"HELPING EDUCATION IN AFRICA -REACHING TOGETHER"

March 25, 2004 Feast of the Annunciation

Dear Sacred Heart Alumnae,
Our New Sacred heart Primary School in Uganda is going well. February 10, 2004 the school opened its doors of hope for a second year with 127 students, an increase from 85 in the previous year and with the addition of a Fourth Grade. On staff we have six Sisters, with our newest teacher being Sr. Lucy Kabagweri, who recently made her final Profession in Rome. She specializes in early childhood and Montesorri education and will work with the very youngest students to help them get a good start in school.
Sr. Annet Nankusu, the Head Mistress, writes: The students have begun the school year with much enthusiasm, eager to learn in their classes, to play with their friends, and to tend their class vegetable gardens. Sadly a few more of the students have lost a parent over the school holiday. It is so very sad. This brings our orphan population to over 30. Orphaned girls are the most vulnerable population, making their education even more precious now. We want to help our girls for they have great potential and work hard. Remember to educate a women is to educate the family, community, and yes, even the nation. We have that quote on a plaque at the entrance of our new school for all to ponder. Imagine little girls growing up believing in these words.
We are so grateful to all our Sacred Heart benefactors who have helped make this education a reality.

The school is expanding as we had hoped. The classrooms are presently used for all school activities: dormitories and classes, chapel and library, nurses’ station and sick bay, staff dining and student meals, administrative offices and a faculty work room, food storage and a kitchen shed out back. Thanks to the generosity of our Sacred Heart family we are half way through our fundraising effort for the second building. It will house the food preparation and cooking, food storage, eating areas for children and staff, as well as provide a meeting space for all school assemblies, parent gatherings and Masses. Soon the Sisters will have to move out of the classrooms they are using as temporary living quarters. So, we also have begun planning for a Sister’s residence in the near future. We invite our Alumni Associations around the world to consider supporting this portion of the SHPS project.
Almost two-thirds of the world’s uneducated children are girls, and the effects of this gender inequity in education are overwhelming. The worldwide effort of our Sacred Heart family to help us begin this new school, is an example of a growing global conviction, that of the importance of providing a basic education to young women. No longer seen as a luxury, education is seen as a fundamental human right and essential to the building up of any nation and people.

Your continued prayer and support for our educational endeavor in Uganda makes a difference. May you know the joy of bringing hope to young women in this corner of God’s precious but struggling world.

With gratitude,
Irene Cullen, RSCJ
Uganda-Kenya Development Director
1653 Borana St
San Diego, CA, 92111 USA
icullen@rscj.org