St. Paul’s Vocational School Fundraiser Initiative
By Naomi Corera, August 3, 2024
St Paul’s Vocational School Fundraiser Initiative
Testimony by Joseph Murphy
In the summer of 2023, my friend Emily and I had the privilege of volunteering in Uganda, specifically in a small village named Kyakatara, alongside Naomi Corera and her non-profit organization, Children Waiting Everywhere.
Kyakatara, situated in western Uganda near Fort Portal, is surrounded by picturesque tea plantations, where many locals work tirelessly. While our initial goal was to fundraise for a water tank and rainwater collection system for a small Catholic school, it soon became apparent that the community’s needs extended beyond the necessity for clean water. The lack of access to quality education and skills development emerged as a pressing concern.
What struck me most about the people of Kyakatara was their profound simplicity, genuine joy, and unwavering hospitality despite their poverty. We danced, laughed, shared stories, and even played soccer with them. We were able to create bonds that transcend cultural and geographical barriers.
However, amid the warmth and laughter, the distressing circumstances faced by many, especially the children, could not be ignored. Unfortunately, a considerable number of children drop out of school due to financial constraints or lack of parental support. More than 4 out of 10 Ugandan students dropout of school at primary level, (before the age of 13), and 3 out of 10 of those who start high school do not graduate[1]. This dire situation often pushes children towards harmful behaviors and activities, oftentimes leading to early pregnancies and drug abuse perpetuating a cycle of poverty and despair.
During our stay, we were graciously hosted by Father Jude, a remarkable priest and community leader. Father Jude shared his vision of empowering Ugandan youth to break free from the cycle of adversity through education and skills development. Central to this vision is the revival of Saint Paul’s Vocational School in Kyakatara, which is currently not active due to financial constraints.
Appeal:
To support Father Jude’s vision
and uplift the youth of Uganda, we are embarking on a fundraising initiative
through Children Waiting Everywhere. Donations will directly contribute to
repairing the school, providing essential tools and resources, ensuring teacher
salaries, and offering scholarships to disadvantaged students. Children waiting
everywhere is 100% volunteer based which means 100% of your contributions will
go towards this project.
Saint Paul’s Vocational School aims to equip students with practical skills in carpentry, metal fabrication, tailoring, knitting, and hairdressing, fostering self-sufficiency and empowerment. This will be achieved through 1-to-2-year programs in the focus that each child decides to pursue. Children who dropout in Primary School/ High School, who are the most likely to end up on the streets in dire situations, will be the primary target for this school. Father Jude and everyone involved are hoping to have at least 50 students enrolled at the start of the school year in January of 2025. With your generous contributions, we aspire to see this school flourish and become a beacon of hope for the youth of Kyakatara and beyond.
Please consider donating to this worthy cause and changing the lives of less fortunate youth in Uganda. See below for donation instructions and a brief list of some initial costs that your donations will go towards.
Initial Project Costs breakdown
| Category | Cost |
| Teacher Salaries | 5 teachers total with monthly salaries of $55 each = $275 per month |
| Equipment Repairs | $1,500 to repair existing sewing and wood working machinery |
| Construction for 2 Additional Classrooms | $5,000 |
Instructions on making donations:
Checks
- Please write checks to: “Children Waiting Everywhere”
- In the memo section write: “St Paul’s Vocational School”
- Mail to: 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr. Ann Arbor MI 48105 Online Donations
- Visit: https://www.childrenwaitingeverywhere.org/support/
- Click: “Make a gift today”
- Use PayPal to donate your desired amount and make sure to write “St. Paul’s Vocational School” in the Purpose section.
“An intervention from people of good and generous hearts will change the lives of many young people in Kyakatara village and the surrounding villages, restoring hope to the hopeless.” – Father Jude
Thank you, and may God bless your generosity,
Joseph Murphy
(978)-799-6338
joemurphy347@gmail.com
naomicwe@gmail.com
[1] Nalunkuuma, Joviah. “Empowering Uganda’s Youth through Education.” Nilepost News, August 1, 2023. https://nilepost.co.ug/school-dropout-rates/166790/empowering-ugandas-youth-through-education#:~:text =School%20dropout%20rates%20in%20Uganda,out%20before%20completing%20their%20education.