(This article was first published in the New Vision on March 30, 2022)
By George Bita
When Catherine Alibamwenze started teaching at Minani Primary School 12 years ago, there were limited structures and girls lacked water to wash up during menstruation.
However, thanks to her association with foreign donors, all that has changed at the school located in Namalemba sub-county, Bugweri district.
She says efforts by these funders have since led to the construction of a new two-classroom block, a modern kitchen complex and a rain-harvesting tank to boost sanitation.
Building Boost
Eng. Michael Schaller of the Rotary Club of Zwettl, Austria, says while working at the adjacent Minani Health Centre III, they observed that Alibamwenze took the trouble to engage learners during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“This is when we decided that it was time to assist boost building structures at the overpopulated school. I couldn’t imagine seeing over 100 pupils in such a classroom space,” Schaller says.
He reveals that in Austria, such a room accommodates a maximum of 26 learners, making school life comfortable.
“So, I took photos of Alibamwenze engaging pupils in such an environment and shared them with the people at home in September last year. Those who saw the pictures were touched and, through Rotary Club networks, we fundraised,” he says.
Akram Kawesi, a P5 learner, says some children dodged class due to the crowded conditions that often made concentration hard.
Schaller says when he returned to Uganda on February 24, three weeks later, a new classroom block was opened at the school.
Isa Mayungure, the local government representative on the school’s management committee, notes that the classroom block also came with a spacious kitchen.
“Our pupils are now assured of having their food cooked in a modern kitchen with storerooms,” Mayungure says.
Schaller says the old buildings were also fitted with rumps for children with disability. All the works cost sh70m.
“We want to make the school user-friendly for all. No child should feel neglected because it affects their performance,” he asserts.
Johnson Balidawa, the headteacher, lauds Rotary for the donation, saying Alibamwenze has made the institution proud by liaising with donors.
“I joined the school last year when most of the construction plans had already been effected. We need more of such donors to further develop our school,” he says.
COVID-19 Interventions
Alibamwenze says she encouraged teachers to get vaccinated to ensure the smooth reopening of schools.
“As the chairperson of the school COVID-19 task force, I also encouraged my fellow teachers to counsel girls who conceived or gave birth during the pandemic. We had 10 such girls in our neighbourhood,” she says.
She adds that they also made with placards, charts and talking-boards warning pupils, teachers and other locals about the pandemic.
Improving Sanitation
Alibamwenze says with 650 girls out of the 1,100 students at the school, it was necessary to make sanitation a priority.
“The communal borehole often breaks down yet girls need a steady supply of water, especially during menstruation. Therefore, when the construction workers came with a 5,000-litre water harvesting tank, it presented a reliable supply,” she says.
Challenges
Alibamwenze says some of the distances travelled during COVID-19 awareness drives were long yet facilitation was limited.
“The lack of a school fence also compromises the COVID-19 fight and prompts neighbours to trespass.”
Co-Curricular Contribution
According to Balidawa, Alibamwenze often trains girls in netball and athletics during the sports period.
“She ensured we set aside a one-hour period from 4:00pm to 5:00pm for that purpose,” he says.
Community Care
David Kakaire, a resident, says the water tank not only helps the school, but also neighbours, especially during the dry season.
“During the prolonged dry season, the borehole runs dry. If the tank still holds a significant amount of water, it becomes the fall-back reservoir for locals,” Kakaire says.
Mayungure says the sports field is also used by the community for social events, like football matches, weddings and wrestling.
“During the construction of the new school block, most labour was from the community. This shows the school has a good relationship with neighbours,” he says.
Pius Isabirye, the Namalemba LC3 chairperson, says the school compound has grass cover that offers cattle keepers a place to graze their animals on weekends.
“The teachers also pay social service taxes to the local government. It is their contribution to the development of their area,” Isabirye says.
George Tigawalana, the Bugweri district education officer, encourages other teachers in the area to emulate Alibamwenze and serve above self.
“We want more of such teachers in this district. Such services will take us to greater heights,” he says.
Golden Tips
- God triumphs over all.
- Work without play makes Jack a dull boy.
- Hard work pays.
- Work as a team to reach far.
Fact File
1984: She attended Kigulu Primary School in Iganga district.
1989: She obtained an O’level certificate from Kigulu College in Iganga district
2001: She graduated from Kaliro Primary Teachers’ College with a Grade III teachers’ certificate.
2002: Started teaching at Ituba Primary School in Iganga.
2010: Transferred to Minani Primary School.
Others Speak
Akisam Katongole, a P5 pupil: I am happy that our school has a new classroom block. It will save us from studying in crowded classrooms.
Rihana Namunana, a P6 pupil: The water tank has solved the water crisis in girls’ washrooms. We will forever be grateful.
Sam Mutebi, a resident of Minani village: The new building will make parents send more children to Minani Primary School. Our village is blessed to have such donors.
