Raise the Roof – Exciting News from the Team in Uganda!

We are beyond excited to share some truly incredible news from our ongoing classroom building project in Kiyindi, Uganda. The latest photos show that Classroom Block B is nearly finished, and we’re so close to completing a monumental phase in this journey. After seven phases of construction, all of which have been successfully completed on time and on budget, the finish line is now in sight.

Since 1994, Makonge Primary School has been providing essential education to the children of Kiyindi, a rural fishing village located on the serene shores of Lake Victoria. Over the years, the school has become a cornerstone of the community. However, as the school’s population increased, the existing classrooms became increasingly overcrowded.

In response to this growing challenge, we joined forces with our dedicated partners in Uganda to create a plan to expand the school and ensure a better learning environment for these children. The solution we envisioned was to construct a brand-new classroom block with seven spacious classrooms, each designed to accommodate students while offering a more conducive environment for learning.

Together, we’ve made remarkable progress! The construction team has worked tirelessly to lay strong foundations and build sturdy walls. We’ve successfully poured concrete slabs, installed beams, and ensured that electricity was wired throughout the building. And as you’ll see in the photos, we’re celebrating an exciting milestone – the roof is finished!

With the roof now in place, the new building is protected from the elements, which means we can officially transition into the final phase of construction. The interior work is next, which includes finishing touches to the building, and equipping the classrooms with everything they’ll need.

Here is what Tony Tyrrell, Chair of IN UK had to say following his visit to the school:

“On a recent visit to Uganda I was able to visit the International Needs school in Kiyindi where new classrooms are being built. We first visited children being taught in the existing classrooms. These classrooms have very low ceilings and small
windows which make them very gloomy. Even on quite a cool day the atmosphere was very stuffy. It was, frankly, a relief to get out into the fresh air.

In contrast the new classrooms are much more spacious and have windows at least twice as big. Even as a shell they look very impressive. I toured the building with a British structural engineer who cast a professional eye over the construction and agreed it is of high quality. These new classrooms are ‘in a different league’ to the ones they are replacing. The teachers and children are watching the building work and are getting very excited at the prospect of moving in.”

This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of all our donors, partners, and volunteers. We want to take a moment to thank everyone who has walked alongside this project from the very beginning. Your dedication, generosity, and belief in the power of education have made this possible.