The Schools
The local, government run schools face poor physical facilities, extra-large classes, provision/scarcity of teaching materials, poorly equipped teachers, high teacher attrition and lost children throughout the primary grades because of high dropout rates. While the U.S. literacy rate is around 97 percent, it is just 62 percent overall in Uganda.
"When Otino Waa started all of the children were sent down the road half a mile to the government school. The school had 9 classrooms and 1500 students. There were no books for the students so with these conditions the students were learning very little. One of our kids was 15th in his class of 200 and he was being passed at 50%. It became apparent that we needed to have our own school so our kids would have a chance to get a decent education." (Bob Higgins 2004)
PATH Ministries and it's supporters, envision what the future might hold for Africa if it could educate all its children, especially its girls, who have traditionally been given few chances for formal learning. Just one person receiving a good education, could break the continuous cycle of poverty.
OTINO WAA PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Carefully selected teachers and small classes (30 max.) allow our orphans, as well as the children in the local community, a great education. Each child has their own desk, books and class materials.
The teachers and staff of Otino Waa Primary School picture their students as community developers, peace builders and change agents.
DONATE TO SCHOOLS
CREATING PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS OF UGANDA
People of Purpose Vocational Center
(POP's)
How can we be sure that when a child leaves Otino Waa they will have the skills needed to be productive? Vocational training has been an important part of the development strategies for PATH Ministries and Otino Waa, since the inauguration of the first vocational class in 2005.
Vocational training has an immediate effect. He or she acquires skills, which will make it easier to get employment or to create self-employment. The skills training should be effective, efficient, competitive, flexible, and responsive (demand-driven) to meet local economic and social needs, and the needs of individuals.
The current POP’s programs at Otino Waa include, baking, sewing, computer, cafe/gift shop, carpentry and bee keeping.
