Primary school
As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the sharpest weapon in the world,” which is why we were able to open our Lichtstrahl Primary School in 2017. Until then, our preschool children had to attend other schools after the 3rd grade. These are often even further away, far too expensive and many kids have almost “refused” because they have learned to appreciate and love our particularly loving light beam quality. Since 2017 we have finally been able to accompany them on their way to school for another 7 years.
Not only a team of trained teachers, but also a team of social workers look after all of our Lichtstrahl Kids. Here too, the most vulnerable kids are identified by teachers and social workers and their fates are verified. Through our boarding section (boarding school area) we have the opportunity to host some kids during school hours.Violence in education, both at home and in schools, is a daily companion for many children in Uganda. It is therefore very important to us as the Lichtstrahl Uganda team that we are recognized as a non-violent school and any employee who does not comply with this will be dismissed without notice!
Nursery School and Daycare
At the beginning of 2013 we were able to build our Lichtstrahl preschool including a daycare area. Many kids from our large community are now starting their “educational path” with us. However, we here in Germany find it difficult to imagine what it means to go to school in Uganda. For many of the kids, going to school is a daily walk lasting hours. Many of our school kids come from the most vulnerable family backgrounds and often come all the way to school sober. That’s why we attach great importance to not “just teaching” the kids, but also providing them with morning porridge, lunch and fruit twice a week in the afternoon – because only a child who is healthy and has something to eat can learn at all!
The preschool period lasts three years and then you switch to a secondary primary school for another 7 years. In Uganda, it is common for a class size of up to 100 children with a teacher who comes when convenient. We want to give “our” little ones a good start on their educational path and for this reason we have significantly reduced our class size in the preschool to around 25 kids per class. There are 2 teachers in each class – in the daycare area there are even 3 teachers – teaching the kids. In addition to medical care, school attendance in Uganda is also subject to a fee. Due to difficult living conditions, many parents are unable to pay school fees. Here too we help with your donations.