Sindiru Primary School
Forging A Brighter Future For The Children Of Sindiru
Education serves as the cornerstone of hope and transformation, it is the key that unlocks the doors to a brighter future. For the children of Sindiru, education isn't just a pathway to knowledge; it's a light that guides them toward a life beyond the constraints of poverty. In a world where opportunities are often scarce, education empowers young minds to envision a future where they can break the cycle of hardship and reach for the stars. It is a force that instills in them the belief that they can chart their own destiny, and in doing so, they become the architects of a thriving and prosperous future.
Equal Opportunity Through Education
In South Sudan, gender inequality often restricts educational opportunities for girls, stemming from deeply ingrained cultural norms within a patriarchal society. These norms marginalise women, limiting their access to schools and quality education. Girls are burdened with domestic tasks, leaving them with less time and resources to pursue schooling.
To overcome these barriers, concerted efforts are needed to develop and enhance educational infrastructure. Our commitment to education led us to the establishment of Sindiru Primary School. Initiatives like this are crucial in breaking down these gender-based disparities and ensuring that every child, regardless of gender, can access quality education and fulfill their potential.
The Journey To Excellence
We began in 2013 with limited estimates, envisioning a cost of approximately $200,000 US. In reality, this endeavour demanded more than just constructing buildings; it required a holistic approach that recognised the school's success depended on addressing essential prerequisites.
Paving The Way For Education
Before the school's construction, we diligently worked on critical aspects. First, we installed two boreholes near the school and village to ensure safe water access, prioritising the children's safety and school attendance. Second, we introduced a grinding machine, streamlining daily tasks and freeing up valuable time for education. Moreover, we provided goats to the village's women, offering a sustainable source of income for family support. This effort amounted to an investment of $32,240 AUD in 2014-2015. These initiatives laid the foundation for the Sindiru School's success, ensuring that children not only have access to education but can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Building The Dream
In 2017-2018, we funded a local individual's teacher training at the Teacher Training College run by Solidarity for South Sudan in Yambio, which enabled the school to benefit from a formally trained teacher. This investment amounted to $7,766 AUD.
As construction commenced in 2019-2020, we further dedicated resources to acquire building materials, transportation, and labor, ensuring the school's physical foundation matched our vision. This phase of our journey required an expenditure of $80,107 AUD. Despite hurdles, including currency fluctuations and banking challenges, we've remained steadfast in our resolve to expand the school and support the education of Sindiru's children.
Completing The Dream
In April 2023, after years of unwavering dedication, our dream came to fruition. The total cost of this remarkable achievement amounted to approximately $238,000 AUD, inclusive of six tukuls (huts) for our teachers, which were essential for the school's operation, and wages for the workers who made it all possible.
The commitment and dedication of our workers, including three individuals who stayed in Sindiru Village for three years without seeing their families, have been instrumental in bringing this dream to life. Their efforts and our financial support ensured that the school was ready to welcome Sindiru's eager students.
Progress In 2023
In 2023, we found ourselves at an important juncture in our journey. With the school's completion, we had hoped for government support in furnishing classrooms and providing essential equipment. Although we have guarantees for desks and the development of a playing field, the timeline for these additions remains uncertain.
Challenges continued to emerge as we sought to secure qualified teachers and appoint a capable school principal. After careful deliberation, we decided to enlist educators from Uganda, well-trained and equipped to uphold our educational standards. This decision ensures that we maintain control of the school and its programs for the initial four years, setting a solid foundation for quality education in Sindiru.
As of June 2023, all Ugandan teachers were in Sindiru Village, ready to begin the process of registering children for school. With time, we anticipate the school will accommodate 250 to 300 students.
The Future Of Sindiru School
Today, as we stand on the brink of transformation, we seek support for immediate and long-term goals. We require funds for maintenance, fencing around the school and teacher salaries. As we enter this new phase, we appeal to your generosity to support the education of Sindiru's children, including building senior school classrooms and a boarding facility for high school girls.
Empower Change, Donate Today!
A $50 donation could provide a child with essential school supplies for a year ensuring they have the resources to thrive academically. This support not only enables access to vital education but also empowers these children to build a brighter future opening doors to a world of opportunities.
A $100 donation could provide a month's worth of nutritious meals and clean drinking water for a child. This contribution ensures that a child receives regular nourishment and access to safe drinking water, which is crucial for their health and well-being in a region where food and clean water can be scarce.
A $350 donation could contribute to a month's salary for a dedicated teacher. Supporting teachers is vital for the quality of education and encouraging skilled educators to continue their valuable work. Your contribution helps sustain the educational infrastructure and a nurturing learning environment.
