St Timothy’s School has continued to grow and now boasts 924 students. There are 11 teachers of which 6 are formerly trained and qualified to teach. One of the five untrained teachers was sent to Yei for Teacher training. However, due to civil unrest the training institute has been closed indefinitely. Attempts were made to transfer to train at a University in Uganda but the entry requirements are more stringent and are difficult to assess from work already done elsewhere. Sadly, this trainee did not continue.
Despite the famine in Nzara, caused by civil unrest, the pupils’ parents are committed to contribute towards porridge and rice to be cooked for their children in school. They have been able to bring maize and rice to make the porridge throughout the year. They have also been able to bring sweet potatoes and cassava for breakfast.
New latrine blocks were required to facilitate the large increase in pupils. These were provided as separate toilets for girls and boys.
A new two-classroom block was begun. It is hoped that it will be completed in January 2018. However, there are 5 classes meeting under the mango trees so additional classrooms to the ones being built are requested to keep up with demand.
A request to sponsor two young people at Africa Renewal University for formal Teacher qualifications has also been made to further improve the quality of teaching. The administrator has requested a laptop.
Diawo Pre-Primary and Primary School has continued to progress. There were four classes this year, with teaching by three untrained teachers. The School Administrator visited the school to monitor progress three times this year. The numbers of pupils is 63 (29 boys and 34 girls). This is lower than last year because of the unrest and parents concerned for the safety of their children keeping them at home.
