Another school year is coming to a close in Uganda and the Class of 2024 have completed their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) and left school. This was the eighth year in a row that pupils from the school have had the opportunity to sit these important national examinations. The Uphill Class of 2017 was the very first in the district to do so!
Before the exams the candidates enjoyed the now traditional Uphill Leavers’ Party, where they have the chance to dress up, eat cake and share their personal stories with the rest of their group. These are some of this year’s stories, as told to us by school director Elius:
“What an emotional evening for me,” says Elius, “listening to this girl who said that her single mum is her hero. Her mum sells cassava and eggs by the road side to bring her to Uphill! Such girls deserve a better future to support their mums.”
“I am proud of this boy’s speech! His father is the school cleaner!” “He said, ‘Am proud of my father. He has cleaned the school for me to study, he has washed toilets for me to study!'” Elius tells us that the boy’s father never went to school – now his son has made it to P7.
“This boy has a similar story to mine! Am glad he made it through primary. He will stay at Uphill as he commits to a nearby secondary school. He will continue to help look after the school in the evenings and on weekends until he makes it through secondary school. Thanks to the Uphill Trust for giving his boy the love and financial support to stay in school.”
Elius goes on to say, “Am so glad that this class has graduated. These kids went through so much, but finally they make it! Among them is S, who I picked on the street and brought him in when he was in P3, B who I brought in when he was 3 years old after losing his parents to HIV, I whose parents separated and she needed me to hold her hand, C who lost her father last year, A who lost his father and grandfather to Covid in 2020, D whose father abandoned him and his little brother, and a few others with similar stories. I have seen all these youngsters grow in my hands! My worry is where they go after here! The Lord and the Uphill Trust made it possible for them to have a place to study well! Am so proud of them!”
These are the stories of Uphill, and it is why what we all do together is so very important.
Thank you so much to everyone who has helped to make education a reality for children like these.
If you would like to help, please donate below, or contact the trustees.
Tags: class of 2024, primary leaving examination, The Uphill Trust, Uphill Junior School
