Education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and societies. Education can provide knowledge, skills, values and opportunities that can enable people to overcome poverty, inequality, violence and injustice. Education can also foster creativity, innovation, diversity and peace.
However, not everyone has access to quality education in Nebbi, especially in the remote regions. The region has been affected by decades of civil war, political instability, environmental degradation and displacement. Many children and youth have missed out on education due to lack of schools, teachers, materials and funds. Many have also dropped out of school due to poverty, child labor, early marriage, teenage pregnancy and cultural barriers.
That is why we, the social service and development department of the Nebbi Catholic Diocese, have been working hard to improve access to and quality of education for children and youth in the region. We believe that education is a human right and a key to sustainable development. Our vision is to create a society where human dignity, justice, peace and solidarity are promoted and upheld.
We have been implementing various programs and projects that support education in the region, especially for those who are poor and marginalized. Some of these programs and projects include:
- Education Project: This is a project that was implemented from 2019 to 2021 in partnership with Caritas Denmark and DANIDA. The project aimed to improve access to and quality of education for children and youth in the West Nile region, especially those affected by poverty, conflict and displacement. The project had four main components: school infrastructure development, teacher training and support, school management and governance, and community mobilization and advocacy.
- Scholarship Program: This is a program that provides financial assistance to needy and deserving students in the West Nile region. The program covers tuition fees, scholastic materials, boarding fees and other expenses for students at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education. The program also offers mentoring, guidance and counseling to the beneficiaries to help them achieve their academic and career goals.
- Feeding Program: This is a program that provides nutritious meals to students in selected schools in the region. The program aims to improve the health, attendance and performance of the students. The program also supports the local farmers by buying their produce for the school meals. The program also educates the students on good nutrition practices and hygiene.
- Vocational Training Program: This is a program that provides vocational skills training to out-of-school youth in the region. The program offers courses such as carpentry, tailoring, hairdressing, welding, bricklaying, plumbing, electrical installation, catering and hospitality. The program also provides start-up kits, business skills training and market linkages to the graduates to help them start or expand their own enterprises.
Our education programs and projects have been making a positive impact on the lives of thousands of children and youth in the region. Some of the testimonies from the beneficiaries are:
- “I am very happy to be a beneficiary of Caritas Nebbi Scholarship Program. I come from a poor family of eight children. My parents are peasant farmers who could not afford to pay for my school fees. I had lost hope of continuing my education after completing primary seven. But thanks to Caritas Nebbi, they paid for my secondary education at St. Mary’s College Lacor. I performed well in my exams and got admitted to Makerere University to study medicine. I want to become a doctor and serve my community.” – Peter Oryem, a scholarship beneficiary from Panyango sub-county.
- “I am very grateful to Caritas Nebbi for supporting our school with new classrooms, desks, chairs, books and toilets. Before Caritas Nebbi came to our school, we used to study under trees or in dilapidated buildings. We had no furniture or learning materials. We had no toilets or water facilities. We were always exposed to rain, sun, dust and diseases. But now our school environment has improved greatly. We have conducive learning spaces and adequate resources. We are more comfortable and motivated to learn.” – Mary Akumu, a pupil at Nyapea Primary School.
- “I am very thankful to Caritas Nebbi for giving me a chance to learn a vocational skill at their training center in Paidha town. I dropped out of school in senior two because my parents could not pay for my fees. I had no job or income. I was idle and hopeless. But when I heard about Caritas Nebbi Vocational Training Program, I applied and got enrolled in the catering course. I learned how to cook different dishes, bake cakes and pastries, and serve customers. I also learned how to manage a business and market my products. After graduating, I received a start-up kit from Caritas Nebbi, which included a gas cooker, utensils, ingredients and packaging materials. I started my own catering business from home. I supply cakes and snacks to shops and events. I make about 100,000 shillings per week. I use the money to support myself and my family.” – Susan Acan, a vocational training graduate from Paidha town.
These are just some of the examples of how we’re helping children and youth achieve their educational dreams in the West Nile region. However, there are still many more children and youth who need their help. The challenges are enormous and complex. The resources are limited and scarce. The needs are urgent and pressing.
That is why they are appealing to you, their friends and supporters, to join them in this noble cause. You can make a difference by donating your money, time or skills to our education programs and projects. You can also spread the word about their work to your family, friends, colleagues and networks. You can also pray for them and with them for God’s guidance and blessing.
Together, we can make this world a better place for everyone.
Thank you for your generosity and solidarity.