The project of the Salesian primary school in Namugongo began in 2015 on the initiative of Salesian Brother Hubert Twagirayezu, who had asked for help to the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Missioni Don Bosco. Phase One was thus completed: full painting of the pre-existing building, purchase of school desks, construction of a technical and management support building ... Activities made possible thanks to many supporters; moreover, many local workers were employed, thereby adding a further benefit.
CALM currently hosts 155 children: the older children, about 60, go to the Salesian school in Bombo during the school year; the others attend the "Don Bosco" school in Namugongo together with 40 external students; the classes have between 10 and 25 children, with two teachers. There are other schools in the area, but in those environments prejudices weigh on the CALM children; furthermore, the higher fees prevent the children of the poorest families to enroll.
For this reason, today the Salesians intend to proceed to "Phase Two": add by building a new wing to the school complex, so families in the area and nearby villages can benefit from registering their children and have them attend. "It is not just an increase in the existing offer, but a leap in quality that offers new possibilities," say Missioni Don Bosco.
Today, 34 million people live in Uganda, half under 15 years of age. Many children and teenagers have to deal with diseases such as malaria, respiratory infections, diarrhea, even AIDS. Creating CALM came about precisely for its its willingness to help the neediest children and young people; with this new project the Salesians plan to intervene on a broader and more preventive scale.
Source: Missioni Don Bosco
