Tomorrow the new term starts for the primary (elementary) schools here in
Bundibugyo.

Uganda was colonized by the British and the educational system reflects
that, as do so many other traditions here.

They are not particularly good schools, but they are free. They are all
that is available, as far as I know. Some have walls, other don’t. They
are all very minimal. Schools are supposed to be taught in English, but
that is very difficult since none of the students come to school knowing any
English.

Over the last week many, many children have come to us needing items to
attend school. Most importantly, the uniform. But also, closed shoes (for
the older children), notebooks, and money for the lunches for the term.

I am blown away by the lack of sense in offering universal, free, primary
education to a subsistence population, then requiring uniforms, shoes, and
paper - none of which can be afforded by the majority of households here.
For children, such as our neighbors, to live within walking distance of a
free school, and be unable to attend because of the required clothing seems
wrong and thoughtless. Yet it is the way here. Colonialism strikes again.