In a world that appears increasingly unpredictable, we can derive some comfort in knowing that there are still a few precious places untouched by today’s malice and cynicism. Places of quiet accomplishment and humble rewards. Places where young people are quick to smile and where their laughter is contagious. Of course, we are speaking about St. Peter’s Primary School in Mukozi, Uganda.
This past November, 20 graduating students (9 females and 11 males) at St. Peter’s wrote the national P.L.E. (Primary Leaving Examination). Once again, ALL of St. Peter’s students passed this exam. Students were tested in the following subject areas: English, Science, Social Studies (Geography, History, Religion), and Mathematics. In each of these subject areas, they were awarded an aggregate score based on their work. From this aggregate score, they were awarded a division or grade. DIV 1-4. Though it does not 100% translate, a DIV 1 would be an “A”, DIV 2 – a “B”, DIV 3 – a “C”, and a DIV 4 – a “D”.
St. Peter’s Primary School students achieved: 1 student DIV 1, 16 students DIV 2, and 3 students DIV 3.
There are 15 other primary schools in this particular area of Uganda. Some have been in existence for 30 years or more. St. Peter’s opened its doors just 7 years ago. Its consistent record of academic success has made St. Peter’s a very popular school to be enrolled in. It’s no wonder their classrooms are overcrowded with students eager to learn.
The photo above was taken on February 2. L-R: Krizanti (head of the Parent Council) holding a mattress, the top student who scored a DIV 1 on his exam, the student’s proud mother, and the headmaster of the school. The mattress is a very practical gift for the top student to take with him to his high school. The closest high school is not walking distance from home and there are no buses. This student will need to leave home and be boarded at the high school if he is to continue his education.
Tomorrow another school year begins at St. Peter’s Primary School. If you would like to support the work of this small and ambitious little school in Uganda, please consider making a donation to the school’s GoFundMe page. Your funds will go a long way to assist the efforts of the students and their parents as well as the hard working teaching staff of the school. Thank you for your consideration and support.
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