What a year it’s been for Shanita! 2024 has been all about rolling up our sleeves and making things happen. But it’s not just about ticking off achievements—it’s about transforming lives, one step at a time.
Our primary mission and unwavering responsibility is to care for the 255 children under Shanita’s wings—a commitment that demands our full attention every hour of every day. Yet, with determination and resourcefulness, we go beyond, seizing opportunities to create even more impactful and exciting initiatives. Here are some of the highlights from this extraordinary year.
Significant milestones shaped this year:
Consistency: Despite all challenges, we remained steadfast in our mission, ensuring continuous support for every child in the program.
Growth Within Crisis: With global events affecting many of our supporters we found a way to grow stronger. We forged new partnerships and expanded our network, enabling us to not only maintain but also increase our support for the children.
Quality of Education: From library renovations to digital literacy courses and developing our own curriculum and approach, we enhanced learning environments, made learning fun and engaging, and empowered students to excel academically.
As we look back on a whirlwind of activities and growth, here’s a tour of what we’ve been up to.
January
We started 2024 with a focus on empowerment and creativity. The launch of our first Tailoring Course was a significant step in supporting SHANITA's mothers, equipping them with valuable sewing skills and sustainable income opportunities to uplift their families.
Meanwhile, we added a touch of harmony to Simpson P/S by opening a brand-new Music Room, providing a space for children to discover and nurture their musical talents.
The month concluded on a high note with our first holiday Camp of the year. The children enjoyed engaging educational activities and nutritious meals, setting the stage for a successful start to the new school year in February. January truly marked a fresh beginning, full of promise and potential for all involved.
February
With the beginning of a new school year in Uganda, we celebrated a fresh start for Shanita’s children. A total of 255 students were successfully promoted to their next class, with school fees covered and educational supplies distributed, setting the stage for a promising year ahead. Adding to the excitement, five of our students reached a significant milestone by advancing to secondary school, marking a proud moment for the entire Shanita community.
February also saw us laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and enhancing the learning experience. We Relaunched Shanita Farm, engaging children and staff in sustainable agriculture to support the nutrition program and teach valuable farming skills. The farm's first crops included tomatoes, onions, cabbage, and eggplants, which added fresh produce to the children's meals.
We also completed a major renovation project, transforming a neglected space at Natakwae P/S into a vibrant library. This new hub for learning is now a place where children can explore, discover, and foster a love for reading.
February was a month of new beginnings and achievements, setting a positive tone for the rest of the year.
March
In March, we had an exciting visit from a crew from NBS Uganda, one of the country's leading News channels. They came to produce a feature story about Shanita's work in Karamoja, highlighting our programs and the impact we're making on children's lives.
This media coverage was an incredible opportunity to share our mission with a local audience, raise awareness about the challenges faced in the region, and celebrate the resilience of the children we support. It was a proud moment that helped us amplify our message and extend our reach across the country.
April
In April we organized our first-ever school field trip, where the children ventured beyond their district for the very first time.
This outing provided a valuable learning experience, sparking curiosity, inspiring new dreams, and encouraging them to see a world of possibilities beyond their local environment.
May
In May we held our second holiday camp of the year, with a focus on personal development, teamwork, and engaging activities that kept the children motivated and inspired during the school break. The camp provided a nurturing environment where the children could enjoy learning, play, and build life skills.
The month also marked a significant milestone for our farm, as we celebrated our first major harvest. Fresh produce like tomatoes, onions, cabbage, skuma and eggplants were harvested, contributing to our nutrition program and ensuring that the children had access to healthy, homegrown meals. The farm's success also served as a hands-on educational tool, teaching the children about sustainable agriculture and the importance of food security.
June
This June, we formalized a partnership with Kara-Tunga, a Uganda-Dutch foundation, marking a significant step towards strengthening community engagement and developing tourism-based initiatives that will benefit the children and families of Karamoja. This collaboration is set to open up new resources and opportunities, enriching the region.
June also brought a leap forward in digital education with the launch of our first computer class. This initiative bridged the technology gap for our students by introducing digital literacy courses. For many, it was their first time using a computer—a thrilling and empowering experience. By equipping them with essential digital skills, we're preparing the children for a future where technology is integral to education and career opportunities.
Additionally, we established a Parents' Committee to enhance family involvement and support. This initiative encouraged parents to play a more active role in their children's education, building a stronger support network around each child and fostering a sense of community ownership and shared responsibility.
July
In our commitment to expanding the program's reach, during July we collected data and started the registration progress of 60 new girls from rural communities across Karamoja for the 2025 intake. This growth is a testament to our dedication to reaching more children and providing them with the care and educational opportunities they need to thrive.
We also took steps to invest in our educators by sponsoring Teacher Paul, our Dean of Studies, as he pursues a higher education degree. Supporting our teachers not only boosts their skills and qualifications but directly enriches the learning experience for the children, strengthening the overall quality of education at Shanita.
August
In August, our Shanita family grew as we welcomed a new baby, Dana, the daughter of Mama Jackie, our beloved caretaker. This joyful addition brought smiles to everyone’s faces and was a reminder of the warmth and unity within our community.
September
September marked a major highlight for many of our children: the third and final holiday camp of the year. This wasn’t just a break from school—it was a chance to dive into creativity, adventure, and the joy of the outdoors. The camp offered a safe, dynamic environment where kids could unleash their imaginations and engage in hands-on activities that sparked curiosity and inspired new interests.
From painting and craft projects to nature walks and outdoor games, every activity was thoughtfully designed to help the children step out of their comfort zones and try something new. But it wasn’t just about having fun. The camp was also about building confidence, fostering friendships, and creating lasting memories that extend far beyond the classroom. It became a celebration of growth and learning, proving that education happens in many forms, not just within school walls.
October
In October, a remarkable transformation took place at Natakwae School. We completed the renovation and painting of all classrooms, giving the entire school a fresh, vibrant look. It was more than just a visual upgrade; it was a renewal of energy and spirit.
The new environment brought a sense of pride and excitement to both students and teachers, who walked into classrooms that felt brighter, cleaner, and more welcoming. It wasn't just about aesthetics; the transformation created a space that encourages learning and boosts motivation.
November
In November, we celebrated the official launch of the newly renovated library at Natakwae School. This project was not just about creating a space filled with books; it was about inspiring a culture of reading and curiosity. The once rundown room was transformed into a vibrant, welcoming space with shelves stocked with new books and educational resources, making it the first fully functioning children’s library in Karamoja.
The library now provides a place where children can explore new worlds through books, enhancing their learning experience beyond the classroom. It represents a step forward in our commitment to making education accessible and engaging, helping students develop a love for reading and self-learning. The launch was met with excitement and enthusiasm from both students and teachers, who now have a valuable resource that supports their educational journey.
December
December is a month of upgrades and preparation for the new school year.
We are focusing on improving the dormitory facilities, providing better living conditions for our boarding students. The renovation included new beds, mattresses, and mosquito nets, ensuring that every child has a comfortable and safe place to sleep.
From new programs to impactful partnerships, this year, we’ve made a lasting difference in the lives of children and families in Karamoja. None of this would have been possible without the dedication, support, and belief of our community, friends, partners, and donors. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who played a part in making this year extraordinary.
See you in 2025!
Comments