A Review of our First Year at St. John's Primary

This man's commitment to making St. John's a place where children can thrive is inspiring. We are doing everything we can, with wisdom, to help. Lawrence Ssemakula is one of the best resources we have to offer. He and his wife, both seasoned teachers, are laboring to develop teachers and invest into children at the school everyday.

This article is based on an interview with Lawrence Ssemakula, teacher at St. John's Primary, administrator, and cooperative of G.O.D. International.

Last summer, G.O.D. Int’l East Africa began a partnership with the school that borders our property in Uganda, St. John’s Primary. Throughout the year, we have been able to improve the school building itself, the land it sits on, and most importantly, the quality of education, and life, for the students who attend.

Initially, we were able to more than double its teaching staff. In regard to curriculum, a new, learner-participatory approach was taken, which emphasized demonstration, discussion, and group work over the traditional lecture, rote memorization method most common in East African schools. In addition, the amount of content taught has been reduced to allow for better understanding and application, and consequently more meaningful learning. Students have been considered for their own cognitive and intellectual abilities to create more accurate groupings. Courses themselves have been removed or added to ensure their practicality and applicability to the students’ real lives, both currently and into the future. Also, teachers have been attending to students' health care needs, especially wound care.

<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/514ce42ae4b0d2e6d866511c/1433274684793-ERKF4RWD7U4A7ZQ53IXC/AAR_6892.jpg" alt=" Our team visited Uganda while St. John's Primary was on holiday. Though unable to observe classes in session, it was beneficial for conducting teacher development seminars. These local children are enrolled at St. John's.&amp;nbsp; " />

Our team visited Uganda while St. John's Primary was on holiday. Though unable to observe classes in session, it was beneficial for conducting teacher development seminars. These local children are enrolled at St. John's.

<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/514ce42ae4b0d2e6d866511c/1433274697384-N5F1JM1HAZ62R6ZTNFK2/AAR_6900.jpg" alt="AAR_6900.jpg" />

<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/514ce42ae4b0d2e6d866511c/1433274721348-9OJQDBCIBIRTMN0VIJ63/AAR_6905.jpg" alt=" An improved gutter system has been installed on the roof of St. John's Primary.   " />

An improved gutter system has been installed on the roof of St. John's Primary.

<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/514ce42ae4b0d2e6d866511c/1433274714811-X9RXU5UPISMPS6BFXCYR/AAR_6902.jpg" alt=" The bathrooms at St. John's. Bathrooms like this can be prohibitive to school attendance, particularly for girls. We have been supplying re-usable sanitary pads to the girls at the school, but the bathrooms still need improvement.&amp;nbsp; " />

The bathrooms at St. John's. Bathrooms like this can be prohibitive to school attendance, particularly for girls. We have been supplying re-usable sanitary pads to the girls at the school, but the bathrooms still need improvement.

<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/514ce42ae4b0d2e6d866511c/1433274732990-P8NNUG9PYWIXEMI20N5N/AAR_7270.jpg" alt=" The inside of a St. John's classroom. Re-structuring class sizes and grades allowed for the school to make better use of what space they do have.&amp;nbsp; " />

The inside of a St. John's classroom. Re-structuring class sizes and grades allowed for the school to make better use of what space they do have.

<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/514ce42ae4b0d2e6d866511c/1433274743290-RMOLE0J3TA3G4G1UZUU5/AAR_7320.jpg" alt=" A new roof was added to the building. Parents and neighbors contributed labor, materials, and food for the workers--the development of St. John's is becoming a community project.&amp;nbsp; " />

A new roof was added to the building. Parents and neighbors contributed labor, materials, and food for the workers--the development of St. John's is becoming a community project.

Previously, the school was either unaware of their needs, or unable to provide all of these things. The village’s response, combined with our efforts, is producing tremendous results. Students are experiencing caring and loving staff, manageable class load and activities, and regular teaching with timely feedback. Parents are sending more children to the school from other schools. Neighbors are constantly thanking the staff. The original staff is appreciative that we are helping to carry the burden. Our cooperatives and students are truly recognizing that what happens at St. John’s is their responsibility as a community sharing in the same vocation, to love their neighbors as themselves, to meet the needs of those more vulnerable and disadvantaged.

There is much, much more to do at St. John’s. This year was only the beginning, and improvements are already being made for next term. We thank God for the dedication of our cooperatives and students to participate in the education of the children in their midst.

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