HUGO (pictured above) and CORNELIA L. are from Austria and and proud repeat supporters of St. Peter’s Primary School.
How did you first discover St. Peter´s Primary School?
We visited Uganda in February 2025 and as part of our itinerary we came to Lake Mutanda. During our stay there, we undertook a village tour/walk with a local guide arranged by our accommodation. That walk included a visit to a medicine man and to a lady producing local handicraft.
On the way back, we passed St. Peter’s Primary School by chance, and as it was late afternoon, the school day was finishing and and a lot of children of all ages were milling around. Since we like to make contact with locals, we stopped.
Some children approached us, others were more shy. I still remember a small one who took my hand and did not let go. They were ever so sweet. We came to talk to one of the teachers and headmaster. Then the headmaster called them to order. They formed lines, and we got to introduce ourselves and the headmaster asked the children to repeat our names, where we came from, etc and they did that in a chorus. They sang and danced for us. It was ever so lovely and we were truly impressed by the warmth and enthusiasm of the teachers.
Why did you decide to support the school financially?
It was obvious that the school needed support. The headmaster explained that the school is a private one, expenses are covered by the parents, which obviously is not easy. For example, with regard to lunch arrangements, some parents are able to pay for lunch prepared at the school kitchen, others bring their own food while others have to walk home for lunch. As the number of children has steadily been increasing, there is an urgent need to provide additional space and to build more classrooms to accommodate all children. Additional classes are organized in the church (a simple wooden structure) but this is far from ideal, since children of different grades have to share the same room which makes proper teaching a challenge. Because of the noise level, it is difficult for the children to listen and concentrate.
We felt supporting this school is a very worthy cause. We could see for ourselves the great needs and the poverty of many children, while at the same time the teachers tried their best, were motivated and inspiring. Without a proper school education, what chances do the children have? A good education is the basis and a condition for the children to advance in life. We also felt that our donations will be put to good use and that we could trust the school management. Also, the fact that the school is run by the parents who try their best according to their abilities to give their children the chance to attend school, deserves full support and is highly commendable.
GoFundMe definitely makes it easier to contribute repeatedly.
Maybe the school could try to apply to different charity organizations like the United Nations Women’s Guild, or maybe OXFAM. I am not sure which other organizations could be approached. Lake Mutanda does not yet receive so many visitors, but the hotels could be approached so to also promote supporting the school. We just passed by chance, but a local village tour could automatically include a visit to the school – that could maybe increase interest and support in the school.
Do you feel you receive good value for your support and feedback from the school?
Yes, we receive the Newsletter which is quite appealing and well done.
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