There are numerous hurdles for a rural Ugandan girl to overcome if she is fortunate enough to attend secondary boarding school. First, she must make it through primary school and perform well enough on a rote memorization “Primary Leaving Exam” in order to be admitted. It is not unusual for students to be older than you might expect because their primary education has been interrupted over the years.
Then, she must round up the funds for tuition, room and board, as well as the required uniform, dorm and school supplies. She is often going against the cultural norm as her family would rather keep her home to work in the field and care for younger siblings, or they will arrange a marriage for her so that they can get money and livestock from the husband’s family.
Even if she finds the school fees, paying for the necessary other items could be what keeps her home. It might surprise you to know that she must bring virtually EVERYTHING with her to school. Your donation to African Girls Can really can make the difference between being a student safe at school, gaining confidence and important future income producing skills, and being a poor young wife and mother.
As you read through this list, think back to what you brought with you when you moved into a dormitory (or what you are sending your child off with today): probably clothes for a wide range of occasions, a mini fridge, a laptop and phone, and maybe even games to play with new friends. Quite a contrast, don’t you think?
2017 Packing List for St. Katherine Secondary School, Lira, Uganda
Dorm Supplies
Mattress*
Blanket*
Sheets*
Towel*
Trunk to store supplies*
20 liter jerry can*
Bucket (students take “bucket showers” and the Jerry can is for hauling the water)*
7 big rolls toilet paper
3 bars laundry soap
Mosquito net
Plate, cup, fork, spoon, food container with lid
Water bottle
Bag of rice (some years, this is asked for)
Uniforms
Formal uniform (at St. Katharine, they are yellow)
Casual uniform
Sport uniform
2 pairs strong black closed toe leather shoes
Canvas shoes
Flat open shoes
Gum boots
Underwear
Shoe polish and brush
School Supplies
Ream of photocopy paper*
Notebook for each subject*
Pens, pencils, colored pencils
CD for computer class
Calculator, graph paper, ruler for math
Toiletries
Sanitary supplies (min 4 packs)
3 tubes toothpaste
Toothbrush
4 bars soap
1 big tin Vaseline
Deodorant
*Can be seen in the photo.
