Rushooka Orphans Education Center

The Rushooka Orphans Education Center was founded in 1992 as a primary school for local children who could not afford school fees. With the introduction of free universal primary education (UPE) in Uganda, Rushooka was able to add a vocational training program to build useful life skills for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) after their schooling was complete. The Rushooka education program is now a comprehensive blend of traditional learning and vocational training. Instructors equip OVC with skills in agriculture, brick making, construction, joinery, and tailoring. OVC can then use these trades to support themselves and their families, and many elect to continue their training at higher-level vocational schools.

Rushooka turned to the Bantwana Initiative for assistance to expand and deepen their services. First, the Center needed a method to evaluate the impact of its program on the community. Bantwana staff has supported Rushooka to assess their organizational strengths and weaknesses and monitor the effects of the program to date. The assessment has helped Rushooka target OVC who are not in school or who are likely to drop out—namely, adolescents who might benefit from the vocational training program. With Bantwana's support, 25 of these OVC have been enrolled in the school. Finally, Bantwana is facilitating psychosocial support training (PSS) for both teachers and students. Two OVC clubs have been formed to promote recreational and group activities. Rushooka staff help teachers and OVC cope with residual depression, anxiety, and anger from their experiences with loss.

Bantwana helps Rushooka track graduates and assess their employment situations. This study has contributed to Rushooka's strategic planning regarding the adjustment of its programs and identification of new areas for vocational training.