About the school:

The Katikara Community School is a private school run by the pastor of a local church.  The school provides education for nursery and primary grades (Kindergarten – 7th grade).   Boarding is offered.  It is one of the few schools that accept children with disabilities or who are HIV positive. This region is where the Ugandan government relocates displaced persons to make room for international oil development. 

School Demographics

• There are 415 students. 147 boys and girls board, including disabled students and AIDS orphans.

• Grades kindergarten through 7th are provided.

• There are 13 teachers and 7 non-teaching staff. There are currently 3 volunteers with more needed.

• The day school fees run from 35,000 to 60,000 USh per semester, depending on grade.  Additional funding is provided by the directors, church and community.

• Boarding fees are 250,000 USh per semester, including tuition.

• Repayment rates: a large percentage of the students are unable to pay tuition.

Information

• The school is directed by Pastor Mukiga and his wife.  Pastor Mukiga is a local pastor, directs the school, operates a small scale farm and runs a commercial shop in the local Katikara trading center.

• Daughter, Nyangoma Agness, provides records and information management.  She has a degree in library and information science.  She is fluent in English and handles communication with those of us who do not speak the local language.  I believe this to be a volunteer position on her part and that she has a job elsewhere.

• Special Education: There are four disabled students.  (One of the students is on crutches, another doesn’t seem to be able to walk at all.)  

• There are two matrons and one watchman on duty at night.

• Water is sourced from a shallow well.

• The school has a garden to help supplement food and to help the children to have a better diet.