School "Requirements"

One of Mercy Uganda’s priorities is getting orphaned children a quality, Christian education. Thus, sponsorship fees generally cover that education and boarding at the school along with a mattress and a blanket. No Mercy Uganda administration fees are included in what sponsors pay; that money goes directly to the school. Yet so many additional needs exist beyond just the education and boarding. For example, students need a school uniform, sportswear for gym class, shoes and socks, and a sweater. One of each costs 60,000 shillings. Having more than one of each is helpful when it comes to laundering, particularly the school uniform.

For dormitory purposes, students are asked to provide for themselves: bed sheets, a basin, a jerry can, a mosquito net, and a torch – 36,500 shillings. For toilet purposes students are asked to provide: a sponge, toothbrushes, toothpaste, a comb, shoe polish and brush, slippers, soap, towels, Vaseline, toilet paper, and a basket to carry things in – 38,000 shillings. In the area of non-uniform clothing, students are asked to provide: casual clothing for non-school times, underwear, and nightwear – 79,000 shillings (shoes are expensive). Students are asked to provide their own kitchen wear: sugar, plate, fork, knife, and spoon – 9,500 shillings. Miscellaneous requirements include: exercise books, black books, a charcoal iron, brooms, a ream (paper?), and a set – 28,000 shillings. I know that all these items are different and necessary but I’m not sure how.

So you see, this $450 education and boarding just increased by almost 200,000 shillings or by 25% not including the uniform. Not all sponsors can afford to add to the fees they’re already paying. Some aren’t yet aware of these additional needs. These are undoubtedly items, however, that we pay for when our own children need them. School supplies, clothing, toothbrush, food, etc. We all know they add up but which one of these items would you tell your child to go without. Sorry honey, no toilet paper today.