SNV Report Praises AR School Garden Project

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is a non-profit international development organisation that we are lucky enough to partner with in Northern Uganda. They have just published their  Uganda Report for the year, entitled “Promoting Inclusive solutions 2014-2015”, and in it they have praised the success of our school garden project in Paminyai Primary School! It is great to hear that students involved in the project have been able to grow and sell lots of vegetables from their school garden, with profits split amongst pupils (many have been able to buy school materials and contribute towards their school fees), the school pupils’ club and the school itself.

You can download and read the full report here

School Demonstration Gardens Launch

March 3rd was a very exciting day for AR as we launched our new School Demonstration Gardens (SDG) project! The grand launch in Amuru, Northern Uganda brought together almost 100 project stakeholders – including representatives from our partner schools, district officers and the Chief Administrative Officer of the district.

As the day got underway Colleen (CEO) gave an overview of AR’s history, objectives and activities. Francis (Livelihoods Project Co-ordinator) then explained how the project will work and what we hope to achieve.

Over 3 years, the project will help 700 direct and 3,500 indirect beneficiaries through increased food security. Supported by our field-based agricultural officers, the parent and student led gardens will enable the whole community to learn more about nutrition, increase their entrepreneurial know-how and gain agricultural skills whilst growing nutritious crops. These skills will enable families to maximise their own yields at home and share their knowledge with others.

Everything we do at AR is motivated by our aim to improve access to, and quality of, education. We all know no-one can concentrate on an empty stomach; many children in Northern Uganda walk considerable distances to school every day under the hot sun without eating during the day. Some of the crops produced from the project will therefore contribute towards feeding students nutritious midday meals. This will increase their concentration and energy levels, positively impacting their academic performance. Moreover, the project will also bring parents’ into their children’s school more frequently, increasing their involvement with their children’s education. Parents’ presence on school property will also decrease teacher absenteeism and lateness, keeping them accountable.

We have already successfully implemented similar school garden projects in neighbouring districts (Abim, Nwoya and Agago) where groups have successfully produced coffee, rice and vegetables. Head teacher Walter Oduch from Paminyai Primary school explained how the garden project had helped his school at the launch. His school garden’s meals increased attendance from 315 students in 2012 to a whopping 708 students in 2015. Since implementing the garden, students’ test scores improved and more students than ever achievied top band grades.

The project was officially launched by the district’s Chief Administrative Officer who praised the programme, saying that “agriculture is key for development in this region; it is a pertinent area of investment in this district because agriculture is so important to Uganda”. He further echoed the programme’s benefits, agreeing that “a healthy mind needs food, and food is needed to sustain children, and keep them focused”. We are very thankful for the support and cooperation of the district’s officials in implementing this programme.

In true Ugandan style, the day finished with a hearty late lunch, giving guests an opportunity to mingle and speak to AR representatives in an informal setting. The next phase of this programme will involve mobilising parents and students to commence agricultural training. Here in Uganda, we are eagerly awaiting the imminent rains, so that planting may soon begin – as always, we will be bringing you updates along the way!

Thank you to the Bestseller Fund for funding this project.

Volunteer Interview – Jade

Ever wondered what it’s like to volunteer with African Revival? Wonder no more! Over the next few weeks, we’re going to bring you interviews with our current volunteers, both in the UK and overseas, so you can find out exactly what our volunteers get up to and why their contribution to our work is so important.

Today, we’re talking to Jade Beakhouse – our Fundraising & Communications Volunteer based in our Gulu, Uganda office.  Jade grew up in Africa, where she quickly developed a passion for international development – particularly gender issues. She recently completed a Master’s Degree in Humanitarian Studies at LSTM, during which time she conducted her dissertation research in Chad

How long have you been volunteering with African Revival?

I have been volunteering with AR in Gulu, Uganda for just over one month; I will be here until August 2015.

Have you ever volunteered before?

I have volunteered a fair bit in the past in Thailand, Mexico and Chad, as well as within the UK for several charitable organizations.

What made you get involved with African Revival originally?

I had just graduated from my Master’s in Humanitarian Studies, and was keen to pursue a career in International Development – which is a very competitive sector. When I saw a volunteering opportunity arise with AR in Uganda, it seemed like a great – and exciting – way to gain more experience within an international NGO whose key vision mirrored my own interests.

What kind of activities have you been involved in at AR?

At the moment, several new projects have just launched in Uganda, and so I have been spending a great deal of time visiting projects and attending community meetings. During these visits, I take photographs, collect data and conduct interviews so I can write up news reports and profiles of AR’s activities; this ensures that the UK fundraising team can give supporters regular updates on AR’s projects.

When I am in the office, I am often scouring local newspapers and websites for Ugandan-based calls for proposals, and looking out for good education stories and relevant research papers which can be used by the fundraising and comms team.

What’s the best thing about working with AR?

The first thing which struck me about AR is how lovely and kind everyone is, and so it is a very supportive environment to work in.

With my role, I feel very fortunate that I am able to spend lots of time in the field, and can experience first-hand how AR’s projects are benefitting children and communities. It is always so exciting to meet our partners and hear people’s stories!

