Update from Soroti, Uganda – Rethinking school together

Something special is being created in Soroti, in eastern Uganda: a school that not only provides education, but also offers a sense of belonging, protection and prospects for the future. St Padre Pio School is not only growing in terms of space, but also in its ambition to do justice to all children – with and without disabilities.

Renovation completed: More space, better conditions

A central school building with three spacious classrooms, a staff room and offices has been extensively renovated in recent weeks. Thanks to new windows, doors, roof and plaster work as well as simple but functional furniture, up to 180 children will be able to learn here in future. The building will be officially opened in the coming days – a moment of joy for pupils, teachers and the village community.

Work has also been done on the infrastructure: A solar-powered water pump secures the supply, rainwater tanks have been installed and the first steps towards a permanent power supply have been taken.

Inclusion as the next goal: A place for all children

The next important step is the construction of a facility for children with mental or physical disabilities – directly on the grounds of the existing school. The vision: a protected learning and living space that not only enables inclusion, but actively promotes it.

The idea is to create a spacious U-shaped building at ground level with bedrooms, creative areas, classrooms and barrier-free sanitary facilities. Children should not only be taught here, but also supported in their entirety – with space for play, handicraft activities, gardening, music, theatre or dance.

Particularly important: children with and without disabilities should share as many everyday moments as possible – eating together, playing together, learning together. Simple measures with a big impact for togetherness at eye level.

Challenges: Sleeping places, electricity, security

In addition to the planned facilities, there are still major challenges: Around 110 of the 350 pupils are currently sleeping in classrooms or provisionally in an empty office. A separate dormitory is urgently needed – ideally as part of the new inclusion building or as an extension.

The power supply is also only partially stable, and some solar system components need to be replaced or overhauled. In addition, simple safety measures such as covering open water ditches are needed to prevent accidents.

Perspective: A strong signal for Soroti and beyond

We don’t just want to build ‘another school’. Our aim is to create a model project for inclusion in a region where children with disabilities are often still excluded. The new building should set an example – for dignity, participation and equality.

Of course, there are still many unanswered questions: about room layout, staffing and operating costs. However, initial calculations show that it is possible to provide care, catering and medical care with manageable resources.

A joint project with the Order of the Little Sisters of St. Francis
This project is being realised in close cooperation with the Order of the Little Sisters of St. Francis, who have been active in Soroti for many years and are highly committed to education, social justice and medical care. Their local roots and wealth of experience are invaluable for the success and sustainability of the project.

We are committed to it – with conviction and support.

The development of the school in Soroti is an example of what is possible when many people work together to create a better future. With creativity, commitment – and with your help.

Your donation will support our inclusive school construction project in Uganda. Thank you very much!