Dear sponsors and interested parties,
At the beginning of February, the new school year officially began at the Beatrice Secondary School Kyankwanzi in Uganda. However, the preparations for this started much earlier. One important task was the recruitment of new teachers. Part of the team had to be replaced. Last summer / autumn, the oldest teacher got involved in a game of intrigue. He was of the opinion that he no longer accepted women as his “bosses” and was eyeing up the post of the headmistress. He was allowed to continue with this dreadful state of affairs for far too long, until the story got out. He had to go, and other likeminded people with him. The headmistress also left the school. At this point, the post had to be filled urgently, because this is one of the requirements to be able to hold state examinations. Regina quickly got back a former teacher, who at that time was undergoing further training. She now has the chance to move into the headmistress’s house on campus, which will soon be finished.
Since the start of the new school year, the teachers have been monitored closely with regards to punctuality, reliability, presentation of pupil’s exercise books and grading. Those who don’t adhere to the regulations will have a monthly percentage of their wages deducted. In this way, Regina wants to keep the quality of the teaching high, and be right at the top again in the next state ranking of the schools.
Regina also had to look for a new accountant. Precision and reliability are attributes that make an accountant stand out. At the BSSK, she also needs determination and assertiveness. Otherwise, some of the pupils only pay the registration fees and the school uniform, and the large remainder is missing from the coffers. Thanks to Regina’s relationships with Buganda Kingdom, a well-educated economist from the town moved onto the campus. Regina hopes that she will relieve her in this matter.
Alongside these strenuous matters, there is also a great deal of good news. Having water in various locations on the school premises, and having access to electricity and internet every day, are worthy achievements which make life easier, richer and faster. Teachers and pupils use the new media. There are around a dozen simple work places in the computer room. The pupils are taught in small groups. This means that not only are the requirements of the curriculum fulfilled, but also a whole new world is opened up to the young people. (Images: Computer room)
An additional water borehole ensures that the construction work at the Annina Hänny school house can continue. Since the construction of the foundations, a large batch of building blocks has been fired, which would normally be paid for in advance, in stages. Now, there is plenty of construction material available. The work can be continued. (Images: Annina Hänny Schoolblock)
If you entered the school grounds today, you would perhaps wonder about the new four-legged residents. A couple of cows are grazing there. Having fresh milk every day is valuable. It is given to the sick, and the porridge for all the students is enriched with it. Since there have been cows at BSSK, the grass no longer needs to be mown, and the snakes have nowhere to hide. And, at the next big celebration at BSSK, there will be meat for everyone. Advantages all round! You just have to know how to use them. (Images: Girls peeling matoke)
You can also see colourful pictures of the senior 1 girls, who are peeling plantains for a delicious Sunday meal. Please note that the cows in the background are already waiting impatiently for the peelings. Some pupils are holding the animals back, before they are allowed to go and get the tasty treats. During this time, the boys have already prepared the firewood. (Images: Matoke peelings for the own cows)
Further pictures of the new “Prince of peace” boys’ dormitory, the almost finished headmistress’s house, the meeting with the godchildren and their parents, and the group leaders, give you an insight into life at the BSSK. (Images: Prince of peace boys’ dormitory)
Many thanks for your interest, Happy Easter and best wishes.
The web team
