Feb 18, 2005

Batwa: Batwa Pygmy School Project completed in Uganda


The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) office in Uganda has completed the Ntandi Pygmy Primary School rehabilitation and construction project in Bundibugyo district, western Uganda
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The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) office in Uganda has completed the Ntandi Pygmy Primary School rehabilitation and construction project in Bundibugyo district, western Uganda. The project improved the learning environment of Batwa Pygmies and other children through rehabilitation and completion of a five-classroom block.

Local leaders and the Batwa Pygmies were actively involved in project activities. They provided labor, mined sand, and collected hardcore stones, water, and bricks.

The four-month project was completed in December 2004. Nearly 120 pupils have registered and are now attending classes from grades one through four.

ADRA Uganda has a long history of working with the Batwa Pygmies. During its Resettlement Project for Displaced Batwa, implemented from 1993 to 1994 in Bwamba County, Ntandi School was constructed up to the ring beam. Construction was halted due to civil unrest. Construction resumed recently with funding provided by ADRA International and private donations. Three classrooms were rehabilitated and furnished and two new classrooms, an office, and latrines were constructed.

During the rehabilitation, classroom length was increased by nearly five feet, walls and gables were reconstructed, the beam cast and the block was roofed with super echo (colored) iron sheets. Classrooms were fitted with a strong concrete floor cast and a verandah with a ramp for persons with disabilities. Three classrooms were furnished with student desks, teachers’ tables, and chairs.

Source: Reuters Alertnet