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Uganda-Kenya Mission Lenten Update |
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HEART
HELPING EDUCATION IN AFRICA - REACHING TOGETHER
Lent 2006
Dear Partners in Mission,
It seems only a short time ago that the Kyamusansala hillside in south central Uganda was populated only by wandering cows, scavenging monkeys, a few scattered huts and household food gardens. Now there are the voices of laughter, song, class recitation and prayer that float across the hillside. Is it possible that from rocky ground would spring forth such nourishing soil where young girls would grow and blossom? Yes, because of the helping hands and hearts of our Sacred Heart family.
February 6, 2006, began the 4th year of the new Sacred Heart Primary School. Sr. Annet Nankusu, RSCJ, Head Mistress, reports that the beginning enrollment for this year is 335 - an increase of over 100 students. The girls are delighted to be back in school as learning is a real thirst for them. They do not take it for granted. When I travel to the school I see some sad faces of children along the deeply rutted dirt roads and pathways. Lack of school funds and insufficient school sites keep these students out of school. Your hearty effort has turned that around for over three hundred African girls.
Here is a story of one of our newest students thanks to our USA friends.’ Ruth Umutesi is an amazing 16-year-old Rwandese refugee. We met her through friends. When she saw us she shared "I wish I can go back to school even if I am old". So we told her to come to school with us. When she arrived on opening day I thought she was a parent because she looked so much older than the other girls. She did not speak any word of English but only our local Lugandan language and French that she had learned in her homeland. I welcomed her and you would have loved to see the joy on her face. Now in Primary 6, Ruth is learning some English, is very eager to study, asks lots of questions in class, and is very happy.’
Happily the staff housing construction will be completed soon and the teachers will be able to move out of the classrooms and into their own living quarters. Eventually the school population will reach 500 with double grades from One to Seven. Consequently our next big project is to construct the dormitory and then we will be able to move the students out of the classrooms into their own living quarters.
Thank you for your interest and support of this contribution to the education of women in Uganda. You are part of a new movement of solidarity in which those of us who have more than we need to live safe, happy and productive lives are sharing with poor village schools around the world. You are making a difference in the lives of many people. How can you tell? By the smiles and laughter of the children standing on top of Kyamusansala Hill, Uganda.
God bless you for your compassionate hearts.
Irene Cullen, RSCJ
Uganda-Kenya Mission Support Coordinator
1653 Borana St, San Diego, CA 92111
858-268-3340
icullen@rscj.org
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