Early September we (Andrew, Anneclaire, Giny, Peter and Willemijn) had a wonderful visit to Uganda. First, we visited the boarding schools where we met all the girls we support. After that, we went to their community at Bussi Island where we visited our Safe Center and met all parents and the team of community representatives.
The girls at boarding school in Buyege
We visited the Primary and Secondary boarding schools in Buyege, where we met the MiekFoundation scholars on the very first day of their third school term. What a fantastic group! The girls just said goodbye to their parents and were looking forward to be in school again, feeling happy and energized. As expected, the youngest were a little shy, whereas the older girls were much more talkative and really motivated! Several of them shared their dreams and told us their highly inspirational stories about why they wanted to become a doctor, lawyer, journalist, nurse or teacher. Our dream is to help them fulfill these dreams!
We also met the wonderful team of teachers, led by Sisters Angelina and Carolina. All teachers were deeply caring, motivated, thoughtful, and qualified. The leadership of the school was impressively open and transparent about their significant (financial) challenges and the important role the MiekFoundation is playing as their partner.
Jointly we discussed the way forward and how we can boost the impact of our MiekFoundation, including the selection of new girls, how to mentor and maximize their future success, how to help their parents play an even stronger role in the motivation of the girls and how to select the right universities and other schools for the girls that graduate from secondary school, starting in 2024.
Bussi island, a visit to our safe center and the parents
Earlier in the year we opened our first Safe Center which seems to be off to a very good start, with 60-80 boys and girls (split of 25 and 75% respectively) visiting every weekend. These kids (all Primary school level) get homework support as well as life skills training. Child abuse and teenage pregnancies are still a significant challenge at Bussi. Creating more awareness and self-confidence is an important way to increase the resilience of both the boys and the girls of Bussi.
At the Safe Center we had an impressive session with the parents of the girls we support, as well as a few local community representatives. We discussed the huge challenges they face and how our Foundation could help. We also spoke about the criticality of their support and protection of the girls at our schools as well as their co-ownership and responsibility for the further development and growth of the Safe Centers.
During the entire visit we were accompanied by our friends from Health Child, Betty and Dina, who are highly respected by the teachers, the girls and their parents, and who are playing a very important role in our program.
We came back from Uganda highly energized and motivated to continue and further scale the impact of our MiekFoundation! The children and their families need our support more than ever. With your continued and highly appreciated support we will make significant difference in their lives and help them fulfill their impressive dreams!
