Mrs Kate Callaghan, Head of Rowing at HMSG, is going to run the London Marathon! Not only is she running but she is also hoping to raise money for our link school in Uganda and we hope as many people as possible will support both Kate and Lwala.
It is only just over 100 years since education for girls in the UK was not seen as priority, in a time when children worked in factories or were needed at home to look after younger siblings. In sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda, only 1 in 4 girls are enrolled in secondary school. This has a devastating effect not only on their self esteem but also on their career prospects and health. Our link school in Lwala is somewhat off the beaten track and does not benefit from the same facilities of schools nearer towns such as Jinja and Kampala.
So far HMSG has contributed toward the building and equipping of a science block and, during the Christmas holidays, the installation of electricity. For the past 2 summers we have despatched boxes by sea containing shirts, shoes, stationery and other useful items. However, there are endless other issues which need to be addressed. The kitchen is inadequate as are the sanitary arrangements and the library is completely devoid of books.
Research shows that girls who complete secondary education in Uganda are likely to marry later and have smaller, healthier families. Educated women are 3 times more likely to protect themselves against HIV and AIDS. Our own girls at HMSG are privileged to receive a good education and all children have a right to schooling in the UK. In Uganda this is not the case and even when parents have managed to pay the fees for schools such as Lwala they are learning on a poorly equipped campus
If you feel able to support Kate in her sterling effort to run the London Marathon and by so doing, give the girls of Lwala a better chance of a good education, please pledge you support or make a donation in the Library, to Mrs Callaghan or in Reception. Cheques should be made payable to HMSG (Lwala Account).
Thank you.