SOS Schools in Uganda

SOS Nursery School Kakiri

The nursery school has on whole run smoothly through out the year. The teachers fully committed themselves to training the little boys and girls and as a result most of them have displayed much more confidence and abilities than when they first enrolled at the nursery school. It was wonderful to note that by the end of 2008, the most of the children in the lowest nursery class class (Class 1) could read three letter words. Additionally the involvement of parents in the children’s learning proved to be a very important tool in every child’s life. The parent-teacher meetings have enabled the implementation of most planned programmes as parents were always informed of the happenings at the nursery school and they were able to make good suggestions on how to effectively run the programmes.

 

The nursery school arranged open days and open house. These are days put aside to show what is taught to the children. Parents and the public as well as neighbouring schools are encouraged to attend. This year open house took place in July and the turn up was very good. For the first time a joint sports day was held with five other neighbouring nursery schools. It turned out successful and there was a proposal among all the head teachers to make this an annual event aimed at strengthening the relationship of all the nursery school in the locality.

 

Additional learning support was given to weak/ slow learners. Every morning the teachers take some extra time to go through concepts that the children have not understood the previous day. For the children from the SOS Children's Village Kakiri afternoons were dedicated to this extra help. This helped the children who had just come into the village to learn how to read in a short time.

 

Two big workshops for the teachers were held at the nursery school under the themes developing concepts into the young ones and new ways to thematic approach. These greatly stimulated changes in the style of teaching as the teachers found them very instrumental in their day to day teaching. Furthermore, the staff visited the Montessori Nursery School in Kampala and from this they learnt new and different styles of class materials use.

 

A donation of books was received at the nursery school. These boosted the importance of the newly opened resource room. Because of this, the teachers were able to start the reading scheme with the highest level class (i.e. Class 3). This class was used as a pilot class and we are glad to report that the practice works out well. It was suggested that next year the middle level class (i.e. Class 2) begins the practice. We hope it too will be a success. The school year came to a close with a fabulous concert entitled Shaka Zulu. Children displayed their talents and the parents turn up was wonderful. Everybody enjoyed themselves.

 

Plans for 2009

• To extend the reading scheme practice that started in 2008 to another class.

 

 

Kakiri Primary and Secondary School

The combined SOS Primary and Secondary School opened in 1991. There are about 390 pupils - 260 primary and 130 secondary - in 16 classes.  By the close of year, there were 130 students in the secondary section while 255 were in the primary (elementary) section.

In line with the emphasis by the Ugandan government on teaching science subjects in schools, new teachers were recruited to meet this need. With the newly equipped laboratory already in place, we are hoping this will be a success.  Also to equip the teachers with better teaching skills and methods, two teachers have enrolled for higher studies at a local university. Additionally, different workshops were attended by the teachers’ e.g. how to drive concepts into the young children. Another workshop under the theme new thematic curriculum was organised by government officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports.

In an effort to maintain a good education standard as well as assist weak students, continuous assessment was done through out the year. This was done by the teachers who gave the students tests/ examinations, homework and class work. Teachers also offered remedial assistance to students who needed extra help to enable them understand better the various topics thus improve their performance to enable them compete more favorably with the stronger students.

Besides the usual classroom routine, a lot of co-curricular activities were organised for the children. The school emphasizes these programmes because they help in developing the children’s social skills. Under sports, the children took part in the inter-schools athletics competitions and were able to reach the county level; they also took part in net/ football zonal competitions. Furthermore they participated in a trans-cultural, participative, art educational project dabbed UGATRA – Uganda Austrian Transfer, with a local University; Makerere University and students from the Austrian Secondary schools as well as the University of Applied Arts Vienna.

On a good note, during his visit to the school in March, the SOS Children President made a donation of computers and a broadband internet connection. Once in place, this will enhance computer studies and at the same time broaden the students’ and teachers source of information on various topics and subjects.

Plans for 2009:

• Provide extra academic support to children supported by the Family Strengthening Programme
• Select needy children to benefit from the school sponsorship programme
• Hold workshops for teachers to increase their knowledge and practice of positive discipline

 

SOS Nursery School Entebbe

An integrated educational system of the highest quality is critically important for the future of SOS children, families and communities around. SOS Nursery School Entebbe is one school that provides early childhood learning programmes that ensures that children begin school well and enjoy it. In 2008 the nursery school had a total of 88 children attending school, 37 of which were children from the SOS Children's Village Entebbe (27 boys and 10 girls) whereas 51 comprised of children from the community (21 boys and 30 girls). The nursery school has three classes managed by 6 teachers and two support staff.

 

The teaching process in 2008 was guided by a number of themes which included; home and family, animals, plants and transport as well as education trips. The children visited a number of animal and plant sites and other related study centers in a bid to enhance their class room learning.  Among the places visited was Didi’s world amusement park in Kampala and Kabanyolo agricultural research centre. These centers provide a lot of learning avenues for children while at the same time giving them an opportunity to play and enjoy. To this day, the children are able to retell what they saw, recall information about what they were being told, and are able to recall names of animals seen and plants.

 

The school has adopted a rich curriculum to support the different skill development of the children. Some of the areas they studied are story telling, library time, jolly phonics, numeracy, creative skills, television time, environmental studies, and social etiquette. All these have greatly improved the behaviors and skills of the children. The school proudly reports that a number of children have good impulse control, majority of them are able to stand in a line, raise their hands and wait for their turn. The skills development of the children is not only academics but, also learned and grown socially, they are able to share and play with children of their age.

 

Parent engagement is an essential component of the school’s activities. SOS mothers have been very instrumental in giving feedback to the teachers about the progress of the children. The annual general meeting, sports day, teacher/parent conferences, musical presentations and annual graduation ceremony are some of the most exciting moments that the mothers, communities and staff at the village look out for in a year. The parents are particularly concerned about seeing their children actively involved in the various activities. The annual graduation day provides an opportunity for teachers and parents to meet and interact. It’s considered one of the most exciting moments for the children. This year, 29 children in a colorful ceremony held at nursery school and will join primary one in 2009.

 

Plans for 2009

• To enroll 30 children from the community into the daycare
• To train teachers more inn early childhood learning

 

SOS Nursery School Gulu

Planned to open in 2009