A school completed, an entire future

A Complete School, A Whole Future: Building Hope in Karamoja

The Costa Family Foundation is proud to announce the success of the "A Complete School, A Whole Future" project, implemented in Kautakou, Napak District, Karamoja (Uganda). Thanks to the valuable collaboration of Insieme si può - ISP (ISP in Africa) and the fundamental support of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, we have transformed Moroto Parents Secondary School into a beacon of hope, ensuring a brighter future for hundreds of students in one of Uganda's most vulnerable regions.

The Project in Brief: Numbers and Objectives

This project, with a total cost of €41,200.00 (of which €28,840.07 was public funding and €12,360.03 private funding), directly impacted 410 students, 6 teachers, and 6 non-teaching staff members. Indirectly, it benefited approximately 1,000 community members. The achieved objectives fully align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, which forced Uganda into strict lockdowns and school closures for extended periods (from March 2020 to March 2021 for Kautakou), the project resumed full operation in July 2020, thanks to permits granted by the Resident District Commissioners for essential sectors such as water, agriculture, and construction.

What We Achieved: Concrete Interventions for a Better Environment

Our commitment translated into tangible actions that significantly improved school infrastructure and local capabilities:

• Construction and Renovation of School Pavilions: We completed the construction of a new pavilion for P6 and P7 classes and renovated the existing pavilion for P1 and P2 classes. This provided students with safe, solid, and sheltered structures, equipped with everything necessary to facilitate learning.

• Provision of School Furniture: The new pavilion was equipped with durable wooden and iron desks (three-seater, to accommodate more students post-pandemic), desks for the headteacher and teachers, chairs, and cabinets.

• Permaculture Training and Garden/Orchard Expansion: We trained local ISP staff and Kautakou teachers in permaculture agricultural techniques. Although pandemic restrictions limited direct student involvement in 2021, residual funds were allocated for the future expansion of the school garden and orchard, which will take place with students as soon as schools stably reopen. Essential agricultural tools were also provided.

The Real Impact: A Safer and More Educated Future

These interventions will have a lasting impact on the school community:

• Safe and Functional Classrooms: Students will be able to attend lessons in a protected environment, facilitating concentration and learning.

• Improved Hygiene: Although not explicitly mentioned in the report for this specific project, the general construction and renovation of school structures often include improved hygiene and sanitation conditions, which are crucial for student health.

• Agricultural Skills and Food Security: Permaculture training will provide students and their families with valuable knowledge to improve daily diets, combat malnutrition, and generate alternative income to pastoralism. The school garden will become a source of healthy food and will incentivize school attendance.

• Increased Enrollment: In a context where new and well-maintained buildings are a strong incentive for parents to send their children to school, we expect a positive impact on school attendance once the pandemic situation stabilizes.

Effectiveness and Sustainability: An Integrated Approach

The project is part of a broader joint effort by the Costa Family Foundation and ISP to improve the educational system in Karamoja. Collaboration with the District Construction Department ensured that buildings were designed and constructed according to government standards, guaranteeing quality and safety.

Sustainability is a fundamental pillar: once the project is completed, the buildings become the property of Kautakou Primary School and consequently of the Napak District Education Office, which will be responsible for the management and maintenance costs of the new structures. The active involvement of School Management Committees (SMC) and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) is crucial for continuous oversight.

The promotion of permaculture, a sustainable agricultural technique that does not use pesticides and respects nature's rhythms, not only offers an alternative source of income and a better diet but also contributes to environmental protection and local biodiversity. The possibility for students to replicate these practices in their communities further strengthens the long-term impact.

Conclusions: A Commitment That Continues

Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, the "A Complete School, A Whole Future" project demonstrated the resilience and effectiveness of a collaborative and long-term approach. Although a full evaluation of the impact on school attendance and student performance will only be possible after schools stably reopen, the results achieved in terms of infrastructure and training are unequivocal.

The Costa Family Foundation and ISP will continue to monitor and support the communities of Kautakou, cultivating not only buildings and gardens but also relationships of responsibility and a brighter future for Karamoja.