Uganda Project
20 Years of Transformation and Legacy
For the past two decades, the TY Uganda Project has embodied St. Andrew's College's mission of embracing responsibilities as open-minded and empathetic global citizens. By celebrating diversity, fostering inclusion, and supporting those less fortunate, this initiative has grown in both scale and significance, impacting thousands of lives across Ireland and Uganda. With over 250 Transition Year (TY) students participating and more than €500,000 raised to date, the project has not only transformed communities in Uganda but has also deeply influenced the lives of our students and the wider St. Andrew's College community.
Transformative Experiences for Students:
The TY Uganda Project provides students with a powerful opportunity to embody the attributes of the St. Andrew's College Learner Profile by engaging with global challenges in meaningful and impactful ways. Through this initiative, students develop empathy, responsibility, and leadership, while strengthening their capacity to act as informed and compassionate global citizens. Over the years, these transformative experiences have fostered the following outcomes:
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Life-Changing Career Paths: Demonstrating the inquiry and reflective attributes of the learner profile, many students have been inspired to pursue careers in international development, medicine, teaching, and social work. Their experiences on the trip encouraged them to align their professional aspirations with a commitment to service and societal betterment.
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Personal Sponsorships: Reflecting the values of integrity and care, numerous students and their families have undertaken the long-term sponsorship of children they met during their visit. These efforts have provided access to education and healthcare, affirming the importance of responsibility and individual action in creating a fairer and more equitable world.
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Cultural Exchange: Highlighting the attributes of open-mindedness and collaboration, students have formed lasting friendships with Ugandan peers, fostering mutual respect and a deeper understanding of global interconnectedness. These exchanges promote inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives, hallmarks of the learner profile.
These experiences shape students into individuals who exemplify the St. Andrew's College Learner Profile values, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to a better, more equitable world. The TY Uganda Project ensures that each participant not only grows as a person but also leaves a positive and lasting impact on the communities they engage with.
Fundraising: A Community United
The TY Uganda Project’s fundraising efforts have become cherished traditions in the St. Andrew's College calendar. These events not only support critical initiatives in Uganda but also strengthen the bonds within our school community. Over the years, we have raised more than €500,000 through:
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Annual Winter Fair: A festive highlight of the College’s Christmas season, showcasing student creativity and community spirit.
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U-Live Concert: A vibrant display of the College’s musical talent, bringing together students, alumni, and families.
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Sponsored Walks and Runs: From 50km endurance walks to 5km fun runs, these events have seen enthusiastic participation from students, staff, and parents alike.
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Creative Fundraisers: Innovative events like celebrity doodle auctions and themed film screenings, including The Rocky Horror Picture Show, have brought variety and excitement to our fundraising efforts.
These activities instil a lasting sense of ownership and pride in the TY students, who embrace the "good works" ethos with enthusiasm and commitment.
A Broader Impact: National Recognition
The TY Uganda Project has garnered widespread attention and admiration, earning a place in the hearts of the greater St. Andrew's College community and beyond.
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Media Features: An 18-minute segment on RTE’s Nationwide aired on International Africa Day highlighted the project, bringing its message of compassion and social responsibility to a national audience.
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Local and National Coverage: The project has been featured in newspapers and television programs, showcasing St. Andrew's College as a leader in fostering global citizenship and meaningful action.
This recognition has enhanced the college’s reputation, creating goodwill and inspiring others to take up similar causes.
Achievements in Uganda
Rubiriizi Senior School stands as a testament to the profound impact of the TY Uganda Project. In the past 20 years, the school has been utterly transformed from a small institution with 160 students to a thriving campus with over 600 students. Key achievements include:
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New Facilities: Construction of dormitories for both boys and girls, a state-of-the-art assembly hall for examinations and school events, and additional classrooms.
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Staff Housing: Building residences for teachers and the headmaster has improved staff retention and attracted qualified educators.
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Scholarship Programs: The introduction of "Academic Excellence" bursaries and hardship grants has supported countless students in completing their education.
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Community Recognition: During a recent visit, Irish and Ugandan flags were raised in a ceremony attended by community elders, politicians, and school representatives, underscoring the deep bonds between St. Andrew's and Rubiriizi.
Rubiriizi has become a focal point of pride for the local community, with its enrollment growing significantly and its reputation for academic excellence firmly established.
The GSF Children’s Home has benefited from consistent support and engagement, with St. Andrew's College addressing both immediate needs and long-term development. Highlights include:
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Educational Access: TY students teach at the children’s home each year, engaging directly with children in classrooms that St. Andrew's helped construct.
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Transportation: Two buses provided by the College ensure that secondary school students can attend school safely and reliably.
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Healthcare Support: Contributions to vaccine programs, HIV food supplements, and nutritional support have improved the overall well-being of the children.
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Infrastructure Improvements: Funding for cooking equipment, classroom renovations, and school fees has helped create a nurturing environment for the children.
The children’s home values the relationship deeply, and our students derive immense fulfillment from witnessing the tangible results of their efforts.
Kisiizi Hospital serves as a lifeline for some of Uganda’s most vulnerable populations, and St. Andrew's College has been a steadfast partner in its mission. Over the past 20 years, we have:
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Improved Infrastructure: Funded the construction of a new Outpatient Department (OPD), medical student housing, and visitor accommodation.
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Financial Support: Regular contributions to the Samaritans Purse Fund have ensured that patients who cannot afford treatment receive the care they need.
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Professional Exchange Programs: Initiatives like the CHEERS program with St. James’s Hospital in Dublin have fostered collaboration between Irish and Ugandan medical professionals, benefiting both communities.
Kisiizi Hospital exemplifies the enduring impact of the TY Uganda Project on healthcare access and professional development.
A Legacy of Change
The TY Uganda Project has touched countless lives, creating a ripple effect of positive change that spans continents. Whether it’s a Ugandan child achieving their dream of completing secondary education, a patient receiving life-saving care, or a St. Andrew's students discovering their purpose, the project continues to inspire and transform.
As we celebrate 20 years of this extraordinary initiative, the St. Andrew's College community can take immense pride in the difference we have made—and continue to make—in the world.