Girl’s Dormitory, St. Andrews Matale Secondary School

Fundraising for a project to build a Girls' Dormitory at St. Andrews Matale Secondary School in Rakai, Southern Uganda has just begun. Rakai is the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Uganda, leaving large numbers of orphans in the community. The whole dorm will serve 300 secondary school girls, many of whom are orphans, creating a safe environment, and enhance the girls' chances of academic success.

The Problem

Many young girls walk 3-6 miles to and from school, which poses a safety risk, especially with increased transnational transport through the community. Living at home, young girls have chores, which detract from a focus on their education. Current statistics in the community show that girls score significantly lower than boys on national exams, creating a long term problem.

How will this project solve this problem?

The building of a dormitory on the school campus at St. Andrews, Matale, will reduce the safety risks of walking to and from school, allow young girls the opportunity to focus on their studies and academic success, and cultivate leadership potential, which will benefit them, their families and the community. Living in the dorm will give the girls of Matale a chance to compete with students from more privileged families and help set them on a path to success.

Potential Long Term Impact

The 300 girls living in the dormitory will study and learn in a safe and nurturing environment, and bring the results of this academic focus as they participate in the economic and civic affairs in the community at large.

Project Message

"As a young woman who grew up in this community, I know first hand this dorm means the difference between a young, unwed mother and a potential educated leader who will, in turn empower others."

- Noela Nalujjuna, Harambee Centre Board Member, from the community

How you can help

Donate to the Girl's Dormitory project by sending a check to the address below or click to the left on the "Donate Now" button and specify "Girl's Dorm" in the space provided to tell us how you want your donation used.  You may also choose to donate as a gift or in the name of someone.  Please consider making a recurring donation.