St Mathew’s Nursery and Primary School is located in the Kayonza-Kanungu district of southwest Uganda. The nearest state-sponsored school is a 16-mile round trip walk. Due to the absence of transport, the local community members have set up their own school, just 1 km from the entrance of Bwindi National Forest. Currently educating 267 children, the school teaches up to primary seven.
We visited the school this past January, by chance, while trekking up a hill past the local village. Currently 3 buildings sit on the grounds – 2 classrooms and a kitchen. The local church also stands nearby. Thanks to generous donations, they've recently constructed 2 western- style toilets with a septic tank and have 2 dozen wooden classroom seats and tables.
The national grid drew electricity lines to this part of Uganda only several years ago, however most locals cannot afford to connect to the network. Water is fetched during rainy season via a 4-mile walk down the valley.
There is a serious need for basic supplies – study books, notebooks, chairs/tables, chalk board and pencils. In addition, the school is keen to build a library + kitchen/dining area. Currently, the children do not all have chairs to sit on. They also do not have any of their own study books. Mealtime is held outdoors.
No charities or funding organizations are associated with this school.