How It All Started…
In the rural area of Uganda, about 50 miles south of Kampala Capital City, there is a village called Kiguli. Many children there are unable for a variety of reasons, to go to school. Many spend their days working the fields with their family in order to eat and walk long distances in search of clean water. They often only have one item of clothing to wear. For many, having shoes is a luxury, as shelter and food are more important. Sadly, many of these children are orphans.
Thanks to the visionary Mrs. Teresa, a local resident, who inspired and encouraged, then a newly ordained priest and grandson, Fr. Frank M. Lubowa, to do something, so these unfortunate children would at least have access to some form of basic education. Fr. Frank recalls the first days when lessons to these children were taught under a big tree. With the help of local sponsors and friends of Fr. Frank in the United States, the first two classrooms were constructed on a small piece of land donated by Mrs. Teresa. St. Teresa Good Samaritan Mission School is named in her honor and loving memory.
This Mission School has grown to three large classroom buildings with four classrooms each; a playground; a chapel; a multipurpose building consisting of the library, teacher’s workroom, and a conference hall; two student dormitories for girls and boys; and teacher’s living quarters. In addition, there have been water wells installed, toilet and shower facilities, and solar panel lighting.
Many generous people are now sponsoring a child’s elementary education donating $300 per year, which consists of: tuition, teacher training, textbooks, school supplies, a second uniform, and lunch every day. This has been such a blessing to these children and goes far to make a difference in their lives.
There is more to be done, however. Teachers need on-going training, more desks and textbooks, and we are looking into supplying each child with a new pair of shoes to go along with their school uniforms. In addition, there is a great need for the School Kitchen and Storage facility, as meals are currently being prepared outside in the open. Fr. Frank is also diligently working with the nearby Nkozi Catholic Hospital to provide health care services to the children and the local community. Already, a Medical Clinic facility is in place and monthly health care services are now accessible to the school children and others in the local community. There is, however, a great need to expand the health care services, in order that more can access medical treatment regularly.
Fr. Frank and his late grandmother, Mrs. Teresa, responded to God’s call to make a difference in the lives of these children in rural Uganda. Is God calling you to make a difference in a child’s life? It takes so little and yet, for these children, means so much.