FGR & MM: In Uganda, is education compulsory at cer- tain ages? And what does that look like? SR: It’s worth noting that while education is compulsory in Uganda, the government doesn’t necessarily enforce this very strictly. The education system faces many challenges, such as underfunding, lack of resources, and inadequate teacher training. Many children drop out of school before completing their education due to poverty, lack of access to quality education, and other social and economic factors. So while there is a legal requirement for children to attend school, the reality on the ground is quite different. FGR & MM: Some breaking news from us: TUSP will be the charity for the whole of Dulwich College Senior School in the year 2023–24. We hope this will continue to make a huge practical difference both for us and for the schools connected with TUSP. SR: This is such wonderful news and we are really thrilled, and thankful. We can see so much opportunity for mutual benefit. We really hope that the relationship will go from strength to strength. There’s a lot more nu- ance to the work that we can unpack with Middle School and Upper School. There are real opportunities to engage with the issues in Uganda and how they’ve come about. FGR & MM: You’ve been a terrific example of charitable entrepreneurship. We think that you have a great deal to share with our community in this regard. SR: There are many different paths to success and happiness, including alternative career paths. TUSP is a great example of charitable entrepreneurship. We’ve been able to use our skills and experiences to help others and create positive change, and, as it happens, this has worked to bring us significant meaning and purpose in the process. By sharing our personal experience and
any skills that we might have, we have found that we can inspire others to explore different paths and possibilities for their own futures, while also making a positive impact on the world around them. FGR & MM: You mention the impact that your work has had on your own mental health and wellbeing. Can you tell us something about this? SR: Absolutely. Speaking from personal experience, working with the charity has given me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I haven’t experienced anywhere else. Being in the service of others really does have a huge impact on one’s mental health, or at least this is what I’ve found. I think it’s kept me on the straight and narrow path. It has really helped in other aspects of my life as well: that sense of fulfillment gives you motivation to keep growing and keep improving. FGR & MM: What projects are next on the horizon? SR: The main focus for the future projects of TUSP is to continue building new schools and improving the educa- tion system in this area of Uganda. This includes refining teaching practices and providing more teachers to combat overcrowding and the high pupil-to-teacher ratio, which is currently one teacher to 180 pupils in the lower years of the schools that we are involved with! TUSP plans to focus on creating lasting and meaningful professional development in teachers and implementing tools such as group work and self-reflection to educate effectively in resource-limited settings. Overall, the goal is to continue improving infrastructure and education to provide better opportunities for the children of Uganda. We’re thrilled to be partnering with DC as we try to achieve these aims. FGR & MM: Thank you very much for your time and for sharing with us as you have. ◎
success rates, which are currently at 51% in the district compared to the national average of 70%. This will be achieved through the provision of infrastructure and the development of educational standards. FGR & MM: What is the school day like? How do the pupils travel? What time do they wake up? Is their school day similar to a school day in the UK? SR: The students typically walk to school, which takes about half an hour or longer. They have to do chores in the morning before leaving for school. Owing to Covid and catch-up classes, they have to be in school early for coaching or extra lessons before official school starts at 8am. The school day is long and broken up by a morning break and a lunch break, during which they may or may not be fed depending on the engagement with the PTA. Football is popular, as well as a form of dodgeball and skipping games. FGR & MM: What sort of jobs do the pupils aspire to? SR: The pupils in Uganda aspire to similar jobs as in the UK, such as doctors, police officers, engineers and
construction workers. However, the reality is that 70% of the workforce in Uganda is in informal employment, so entrepreneurship and creating their own business is common. Despite this, the aspirations of the students remain the same, with dreams similar to those of pupils in the College. FGR & MM: What has been the most enjoyable aspect about working with the Lower School charity committee this year? SR: The most enjoyable aspect has been witnessing the enthusiasm, intelligence and initiative of the boys and how they are able to come up with great ideas. It has been fulfilling and energizing to work with them. FGR & MM: How might any money raised by DC be used by TUSP? SR: Money raised will primarily be used to construct a classroom for 100 children, a kitchen, and provide enough desks and textbooks. Additionally, we are seeking to expand the school feeding programme as the population of the school increases.
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THE ALLEYNIAN 711
COLLEGE COMMUNITY
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