Bricks for the future
Uganda
In Natapar-Akwangan, lessons are held under tin roofs and mud walls. Walls that crack in the wind. No latrines. Rainwater wasted. In these conditions, going to school is already an act of resistance. We want it to become an act of dignity too.
Who they are
The Natapar-Akwangan Community Primary School is located in the sub-county of Loputuk, Moroto district, in the Karamoja region. It welcomes 778 students — 408 boys and 370 girls — with only 6 teachers and 4 volunteers. One teacher for every 129 students. The school buildings were constructed by the community itself, using whatever materials were at hand. No government funding. No working latrines. No water.
How it works
The project works on two fronts:
First: the classrooms. We build a school pavilion with two classrooms, a teachers’ office and a book storage room. Solid structures, compliant with national standards. Furnished with desks, chairs and shelving for 42 students. A student committee — trained as part of the project — will take care of maintenance.
Second: hygiene. We build two latrine blocks, separate for boys and girls. We install a 5,000-litre rainwater harvesting tank and 4 handwashing stations at key points across the school grounds. Alongside the infrastructure: a WASH training programme (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) for students and teachers, delivered directly by the local partner.
Our support
Casa Costa Foundation ETS carries out this project with local partner ISP in Africa (Insieme si può Ltd, Kampala), funded by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – Südtirol. On the ground, the project is coordinated by Maruk Christine and overseen technically by Adupa Gabriel, both from the ISP office in Moroto. Construction is entrusted to Greentech Constructions and Buildings LTD, a local company with proven experience on similar projects.
Why we do it
Karamoja is one of Uganda’s most forgotten regions. 85% of the population lives in multidimensional poverty. Only 44% of children are enrolled in primary school. And many of those don’t actually attend — during harvest seasons, families need their children’s hands. Child labour is widespread, in charcoal mines and on grazing lands.
A safe and dignified school doesn’t fix everything. But it lowers the barriers. It gives families a reason to send their children. It reduces dropout risk. It tells 778 children that their future matters.
That is why we build classrooms. And latrines. And cisterns. One brick at a time.
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