Rise and Shine Junior School

The school at Yamba Hearts Center is called Rise and Shine Junior School, and it currently has 210 students. Since the school started in 2022, we have increased its capacity by building more classrooms, providing a water tank, toilets, electricity, and computers for teaching.

One of the reasons the school has grown so much since we began is the massive shutdown of Ugandan society and schools due to Covid-19. Uganda set a world record with schools being closed for over two years. This had a severe impact on all schools, especially those that were not government-funded. School revenues suddenly disappeared and did not return for a long time. As a result, many schools had to close, while the struggling economy meant that fewer parents could afford to pay school fees.

There has been an enormous need in the area around the center to give children the opportunity to attend school. At Rise and Shine Junior School, children also receive a stable daily meal, which is absolutely vital for many.

Rise and Shine welcomes:

1. Children whose parents can pay the full school fee – currently 61 children.
2. Children whose parents can pay half of the school fee – currently 84 children.
3. Children whose parents cannot afford school fees – currently 65 children.
4. Children who, for various reasons, live at the center, such as those whose parents are in prison or have passed away – currently 27 children.