Uganda doesn’t offer free public school, so a big part of Cruciform’s ministry is child sponsorship. This allows children whose families can’t afford school fees to go to school. However, there are also families who can afford to send their children to school, but only to the less expensive, government-run schools. Because these schools cost less, they have fewer resources and poorer educational outcomes.
In order to incentivize the children at the local government school, St. Maria Goret, Cruciform team member Bravin got permission to come to the school each week to do a lesson on varying topics, such as hand hygiene or good listening skills. During the week, their teachers then evaluate each student on their performance in that area and choose the one most exhibiting that characteristic to be the classroom winner. At the end of the week, Bravin chooses between the classroom winners and awards a grand prize, such as new school shoes or some other item known to be needed by that child. All the other classroom winners are given a smaller prize, such as a new notebook or a water bottle.
The teachers report that their students are more motivated and engaged thanks to this support program!