Bridging the gap to primary education in Uganda
In 2024, a model ECD centre was built in Aojapiro, Uganda to bridge the gap before primary education and reduce the high dropout rates in primary schools in the district. Currently, only about 15 out of every 40 children who enrol in nursery school transition to primary education due to inadequate teaching facilities and caregivers. The new model centre aims to create a stable and supportive learning environment for approximately 3,360 children, to improve these statistics.
ECD model centres offer integrated Early Childhood services to pre-primary school children and their parents. In addition, they act as knowledge and training ‘hubs’ for surrounding local ECD centres, thereby also raising the quality of these centres.
The initiative for the ECD centre in Aojapiro was taken by the community, with each household contributing 50,000 UGX (Ugandan shilling) to purchase the land for the school. That reflects the dedication of the community and symbolizes the impact of community unity and a shared vision for the future, illuminating the path towards a future where every child can dream, learn, and thrive.
Rachel Kigame, the Country Director of Help a Child Africa, highlighted the importance of educational access during the opening of the ECD model centre: “Education is the pathway to equality and opportunity. Every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to quality education”.