Project ACE

When Rotary raises money, where does it go? Here is one answer... Everyone agrees that the best way to escape poverty and make a contribution to your community is through education, but what happens if your school grows so much that the facilities cannot cope? This happened to Rukongi School in a remote part of Uganda, which has now expanded to 850 students, but the latrine facilities had not kept pace. You might not want to imagine the conditions you are faced with if you suddenly need to “go” during the school day! 

PROJECT TO PROVIDE CLEAN DRINKING WATER AND LATRINES FOR SCHOOLS IN RURAL SOUTH WEST UGANDA 

"Aid Conservation through Education" (ACE) is a small charity based in Newmill, Cornwall, UK. They believe that education is the key to conservation and poverty eradication. They are committed to supporting rural primary education in developing countries and are currently assisting nine primary schools in rural Uganda.

The Rotary Clubs of Mounts Bay and Penzance teamed up with the charity ACE to build water tanks and latrines for 5 schools supported by the charity.  ACE is a local charity set up in West Cornwall by Angela Peake following a visit to Uganda in 2002 when she was horrified at the conditions at the schools and in the villages they served. Most of the villagers are subsistence 

farmers living on or below the poverty line.  The charity supports 9 schools in the Kisoro District of Uganda which is about 2 hours drive from Kabale.

The purpose of this project was to provide tanks for clean drinking water with associated water collection equipment and hygienic latrines with septic tanks for 5 schools.  The remaining 4 already had adequate facilities so successful completion of the project meant that all the schools supported by ACE had clean water and adequate latrines. This has improved the health of the children and, consequently, their ability to learn and their prospects for a successful life. Not only do the children get a drink of water at school but, when supplies allow, they are allowed to take a small jerrycan home with them.  This means that they can attend school instead of travelling to a water hole. Furthermore, it allows ACE to concentrate on classrooms, books and other equipment as well as maintenance.

ACE has a part time employee in Uganda, who visits the schools twice a termand also visits ACE's sponsored students at secondary school. He sends ACE comprehensive reports and photos. If any problems arise he is the "first port of call". His book keeping/accounting satisfies ACE's independent examiner.

The schools included in the project are:

Gisosi - This school was taken on by ACE as it was suffering a decline in school numbers because it was losing pupils to the neighbouring ACE supported Mukibugu school which became dangerously overpopulated. There is sufficient room at Gisosi for 600 pupils and a water tank and 5 stance latrine was installed.

Kamfizi - This school was taken on by ACE because it was also suffering a decline in school numbers.  This school was provided with a water tank.

Gitenderi - This school was one of the first to be taken on by ACE.  A latrine block was built but the number of children at the school has grown so another two 5 stance blocks were provided.

Rukongi - This school was also one of the first schools to be taken on by ACE. It needs three additional 5 stance latrine blocks.

Rukasi - This school has adequate latrines but needs a water tank.

More information can be obtained on the ACE website www.ace-charity.org.uk