A team of visiting evangelists from the United States of America (USA) have pledged to work closely with local communities to improve education in Buyende District.
Led by Senior Pastor Karl Hofheinz of Radford Baptist Church in Georgia, the 16-member team is in the country to preach the gospel, check on the progress of different projects as well as provide medical care to the community with emphasis on dental and eye care, among others.
They were, however, moved by the appalling condition in which the over 170 pupils of New Life Academy Buwaidha were studying.
Upon visiting the school on Wednesday, the learners were found studying in grass-thatched and makeshift classes, making it inevitable for the guests to prioritize a partnership.
“We appreciate the commitment and determination being exhibited by the teachers and pupils of this community and we pledge total commitment to improving the conditions of learners here with God as our sole provider,” Pastor Hofheinz said.
The school director, Eng. Gerald Isabirye, said the area has struggled academically with only two degrees on record yet the Kyabazinga of Busoga William Wilberforce Nadiope has been prioritizing the fight against ignorance in Busoga sub-region.
Meanwhile, Buyende Resident District Commissioner Dennis Balwaniregha commended the vision bearers for prioritizing education and health services in the area.
“On behalf of government, I want to commit total support towards the success of this initiative. With quality education and readily available health services in our midst,the standard of living of our people is bound to change,” Balwaniregha said.
Dr. Richmond Wandera, a Senior Pastor at New Life Church Kireka, who accompanied the team, noted that there is need for God’s intervention to transform the area through preaching the gospel and improving education.
” Upon my maiden visit, I noted the need to extend the gospel to God’s people in Buyende as an entry point and I am grateful that our vision is bearing fruits,” Wandera said.
Service delivery is Buyende is seriously wanting with learners trekking for about four kilometers to access Nakabira Primary School which is the nearest school while patients walk for close to six kilometers to access health care services at Buyende Health centre III which only offers out-patient services.
The project, which seats on over 20 acres of land, upon completion will have a nursery, primary and secondary schools and other amenities will be availed gradually.