Edify’s Reach in Uganda
Since beginning operations in Uganda six years ago, we have witnessed God’s hand at work in transformative ways. In this East African nation, bustling cities blend seamlessly with peaceful villages, creating a rich and vibrant landscape. If you look closer on the map, you’ll find the city of Jinja, nestled beside Lake Victoria just east of Kampala. Here, Wings of Hope Christian Primary, led by Simon Kibombo, overflows with opportunity and growth, shaping bright futures for all who enter.
A School Transformed
Wings of Hope Christian Primary School began with great potential to impact its community. Yet, as they grew rapidly, the team struggled to operate with excellence. The school management proved challenging without the right resources.
“Before our partnership with Edify, our school had a number of leadership gaps,” expressed Simon. “There were no clear systems for strategic planning, financial policies, or teacher development. We struggled with monitoring students’ learning outcomes and engaging with the community.”
Through Edify’s leadership training, Simon and his team gained valuable insight into strategic thinking and planning. “We were encouraged to define the school’s vision and core values,” Simon recalls. As they worked through the process, they developed a clear vision: “To offer children equal opportunities for a bright future through affordable, Christ-centered primary education in a child-friendly and safe environment.” With this renewed focus, the team began approaching every decision with purpose.
“Now, we often ask ourselves, ‘How does this help us achieve the school’s vision?’” Simon shares. This clarity of purpose led Wings of Hope to develop a comprehensive school development plan. By carefully allocating resources, the school successfully constructed a new classroom block and a central hall, creating much-needed space for students to learn and gather.
Empowering Teachers and Students
Teacher capacity building became a cornerstone of the school’s strategy. “Our lower primary teachers attended training in phonics facilitated by Edify,” Simon explained. “This boosted their expertise in teaching reading, and now our pupils can confidently read.”
Innovative teaching methods, such as individualized instruction, transformed classroom dynamics so that each student feels seen. Simon stated, “Our teachers can now engage learners in self-directed study, making lessons more interactive and impactful.”
Feedback and Community Engagement
A key takeaway from Edify’s leadership training was the importance of feedback. Simon stated, “Improvement arises from both giving and receiving feedback.” Wings of Hope implemented a feedback system that gathers insights from parents, teachers, and students, allowing open communication and opportunities to hear and serve each other like Christ. Simon adds, “We are always asking ourselves, ‘How can we improve?’ and work together to find solutions. This shift in mindset from defensiveness to problem-solving has significantly impacted our progress in bringing transformation.”
The school’s commitment to community engagement has strengthened trust and support. “The community sees the issues they raise being addressed, which has led to both increased trust for the parents and steady growth in enrollment,” Simon said. “Families now want their children to go through our school.”
A Vision Realized
Through its partnership with Edify, Wings of Hope has transformed into a thriving school with a harmonious work environment, empowered teachers, and a growing reputation for excellence. “Each staff member now sees the others as teammates,” Simon reflected. “We have each other’s backs.”
In Jinja, and across Uganda, the work of Edify continues to illuminate the power of Christ-centered education. As Wings of Hope inspires its community, it serves as a testament to transformative hope, strategic planning, and faithful partnership.
