Continuity and future for Moroto

Continuity and Future for Moroto Parents Secondary School: A Successful Project

The Costa Family Foundation is proud to announce the successful completion of the "Continuity and Future for Moroto Parents Secondary School" (MOPSS) project. Implemented through the valuable collaboration of Insieme si può - Onlus (ISP in Africa) and the fundamental support of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, this intervention has transformed the school, ensuring a brighter future for hundreds of students in Karamoja, Uganda.

The Project in Brief

This project, with a total cost of €40,000 (€28,000 from public funding and €12,000 from private funding), directly benefited 362 students (212 boys and 150 girls), 21 teachers, and 6 non-teaching staff members. Indirectly, it's estimated to have impacted approximately 2,000 people. The achieved objectives align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

What We Achieved

Our commitment translated into concrete actions that significantly improved the school's infrastructure:

• Completion of 3 Classrooms: We completed the construction of walls and flooring, and installed doors and windows, making the classrooms safe and functional for learning.
• Renovation and Construction of Latrines: We renovated existing latrines for boys and built new five-stall latrines for girls, teaching staff, and students with physical disabilities, improving hygiene and privacy.
• Agricultural Training and School Garden: We provided agricultural training to 140 students, purchased seeds and fruit trees, and established a school garden.
• K-Apple Plant Fencing: We purchased and installed K-Apple plants to reinforce the school's fencing, enhancing security and protection.

The Real Impact: What These Interventions Will Enable

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

• Classrooms: Students will be able to attend lessons in a safe and protected environment even during adverse weather conditions, facilitating learning.
• Latrines: Hygiene and sanitation conditions will drastically improve, reducing the spread of diseases and bacterial infections. This will ensure greater dignity and privacy, especially for girls and students with disabilities.
• Agricultural Training and School Garden: Students will acquire valuable agricultural skills they can transfer to their families and villages. The garden will ensure a healthier and more balanced daily diet, combating malnutrition and encouraging consistent school attendance due to improved school meals.
• K-Apple Fencing: The school will benefit from increased security, protection from unwanted intrusions (people or animals), and fewer distractions for students and teachers.

Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Strategic Impact

This project is part of a broader joint effort by the Costa Family Foundation and ISP to improve the educational system in Karamoja. Its strategic placement, in a context where the value of secondary education is still emerging, is crucial. Often, new and well-maintained buildings, combined with guaranteed school meals, are what motivate parents to send their children to school. The increase in enrollment already recorded since the first academic year (beginning January and ending December 2022) following the construction and renovation work at Moroto Parents Secondary School, thanks to funding from the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, confirms the effectiveness of this strategy.

All specific objectives of the project were successfully achieved:

1. Increased Enrollment and Student Performance: The completion of classrooms will contribute to improving enrollment numbers and student results, with an anticipated increase of up to 20%.
2. Improved Hygiene and Sanitation: The new latrines have drastically improved hygiene and sanitation conditions, reducing absences due to illness.
3. Agricultural Enhancement: The school's agricultural performance has improved, increasing food availability and variety, and contributing to a more orderly and clean school environment.

Sustainability and Collaboration

The project's sustainability is ensured by the active involvement of Moroto Parents Secondary School and the District Education Officer (DEO) of the Moroto district, who will be responsible for future maintenance. The collaboration with the school administration and the DEO from the initial phases cemented their commitment.

The introduction of agroforestry and sustainable agricultural practices not only combats malnutrition and offers new income sources alternative to pastoralism, but also promotes respect for the environment and local biodiversity. Awareness-raising about responsible water use and the promotion of local crops further reinforce this commitment.

The direct involvement of students, teachers, and institutions in the responsible management of the new buildings, in the care of the garden, and in the construction of the fence has further fostered beneficiary accountability and the project's social sustainability.

Conclusion

The "Continuity and Future for Moroto Parents Secondary School" project is a shining example of the Costa Family Foundation's approach: a long-term commitment, collaboration with local organizations working "from the ground up," the fusion of local and international expertise, and the building of responsible relationships with local entities and beneficiary communities. This methodology has generated positive and lasting impacts, demonstrating that, together, we can build a better future.