Sacred Heart Primary School, Kyamusansala, Uganda: First Graduating Class
Dear Sacred Heart Student, As it is my practice these past six years I am pleased to bring you an update on the Sacred Heart Primary School, Uganda, a school that you have helped the RSCJ in Uganda to create by your generous donations, prayer, and support.
During November messages between the USA Sacred Heart students, faculty, Alumnae and friends flew across cyberspace and oceans finding their way to Kyamusansala Hill in Uganda, and resting in the minds and hearts of students from our newest school in the worldwide network of Sacred Heart schools. At the school two bulletin boards were filled with these messages of love, to greet all our visitors. Your heartfelt words of congratulation were welcomed with delight and your effort to bond with our students gave these young women a tangible boost of confidence and hope. The Sacred Heart family is truly global!
The school’s account
The day was just wonderful! Filled with God's blessings. In spite of the daily November rains, we had a full shiny day. The celebration of the day included Mass with Baptisms of younger siblings, First Communions, Confirmation, blessing of the new multipurpose 2nd school building, culminating in the graduation of our seventh Class.
There were so many people who turned up. The Spirit of the Sacred Heart was alive and the Bishop made it more alive in his short homily. He said, "It is because of the Love of the Heart of Jesus that the Sacred Heart Sisters and their friends from all over the World have constructed this place. Therefore keep this place for Him". He turned to the children and asked them to use the opportunity given to them. He told them that they are the luckiest in the whole Country to receive such quality education.
He then placed a medal of Mater Admirabilis around their necks asking Mater to guide them as they plunge into their future lives.
After Mass, there was lunch and entertainment by the students, speeches, and a special song by the graduating group. Such celebrations in our culture are all day affairs!
The graduates, with their parents or guardians standing next to them, were given a copy of the letter they wrote to us. The Bishop encouraged them to go out and live fully what they wrote.
National Exam Results
We have recently received news of the results from the November national exams that our seventh class labored so hard to complete well. 22 First grades and 2 Second grades. Given the fact that the school does not simply take the smartest girls, this is an exceptional report for our first graduating class. Motivation, support, committed teachers were key factors. Also I think the girls wanted to demonstrate to our multiple school supporters that they take their education seriously and intend to do their part in this mutual effort of educating young women to help build a better future for Uganda.
Thanks a million for making our school what it is today and the love you put into supporting us. Only God can repay you for your generosity. We only have our love and prayers to give you.
Sr. Annet Nankusa, Headmistress 2001-2007
OTHER NEWS
The Water Harvesting Project that USA Sacred Heart students made possible continues to benefit the school children. The rains came well this year and instead of losing most of it through run off our rain water tanks were filled to the brim and our school population was well served without undue stress The 2008 school began this week with about 400 students, grades One through Seven. There will be double classes of 30 except for the 7th class. We will be snug in the buildings for as you know this school is a 24/7 with both academic classes and a residence school for the children could not possibly commute. Until the funds for our final building are secured and the unit is constructed school life will be tight. We count on your continued support as we move toward that important goal.
In the past years Tuition Assistance has been of immense help for about ¼ of our student population. Last year deserving students from struggling families were helped. Looking toward to the new 2008 school year we have heard from 22 of the USA SH schools that have pledged to continue their support of this particular project. This brings much peace of mind to the sponsored children.
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