AAH Launches Feeding, Water Projects in 18 Schools

This month Arlington Academy of Hope (AAH)  launched a feeding program and other school-support projects targeting 18 primary schools in Bududa and Namisindwa districts, in a bid to improve learners’ welfare, attendance and academic performance. The program, named Bridge to Excellence Program, will benefit 15 schools in Bududa and three in Namisindwa, with interventions focusing on food, clean water and basic infrastructure.

Feeding Program 

Under the program, AAH launched a school feeding initiative aimed at improving access to food for learners, starting with P7 students studying for their Primary Leaving Exams (PLE).

The organisation says providing children with food at school will help create a more conducive learning environment and enable learners to concentrate better during lessons. The intervention comes amid challenges of hunger and child labour in parts of Bududa, which have contributed to some school-age children staying away from school, or not returning in the afternoon because they are searching for food.

Water Tanks for Schools

AAH also distributed 10,000-litre water tanks to the selected schools to improve access to clean water. The organisation says reliable access to water is important for maintaining hygiene and creating a healthier environment for learners.

Kitchen Roofing Materials

In addition to food and water support, AAH distributed 120 iron roofing sheets to help schools establish or improve kitchens where meals for learners can be prepared.  The combined interventions are intended to address some of the basic challenges that affect children’s attendance, concentration and participation in school.

Special Infrastructure Project

AAH supplied iron roofing sheets to finish the construction of two classrooms at Bududa Junior School which relieved severe overcrowding for PLE candidates.  BJS parents and staff constructed the wood infrastructure for the roofing sheets.

 AAH to Meet 70% of Costs 

Under the program, AAH contributes 70% of the required support, while parents contribute the remaining 30%. The cost-sharing arrangement is expected to strengthen cooperation between parents, schools and the organisation in addressing challenges affecting learners in hard-to-reach communities.

Improving Learning Conditions

The Bridge to Excellence Program also conducts mock exams to familiarize the candidates with the PLE tests, and provides special training of teachers to upgrade their teaching abilities. The launch is part of a broader effort to improve learning conditions in the targeted schools through better access to food, water, basic infrastructure and updated teaching tools.