Activities supported by the Nando Peretti Foundation grant
Books Open The World (BOTW) received a grant from the Nando Peretti Foundation for EUR 11,600. The funding is directed at three initiatives:
1) adult literacy classes in Rutoro, Rukiga, and English;
2) tutor programs;
3) scholarships.
Support was for 2 years of literacy and tutor programs and 4 years for scholarships. The grant from the Nando Peretti Foundation supports the following programs for BOTW:
Adult Literacy Classes
We are excited about all of literacy programs. So far, we have the following classes available to community members:
- Nkingo Community Library — since January 2007; with 39 students; Rukiga 3x/wk
- Kigarama Community Library — since January 2007; with 16 students; Rutoro 3x/wk, English 1x/wk
- Kanyawara Primary School, Ibura — since April 2007; with 46 students; Rutoro 2x/wk, English 2x/wk
- Kibale Women's Club, Kanyawara — Rutoro 1x/wk, English 2x/wk
- Ruteete — since May 2007;with 46 students for Ruteete 3x/week, 18 students for English 1x/week; forthcoming Rutoro
Tutor Program
Community members had become concerned with student drop-out rates in primary schools (150-180 pupils in P1 and only 25 remain in P7). Because of the school system, classrooms are overcrowded, there is little time for explanation, limited or no teaching or learning materials, chores at home, and other obstacles, children commonly fall behind.
To address this pressing issue, the Foundation began a tutoring program. The grant allows tutoring programs for 3 primary schools for 2 years. During school holiday we started cooperation with Mituuli primary school (Ruteete) and Kigarama primary school. In Mituuli 6 teachers worked 4 hrs/day, for 3 weeks with P5-P7 classes to help students with learning problems. In Kigarama we had 4 teachers who worked with P6 and P7 during holiday. When the school will start (on 21th May), the remedial teaching will start one hour before school officialy starts for P5-7 for both Kigarama and Mituuli, and Kanyawara school join them. We will continue to monitor the progress of those pupils who participate in the tutor programs.
- Ruteete – Mituuli Primary School, 6 teachers help grades P5-P7
- Kigarama – Kigarama Primary School, 4 teachers help grades P6-P7.
- Kanyawara – Kanyawara Primary School
Secondary School Scholarships for Girls
Through the Nando Peretti Grant, the Foundation has received enough funds to provide scholarships to 14 girls for secondary education. Those who are supported are orphans or from extremely poor families, and would otherwise not have the opportunity to continue in school. We are excited to provide their support in education. Three of the girls are at schools in Fort Portal and eleven are enrolled in the Kigarama Talents High School.
- 11 girls supported with school fees at Kigarama Talents High School