“Certainly the benefits this new classroom block will bring to so many students in the future are huge.” These words from Accomplish Children’s Trust perfectly capture the significance of what has been achieved at St Agnes Secondary School in Kasese, western Uganda.
After months of construction and careful planning, the final report has arrived – the project is complete, including the kind and touching addition of a plaque acknowledging Hazel’s Footprints Trust’s support. Trustee Toks Plumptre visited in November 2024 to witness first-hand the transformation that our £8,500 grant has made possible.
Addressing a Critical Need
St Agnes Secondary School is an inclusive school in the impoverished Rwenzori region of western Uganda, and it was established with a unique and vital mission. Rev. Maali Wilson recognised that disabled children who had completed primary education had nowhere suitable to continue their studies. His vision was simple yet profound: demonstrate that inclusive education empowers disabled students to reach their full potential.
During Toks’s visit, the stark contrast between old and new became immediately apparent. The previous facilities were overcrowded with broken floors and inadequate space. Furthermore, classes often exceeded 50 students, making movement difficult and accessibility nearly impossible for students with disabilities.
Three Classrooms, Countless Opportunities
The new classroom block provides three spacious, safe learning environments that address specific challenges faced by the school’s diverse student body. Previously, deaf students frequently had lessons outdoors, subject to weather disruptions. Now they have dedicated indoor spaces ensuring uninterrupted education regardless of the elements.
Additionally, the design includes ramps to assist wheelchair and walking aid users. These thoughtful features demonstrate how proper planning creates truly inclusive learning spaces. In 2023, out of 364 students, 51 were disabled – showcasing the school’s unwavering commitment to its mission.
Overcoming Extraordinary Challenges
Rev. Maali and his team demonstrated incredible resilience in completing this project. They faced significant hurdles including rising construction costs due to global inflation. Furthermore, security concerns from rebel activity encroaching from the Democratic Republic of Congo created an especially challenging environment. The presence of a nearby government army post underscores the complex circumstances in which the school operates.
Despite these obstacles, the project moved ahead of schedule. What was expected to complete in 2025 was finished by late 2024, with students benefiting from the improved facilities well before the end of the project.
A Testament to Partnership
Toks’s visit revealed the profound impact of international partnership. The new classrooms provide consistent learning opportunities that were previously impossible. Students with disabilities now have safe, accessible spaces designed for their specific needs. Teachers can deliver quality education without the constant disruption of weather or overcrowding.
The project represents more than just construction – it demonstrates that remote communities haven’t been forgotten. In a region that has faced flooding, economic challenges, and security concerns, this classroom block serves as a beacon of hope and commitment to education.
Looking Forward
The completion of this project marks not an end but a beginning. These three classrooms will serve countless students for years to come, providing the foundation for inclusive education that Rev. Maali Wilson envisioned. Each student who walks through these doors – whether disabled or not – will have access to quality secondary education that can transform their life prospects.
As Toks noted in her report, “Your support has created a safe and empowering learning environment, transforming the lives of young people, especially those with disabilities.” The impact extends beyond individual students to strengthen the entire community’s commitment to inclusive education.
We are delighted with the partnership between Hazel’s Footprints Trust and Accomplish Children’s Trust. St Agnes Secondary School now stands as a model of what’s possible when vision meets support.
Hazel’s Footprints Trust provided an £8,500 grant in late 2023 to Accomplish Children’s Trust for construction of a triple classroom block at St Agnes Secondary School, Kasese, western Uganda.
