The school term began at the end of February. The kids had a long Christmas break and were excited to go back to school and see their friends.
In one of the pictures, the kids are carrying local brooms that are used for cleaning inside and outside the classrooms. Local brooms are included in their school supply list. I remember shopping for school supplies with my Mom before school started each year. I remember being so excited to get a new package of crayons or markers. Starting a new school year in Uganda is very different. Most children wait knowing that they most likely will not be able to go to school this year as their parent’s do not have the money to pay their school fees. Some have to sacrifice so that an older sibling can go to school while they stay at home and work.
School is NOT free in Uganda. Parents have to pay school fees for their children to attend. At Rafiki, we pay roughly $150 per term (3 terms each year) for EACH child in the home to be able to get an education. This amount does not include school supplies and uniforms.
Please check out the pictures of Emma on his first day of school and the kids proudly showing off their new backpacks for the beginning of the school year!