What’s the most challenging thing about working with AR?

I haven’t come across any significant challenges (yet!), but at times, the internet connection in Gulu can be quite poor and so small tasks, like sending an e-mail, can take a long time which can really slow down my productivity!

If you’d like to apply to volunteer with us, check out Volunteers page to see our current vacancies.

Jumpstart! Teacher Profile – Petra

Petra has been a nursery school teacher for 3 years. She took up a K3 teaching post at St.Kizito Bidati Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre in the Nwoya District of Northern Uganda in February 2015. Petra, who is married with two children, loves her students:

“I think dealing with young children is a special gift from God. I feel I am gifted by God, because even when I didn’t have my own children, I had a real love for children. So I know I can look after my students correctly. I take good care of them because they are still young; they get scared sometimes, and need special attention so that they can grow up well.”

Thanks to Jumpstart!, Petra was recently able to complete a training course and achieve her ECD certificate:

“I have wanted to get a certificate in ECD, but the first time I was studying, I had to drop out for financial reasons. The second time I tried to gain my certificate, my mother fell sick, and I had to take care of her and give her financial assistance so I could not afford to finish my training. I didn’t think I would get another chance to get ECD training because I didn’t have any money. I am so pleased I am finally able to complete my studies!”

What has been the most significant thing you have learnt through this training course?

“I enjoyed this week so much; it really uplifted me. Before, I had no knowledge of lesson planning, and writing good timetables for the children. Now, I have gained a new style of lesson planning, and structuring the school day. I have also learnt how to handle the children, and the importance of showing them love and care; we should pay attention to each and every child in the classroom. I am confident that what I have learnt here will make me a very good teacher, because now I know what I should be doing in my classroom; this training will guide me in how I look after the children now, and how to speak to their parents to encourage them in helping their children to develop well.”

What is your greatest hope for your young students?

“I am teaching K3, I would like them to continue behaving in an orderly manner, so that they will be well prepared, and equipped to enter P3. When they progress to primary school, I hope that they won’t get disorganized, but that they will be good students. I would like to continue tracking their progress, and encourage them so that they will be good Ugandan citizens.”

We have been delighted to offer dedicated and caring teachers such as Petra the opportunity to complete ECD training. We believe that with committed and nurturing teachers, young children will be able to thrive in their nurseries; as such, it looks like Petra’s students are in very good hands!

Jumpstart! Update – Anaka Nursery School

Established in 2012, Anaka Nursery School is located in Northern Uganda’s Nwoya district and consists of two classes: K1 and K2 (serving around 110 enrolled students). Many nursery schools include a K3 class but the school’s head-teacher, Lily Rose, indicated that the pupils have been doing so well that most are ready for primary school after K2. The school has a room for each class; both are basic and simply furnished, but brightened by posters, colourful chalk on the blackboards, and pupils’ drawings proudly displayed by teachers.

In K1, 70 brand new pupils are adjusting well to their new routine, sitting politely on small wooden chairs, awaiting instructions from their teacher, Evelyn. As the class spends the morning learning new songs and dances, the children are clearly enchanted by Evelyn’s enthusiasm and gentleness. Although the classroom is rather dark, the children’s joyful singing lights up the space. Later, the pupils are given colouring and drawing activities, and they work well together as they huddle over their tables to complete their tasks.

Evelyn, trained in Early Childhood Development, loves to teach and shared that her favourite part of the job is singing and dancing with the children: “I have always wanted to be a nursery teacher and so I really enjoy spending my days with the children; we have a wonderful time together”.

As the Ugandan government does not pay the salaries of nursery school teachers, parents must pay school fees to ensure that committed teachers like Evelyn can remain employed. At Anaka, parents even contribute funds to provide nursery children with a filling lunchtime meal. One parent commented; “we are willing to work hand in hand with the school to ensure that our children do well in their classes”.

Although several hours spent in Evelyn’s classroom highlighted her excellent credentials as a teacher, she says that it is difficult to plan stimulating lessons and give children the best academic support when she has so few materials at her disposal. Anaka is limited by insufficient resources; children must share exercise books and pens, and they lack engaging learning tools needed to maximise their learning and development.

At African Revival, we want to see children offered the best start in life which is why Jumpstart! is working alongside nursery schools to equip classrooms with teaching materials and resources, enabling teachers to plan creative and academically sound lessons. We will also be building an outdoor play-area, where children will be able to develop their social skills in a safe and exciting atmosphere.

As part of the Jumpstart!, African Revival recently hosted a community sensitization meeting at Anaka, which communicated the importance of Early Childhood Development to parents and care-givers, with an record turn-out of 203! In Uganda, 29% students ultimately drop out of school because of their parents’ lack of interest in their education, so seeing so many parents fully committed to their young children’s development is a real joy and encouragement. We believe that with the support of the school leadership, parents, care-givers and Jumpstart!, each child at Anaka has every chance to succeed in nursery school, primary school and beyond.

#OurPartners Update – Sam Newman’s Dog Sledding Diary

This month at African Revival, we’re focusing on ‪#‎Jumpstart‬ (our nursery education project in Uganda) – we’ll be reporting back to you with pictures and feedback from the students, parents and teachers involved with the project. We’ll also be focusing on #OurPartners – telling you more about the amazing people we partner with, and letting you know how your organisation or company can get involved in our work.

