Laura Stanford Primary School: a beacon of hope in  Amolatar, Uganda

article by Joan Ivy Amunga (Charity Ambassador)

Laura Stanford Primary School, situated in the rural district of Amolatar in Uganda, has recently undergone significant improvements aimed at enhancing the educational environment for its students. The project primarily focused on the construction of a durable kitchen and storage facility, addressing a critical need that arose when the previous mud kitchen collapsed beyond repair. This initiative is one of several undertaken to elevate the school’s infrastructure and educational offerings.

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History and Mission

The school operates under SORD Uganda, a non-profit NGO founded by Omara Moses, a native of Amolatar. Moses’s vision has always been to provide affordable and quality education to orphans and children from disadvantaged families in his home village. The school’s mission is “to provide cheap and quality education for all,” encapsulated by its motto, “Where everybody is somebody.”

The area surrounding Amolatar is predominantly agricultural, with many residents engaged in farming and fishing. These economic activities, however, do not translate into significant wealth, making affordable education crucial for the community’s progress. Since SORD Uganda acquired the school and additional adjacent land, several developments have been made to enhance its capacity and facilities.

Pre and post construction impact of the kitchen

Before the new kitchen was built, Laura Stanford Primary School faced severe infrastructural challenges. The mud kitchen, an essential facility for preparing meals for the students, had deteriorated to the point of collapse, making it impossible to use. This situation posed a significant risk to the school’s operations, especially given the need to provide meals for over 400 children.

The construction of the new kitchen marked a significant transformation. The modern kitchen employs energy-saving technology, which has allowed the school to efficiently prepare enough food for the current 300 students, significantly reducing energy consumption. This upgrade not only improves the students’ daily experience but also ensures that meal preparation is safer and more sustainable.

The new kitchen has had a profound impact on the school community. By ensuring timely and efficient meal preparation, the kitchen supports the overall health and well-being of the students, which is critical for their academic performance and physical development. Additionally, the project has instilled a sense of hope and progress within the community, demonstrating tangible improvements in the school’s infrastructure.

Looking ahead, Laura Stanford Primary School has ambitious plans to further enhance its facilities. These include the construction of six additional classrooms, an office, restrooms, two hostels for boys and girls, staff quarters, and a perimeter wall for security. These projects aim to provide a more comprehensive and supportive educational environment, catering to both the academic and personal needs of the students.

Challenges faced and overcome during construction

The construction projects at Laura Stanford Primary School have not been without challenges. Significant issues included price fluctuations of building materials, transportation difficulties, and high costs. These obstacles were managed through a supplementary budget provided by SORD Uganda, which covered the excess costs and allowed for the hiring of trucks to transport materials. The community’s resilience and the support from SORD Uganda were crucial in overcoming these hurdles.

Funding needs and benefits of donor support

The ongoing development projects at Laura Stanford Primary School require continued financial support. Solicited funds are needed for further construction, stocking the library, providing sanitary and safety supplies for girls, and restocking the school’s sick bay with essential medicines. These improvements are critical for creating a safe, supportive, and resource-rich learning environment.

By supporting these projects, donors help eradicate illiteracy, transform children into productive citizens, and create employment opportunities for over 50 people within the community, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation. The funds collected will also be used to support the next project for Laura Stanford Primary School which is the construction of six classrooms, an office, and restrooms. These additions are vital to accommodate the growing number of students and to provide a conducive learning environment. The expansion plans reflect the school’s commitment to offering quality education and improving the overall educational infrastructure.

Laura Stanford Primary School stands as a beacon of hope and progress in Amolatar, Uganda. With a clear mission to provide affordable, quality education to all, the school has made significant strides in improving its facilities and expanding its capacity. The support from donors and the dedication of SORD Uganda have been instrumental in these achievements. As the school continues to grow and develop, it remains committed to its mission of transforming lives through education and community empowerment.

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