The Suitcase Arrives!

The children of the Great Challenge School were excited to receive some much needed supplies.

On Wednesday, February 15th, the Buy-a-Net team travelled to another section of Kawempe to visit the Great Challenge School.  This small community school was established in 2000 to serve the needs of local children.  It is fully licensed and registered with the ministry of Education but it receives no funding from the government.  Christopher, the headmaster, relies heavily on donations to keep the school functioning.  The school serves 188 students, ranging in age from 5 to 15 years.  Most of the students are orphans and as such they do not have money to pay school fees, buy uniforms or pay for food.  Despite this overwhelming need, I found the children to be joyous and engaged.  They were excited to share their classrooms with the team and they showed us their work.  Their pride was also evident in the reception that they had prepared.  They sang many songs for the team, some of which were original compilations about malaria and Buy-a-Net.  For those of you who know me well, you know that this tugged at my heart strings.  I have been known to pen a few original educational songs myself and have found over the years that the students not only enjoy singing them but they remember them years later.  Many team members brought donations and the teachers and children were delighted to receive them.  They will be well used and greatly appreciated.  A tip of the hat to Christopher and his teachers.  They have filled a void in these children's lives and have helped to ensure that they will have a better future.