We’ve got a very exciting #OurPartners update for you today! Long-term African Revival fundraiser and A&A Group employee Sam Newman took to the Swedish wilderness to raise funds for us in January, and he was kind enough to keep a journal throughout his mad 112km dog-sledding adventure.

Check out Sam’s journal here: Sam Newman’s Dog Sledding Journal

His fantastic fundraising efforts were also featured in the Richmond & Twickenham Times – well done Sam!

If or your company would like to take on an exciting fundraising challenge event for African Revival, you can! Click here for our full list of current challenge events (including Kilimanjaro 2016!) or contact us on 020 8939 3190, e-mail info@africanrevival.org or tweet us @african_revival with the hashtag #OurPartners to talk through your own challenge event idea.

Jumpstart! Update – ECD Training Closing Ceremony

It’s official, ten of our Jumpstart! nursery teachers have now completed their ECD training week!

On Friday 27^th February, we were thrilled to join the teachers at the closing ceremony of the course. The teaching college’s resident principal, tutors, as well as AR staff (including our CEO Colleen Yuen) were all on hand to congratulate the group on their well-deserved achievement, and offer words of encouragement as the teachers return to their respective nursery classrooms across the Nwoya district.

The resident-principal, in his rousing speech, assured the teachers that the Ugandan government now recognizes ECD as the first formal stage of education, and so their new certificates in ECD will be well-respected. Indeed, during the past week, the teachers studied five modules which exposed them to ECD policy; principles, aims, and benefits of ECD within the context of Uganda. Practically, the group learnt about learning frameworks, lesson planning, and creative material production schemes.

As a result of undertaking this comprehensive training, Richard Ayella, our Education Programme Co-coordinator, encouraged the teachers:

“My hope and my expectation is that you won’t leave this teaching college the same; I have no doubt that you have transformed as teachers. Let me assure you that you will conclude this academic year as excellent teachers; you will be the standard that the community and parents will expect to see everywhere”.

However, teachers will not be alone in their efforts to improve their nursery classrooms. In our Jumpstart! partner schools, our field workers, Maxwell and Monica, are on hand to offer support and help to all our caregivers as they strive to provide the best learning environment possible for their young students.

As the ceremony drew to a close, we were delighted to hear from one of the teachers, Sunday, who passionately addressed his fellow teachers:

“People think it is useless to be a nursery teacher if you are male, but I have found that it is the perfect fit for my skills. I have done lots of different teacher training, but I have learnt many new things here.”

“The certificate which we have gained is not important in itself, the most important thing is the knowledge we have gained. Teachers, put your training actively into practice. This training has greatly improved our skills, and now, the knowledge we have acquired, let’s show it to other teachers so that they too can learn. Let’s demonstrate our lesson planning skills, and the way we feed and care for our pupils to other teachers”.

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Once again, we extend our hearty congratulations to the teachers, and we look forward to visiting them in their classrooms soon as we work together to transform nurseries across Northern Uganda.

School Demonstration Gardens Update

On Tuesday 24^th February, our livelihoods team in Gulu visited the annual Food Council Meeting in Amuru to discuss the launch of our brand-new school demonstration garden project, for which we have partnered with the wonderful Bestseller Fund. As a result of this meeting with district staff and local government members, we are very excited to announce that the project will be officially launching on Tuesday 3^rd of March!

Over the past few weeks, our team has been rigorously assessing and liaising with schools in the project area, and have now selected 15 government and community-led primary schools across the Amuru district, with whom we will be partnering for the next three years.

African Revival will be working closely alongside these schools to build a garden on their sites and create farmer groups. With the support of our agricultural field officers, the farmer groups will choose appropriate crops to plant and receive regular agricultural training to maximise their harvest yield. You can find out more about our school demonstration garden projects, and their many benefits here: https://africanrevival.org/what-we-do/uganda/livelihoods/

Next week’s eagerly awaited launch will be attended by representatives from our partner schools (including teachers), district officers, the district education officer, the chief administrative officer, the resident district commissioner, the political head of the district, and many more including our very own CEO, Colleen Yuen. We now have a busy but exciting few days ahead of us as we prepare for the launch, which will be held at Amuru’s District Headquarters.

We look forward to bringing you highlights of the big day next week!

Welcome Patrick!

We are very pleased to announce a new addition to the African Revival family! Please welcome Patrick Ocaka, our new Administrative Assistant/Agricultural Field Officer.  

Patrick completed a six-month internship at African Revival in 2014 before joining the team full-time in January 2015, based at the field office in the Amuru district. Patrick is passionate about agriculture, and is delighted to be currently working on our Bestseller project where he is instrumental in ensuring the smooth implementation of the programme, through providing administrative and technical support in the field.

Coincidently, Patrick’s primary school teacher was actually our education co-ordinator Richard, and he even met African Revival’s founder (Tony Allen) on several occasions as a child! Outside of work, Patrick enjoys reading novels, watching football, and attending church gatherings.