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In the summer of 2009, The Ssubi Foundation constructed new teacher quarters and a library for Lela Obaro Primary School in Gulu, Uganda.
Another school infrastructure project completed in a record time of 30 days. The Ssubi Foundation and a dedicated team of workers constructed four teacher accommodations, including private shower, latrine and cookhouse for each unit. In addition, each unit was furnished with sitting area, beds, side tables, shelves and solar lights. One of the issue's facing the education system in Gulu District is a lack of teacher housing, resulting in absenteeism due to teachers commuting long distances and also resulting as a deterrent for attracting higher quality teachers. In addition to the teacher quarters, bikes were donated to the school to assist those teacher still commuting long distances to the school.
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This summer The Ssubi Foundation also built the first primary school library in Gulu District in honor of Richard Theriault. The library, a stand alone building was furnished with a librarian desk, tables and chairs, book shelves, solar lights and full set of Uganda National Curriculum text books, teaching guides and readers for primary school. Previously the library was set up in a classroom, which will now be used as a student classroom reducing the number of classes being held in temporary structures.
We were honored this summer to have a number of visitors and volunteers from Canada visit us on site. Kenna volunteered early on and was there for the start of building, she enjoyed her time team teaching with Teacher Patrick. We were also joined by representatives from Richard Theriault Memorial Fund, including Margot, Lane, Sydney and Sean and close friends Dena, Brad and Brandon. They enjoyed helping to complete the library by painting, stocking book shelves, installing the commemorative plaque and attending the festive opening ceremony.
The library is the first of its kind in Gulu District and we have high hopes that the school will use the resources to help improve the educational quality at the Lela Obaro Primary School. The north has not performed to the same standard as other districts in Uganda, due to the consequences of a 20 year civil war. Most school lack basic infrastructure such as teacher accommodations, classrooms and latrines and resources such as textbooks and readers. The region has trouble attracting good quality teachers due to the conditions of the learning environment.
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