Progress Since 2008

BOOKS!
In late 2008 4 cubic metres of 2nd hand childrens' books arrived from New Zealand. These were eagerly distributed to other schools in addition to Divine Mercy to facilitate pupils' learning and practising their English. Two years on and the fruits of this inititaive are in evidence with the academic standards rising every year.

CROPS and PIGS
In 2009 the school undertook two projects involving the cultivation of crops and the rearing of pigs, both designed to produce more food to feed the pupils and to create some ongoing sustainable income. Although the projects presented the organisation with some challenges, they were by-and-large successful, with more food available during the year and enough income generated to employ another teacher.

2010 AND BEYOND
In November of 2010 there will be running water in the school, which will dramatically reduce the incidence of illness. We will also expand the pig project to raise more revenue that way and continue with the crops, possibly looking to buy our own land which will give a large measure of security to this endevour, not always possible when land is loaned or rented.

Youth League Partners with ICOMP

The International Committee on Management Population Programmes (ICOMP) has taken interest in the programs of YOLSER. ICOMP has agreed to assist in funding HIV/AIDS and reproductive health education in the community. Thanks to Hairudin Masnin, ICOMPS's Country Coordinator, a memorandum of understanding has been signed and the education programs will commence October 1st, 2008.

Easter Update

The Youth League has been working tirelessly to upgrade one of their most beloved projects; the Divine Mercy Primary and Boarding School. Recently the desks arrived at the school and are looking great. The kids now have the room and ability to work without having to worry about penning and balancing their assignments on their laps. The pharmacy is fully stocked with medical supplies and the library for Divine Mercy is underway. The Youth League is happy to accept donations of books and thanks all those who have made this possible. The library is kept under lock and key in the main office at the school; all supplies are very safe and well kept. Daos is an amazing teacher and caretaker; he is looking after the school very well and watching the enrollment grow daily.

Outreach has also been going very well. Frank and Kayiira have visited many of the rural villages surrounding the Mukono district. The Youth League traveled recently to Nagalama Hospital (pictured here) to meet with local families and patients suffering from HIV and AIDS. Many fruits were distributed to the children and families to help them.

The Youth League visited Kiwala Village, counseling families and children on HIV and AIDS as well as treatment, the spread, the stigma and prevention and in turn referred many of the relevant cases to local hospitals. It was an incredibly interesting, troubling, touching day for all of us involved.

January, February and March have been very busy months for the brothers as well as the volunteers involved. No day is wasted and important events are coming together seamlessly!!!

Happy Easter to all and speak with you soon.

Update for Divine Mercy School Building Project

With the start of a new month comes the steps we have made toward creating an environment conducive to learning at Divine Mercy School. The school term begins on February 4th and the workers are just about to finish their jobs, the students shall return a newly renovated school. We have also just received books from a project called BUGS (Books in Ugandan Schools) advocating and providing materials to begin a small library at the Divine Mercy Day and Boarding School.

Another project headed by former volunteers strives to provide the students with access to medical treatment at our clinic when they fall ill, all of the above projects were generously financed by former volunteers Tim and Kris of New Zealand. To top it all off, the students have been provided with beds and mattresses, donated by former volunteer Richard of the UK, which gives the boarders somewhere comfortable to sleep. We would finally like to extend a thank you to Barbara, who has sponsored the primary education of two of our students, Nicholas and Kate. To all of our volunteers who have contributed to the development of Divine Mercy Day and Boarding School, Sandi,Carolyn, James, and Amy, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Work on schedule

Work is progressing according to schedule on improvements to the Divine Mercy School. The walls in classrooms have been sealed and plastered and floors relaid in preparation for the desks that will be made and delivered shortly. All work is due to be completed by the time school resumes at the beginning of February.

Divine Mercy Upgrade Programme

In keeping with our policy of continuous improvement we are delighted to announce that when the students return to school in 2008 they will be greeted by upgraded facilities including refurbished classrooms, new desks and a complete set of text books for each subject at every level (P3 - P7).

"Super Sports Challenge" for Divine Mercy pupils

During the month of November two volunteers from New Zealand worked with the children of Divine Mercy school in classes P3, P4 and P5. The children participated in games and sports culminating in their receiving a 'Certificate of Achievement' for their participation. Many of the activities were new to the children but they responded with their usual enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.