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The Rushararazi area north of Rukungiri overlooks the Western arm of the Rift Valley. Against the backdrop of the Congolese mountains, overlooking the Rift Valley the hippos wallow in the waters in the river below and baboons lazily sit and watch the day go by. This location is simply stunning.
However, due to severe drought, the harvests have failed for many seasons in succession and a result some families make do with one meal a day. Water and money are scarce and the majority of parents cannot afford school fees. Children have no shoes and many of the clothes that they wear have holes.
2023 marks a new chapter for Mission Direct in Rukungiri as we relocate to a new project in a new location.
Every child deserves an education. Every child in Uganda values education above everything else, as each one knows that their future is determined by whether or not they remain at school!
Unfortunately, the news is not good. Over 35% of children drop out of secondary school for a host of reasons. Primarily, poverty is the main cause. However, other factors are also significant, whether they be individual, family, school or community related.
Girls are less likely to attend school regularly for cultural, economic and physical reasons. Girls are likely to attend school less or completely drop out during their menstrual cycle with thousands of girls not returning. Many are too embarrassed or feel ashamed in front of others due to a lack of education on sanitation & hygiene. Secondly, there is often in-adequate infrastructure and resources available at school to ensure that whilst these girls continue to learn, they can get all the help and support they need.
Therefore, in 2023, Mission Direct will be working at a secondary school in Rukungiri with the primary aim of constructing a bathing/changing room facility with toilets specifically for these girls. Those of you who would like to try your hand at bricklaying, plastering or painting are very welcome. No prior experience required. Those of you with teaching skills will have the opportunity to spend time in nurturing the girls in ways of sanitation & hygiene. Training both the girls and teachers in the making of reusable pads will make such a difference to the school and the future lives of each one of the girls. They deserve it!
Head off to Queen Elizabeth national park deep in the Rift Valley and search for amazing wildlife! A highlight of the trip will be a boat journey on the Kazinga Channel – which is a birdwatchers’ paradise. We will end the day in African culture style as we enjoy dinner together at the local lodge.
The teams in Uganda Rukungiri have been doing an incredible job. Here are a few of the most recent stories and stats from the projects...
classrooms for various community schools
Dormitories at Kitazigurukwa School
Rehabilitation centre for children with special needs
Orientation days and reunion days are included to help you get the most from your trip.