make a genuine difference to the lives of vulnerable children. We are fortunate in the Isle of Man that our schools provide an excellent environment to nurture our young people. It is difficult to imagine the poverty that many people in Uganda are living in. The Isle of Man’s funding will support children in Padibe by providing education in their early years, which is key to their development.'
Pat Wiles, Chair of DO! Developing Orphans, said:
'DO! Developing Orphans is excited and encouraged by the support provided by the Isle of Man Government towards our work in Uganda. This grant will fund the completion of all the school buildings required under Ugandan law. The school’s future is assured and the pupils’ English speaking education is guaranteed, so they can communicate in a common global language with the rest of the world.'
Alongside the Isle of Man Government’s contribution, private donors from the Island are also supporting the project. In addition, money has been raised through the charity’s annual fundraising programme including its quiz night, bag packing and other activities.
