Over the past two months, the Teaching staff at Global Leaders Primary School (GLP) who are usually busy within the walls of their classrooms, have become somewhat of local celebrities in Namasale and across Amolatar District as they make their way across TWENTY THREE villages (yes, you read that right), gliding into their student’s compounds on the backs of two shiny blue motorcycles like the superheroes they are.

As most Teachers across the region have been furloughed or laid off since March, our teaching staff have ALL stayed employed (thanks to the support of our monthly Advocates) and active in the community as champions for the kids of Amolatar.

“GLP pupils and parents have taken this [Distance Learning Program] as a very special offer in their lives,” Head Teacher Tom Richard shared.
“Our kids are very happy since they are meeting their teachers [every week] unlike other learning institutions where kids haven’t seen their teachers since early March.”

DISTANCE LEARNING AS A TOOL FOR DEVELOPMENT

Two GLP students at their home during a Distance Learning Visit

Despite the fact that the Ministry of Education in Uganda has provided radio-learning programs for children, 54% of households across the country don’t even have a radio in their homes which means that for kids in rural, low-income communities like Namasale, there have been virtually zero opportunities to stay engaged in their education. This 8+ month gap in learning will have devastating effects on children’s educational development — a consequence that will ultimately damage the development of the nation according to UNICEF Uganda.

“With each passing day that schools stay closed, the most vulnerable children will be the hardest hit. We know from previous crises that the longer such children are out of school, the less likely they are to return,” writes Dr. Doreen Mulenga, UNICEF Representative in Uganda.

“Given Uganda's demography--- with [more than] 54 per cent of the population under the age of 18 ---any disruptions to the education of our children will not only threaten the dreams and opportunities of those children, but the sustainable development of the nation, as well. Because of this, the safe reopening of schools should be given the same priority and consideration as the safe reopening of the economy.” (UNICEF Uganda)

PROVING WHAT’S POSSIBLE

At Far Away Friends, our vision is to set the standard for what’s possible for schools in rural communities — thus inspiring parents to see the value in making an investment in their children’s education, which is why we asked our supporters (read: YOU!) to stand with us in making a Distance Learning Program come to life for our hundreds of students across Amolatar District.

In his video update below, our incredible Head Teacher, Ongom Tom Richard, shares a story about a new GLP student and his father who were shocked by Tom Richard’s visit to their home, as they never imagined teachers being so dedicated to ensuring that their students stay engaged, safe and supported through this moment of crisis.

THIS is exactly the culture that YOU are helping us develop through our work at Far Away Friends — a culture of dedication and commitment FOR THE KIDS. No matter the obstacle, together in partnership with our team of passionate GLP Teachers, we are a global community rising to overcome challenges and prove that through friendship and our belief in one another, anything is possible.

Thank you for being a part of our community of supporters, Advocates, and friends standing together in our belief that education is for everyone.

WATCH BELOW: AN UPDATE ON OUR DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM!

An update from Head Master of Global Leaders Primary School, Ongom Tom Richard, on the success of Far Away Friends' "Pathways to Education" Distance Learning Program

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