1.0 Education

On 27th of May 2024, the school second term was opened. Most children supported by CHAIN began attending classes. 

Martin school, CHAIN Kindergarten, CHAIN Vocation school, plus those in secondary school level and others in colleges/universities. 

Donors and godparents who are supporting these children to study - beginning of the term, children were given scholastic materials such as pens, pencils, mathematical sets, exercise books, calculators, etc.

One of the visually impaired students (Akim) joined Makerere University 

He was able to meet some of the requirements he needs

a) MARTIN NKOYOYO PRIMARY SCHOOL

This year Martin Nkoyoyo has got 423 pupils and 16 teachers including those teaching the blind children. The school has got 41 visually impaired children including those with low vision.

i) Primary Leaving Examination (PLE). Martin school has got 57 candidates in primary seven and teachers are preparing them to sit for their National Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) in November. The teachers are doing everything possible to finish the school syllabus on time so that children are left with ample time to revise and prepare for the final exams. The learners also did District Mock exams on 7th -9th August again in preparation for National exams.

ii) Music Dance and Drama (MDD). Music, dance, and drama took place this term, and children competed under different houses such as Rhino, Lion, and Cheeta. Tiger and Cheetah won the house competitions and got a trophy. Children from all classes (primary one to primary seven) participated in this competition.

iii) Election of student leaders. The school had elections of new prefects/leaders, and they had both nominations and campaigns. Children were moving to different classes during lunchtime and late in the evening after classes asking for votes.

iv) School devotions. Devotions take place every Thursday at 12pm in the school dining hall, led by CHAIN chaplain. Children always look forward to this time of prayers and encouraged to have their trust in God, to always pray and love each other. Occasionally, children lead devotions under the guidance of the chaplain.

v) Extra-curricular Activities. The school timetable gives children time for other extra-curricular activities, especially after classes, and this involves both sighted and visually impaired children. These activities include skipping ropes, chasing each other, singing, playing games, etc.

vi) Counseling Department. CHAIN Foundation started a Counselling department after realizing that it is a needed service by vulnerable children/youths. The school leaders encourage children to go for individual counselling if needed, however, some teachers also refer difficult cases to the counselor for further management/assistance.

vii) Kindergarten. It has 3 three classes namely: Baby, Middle and Top classes with 6 teachers, each class with 2 teachers and one support staff. As usual children at this age are curios and keep on asking very many questions that make teachers fully occupied.

b) CHAIN VOCATIONAL SCHOOL 

Students resumed their studies on the 27th of May, 2024, and ended on the 16th of August 2024. The Vocational school aims at skilling students/youth for a better future and by the end of term one, there were 61 students. The school has 13 tutors plus one support staff member who helps in the kitchen. Training areas include hairdressing, tailoring, electrical installation, welding, catering and bakery, building and construction, plus computer training.

i) Sports day. There was also sports day on the 2nd of August 202,4, where students competed in sports like football, netball, volleyball, rope pulling, and athletics such as running, high jump, etc.

ii) Devotions. The school has devotions every Friday at 2 pm led by the organization chaplain. Sometimes, students also take the lead in praise and worship. 

iii) Election of students’ leaders. Several students were elected by their fellow students \ including the guild president and his cabinet.

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2.0 Young Mothers Project

In this department, there are 8 mothers with their babies, including a pair of twins. These girls are given a chance to learn a skill within one year that can help them take care of themselves and their babies. It should be noted that the fathers of these children abandoned their mothers. The young mothers have a mentor mother who looks after their babies while they are at the vocational school. The mentor mother also trains young mothers on how to improve the feeding of their babies and personal hygiene. She also leads them in the daily devotions that take place in their dormitory. The CHAIN Foundation counselor meets with them every week to provide guidance and counseling. 

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3.0 CHAIN Orphanage

In the children’s home, there are 96 children, both boys and girls, with 13 staff members (mothers and uncles) taking care of the children full-time.

a) HOME CHORES

Children are taught how to do home chores and how to manage personal hygiene to enable them to be responsible people. These included teaching them how to lay their beds, personal hygiene management, compound and dormitory cleaning, raking and digging, etc.

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4.0 Other Misc. Updates

a) SICK BAY/Nurse

The CHAIN sick bay is handling cases of sick children, including students from vocational schools. Major cases of sickness in this period have been malaria, cough and flu, stomach disorders, minor injuries etc. The nurse carries out sensitization as a way of preventing diseases among children. The proper use of mosquito nets is also emphasized to prevent deadly malaria. 

b) FARMING  

Farming is an activity that is carried out at the CHAIN Foundation, and it involves growing crops (such as beans, yams, sweet potatoes, cassava, etc.) and taking care of animals such as pigs and cows. Children participate in all these activities to learn skills since farming is the biggest employer in Uganda.

c) RENOVATIONS

Renovation is an ongoing activity at CHAIN due to wear and tear. The fact that the number of children is slightly high, they put pressure on the existing facilities that makes them break down. Others need upgrading, repairing and replacement. Repairing buildings, painting, fixing water systems, electrical repairs etc.

d) COMMUNITY OUTREACH

CHAIN Foundation works with other vulnerable children outside the children’s home. These are supported by their families and go to community schools near their homes. Several community outreaches by CHAIN social workers have been carried out to support children at their school and in their families.

i) Visitors

The CHAIN Foundation received visitors from Dallas, Texas, led by Auntie Penny and a church delegation, including Rev. Terr. It was a blessing having this team at CHAIN and several children’s items such as clothes, shoes, used smart phones, school materials, laptops, sports items, etc.​​