Book Box Project

According to UDS, whereas government aided schools in Uganda are supported with books and other reading materials, private schools have to fend for themselves. The objectives of the UDS book box project are to ensure that pupils and teachers in private secondary schools in the remote areas of the country have access to books on the curricula and other suitable reading materials and to create a reading environment that will lead to the nurturing of a reading culture.

The project involves the selection, acquisition, and processing of fifty to one hundred books suitable for all levels within the secondary school. The books range from science to arts subjects and are chosen with pupils and teachers in mind. The boxes are sent to the schools at the beginning of the first term. Since its inception, organisers say the project has benefited 18 schools in Kamuli district.

According to UDS, based on the periodic monitoring carried out, the introduction of the book box project has not only improved performance, but also stimulated schools to create their own library facilities. The project has stimulated reading, creation of libraries, boosted confidence amongst the teachers with regard to reference materials, created awareness about the need in private schools, and improved performance of students.

Education, Literacy, Youth

A survey carried out by UDS in Kamuli district revealed that most private and community secondary schools had an overwhelming need for books and reading materials. There are 1666 private and 328 community secondary schools in Uganda. According to the Ministry of Education's (Uganda Educational Statistics 2008) educational statistics, 37.8% of schools, which are generally secondary schools, are based in rural areas. The assumption is that a big number of students do not have access to suitable reading materials.