Winnie, Charles (12), Bridget (6) and Martin (3)

My name is Winnie and I am married to a farmer. We have our own land, and can afford to rent out a few small huts to other villagers. We live close to Namungo, where Pioneer High School is being built. My husband has travelled to Mityana town today to sell some of his crops. Mostly we grow and sell coffee but we also have some crops for our own family subsistence and to sell in my shop. I am a very busy woman at the moment because it is my duty to pick and dry the coffee beans. Three of my children are here helping me today. They are usually in primary school, but it is the school holidays at the moment.

I also have three older ones who are away in Kampala trying to find work. My first-born children did not go to secondary school because the only one was far away. We needed them at home to help us with digging, picking, fetching water and milking our cows. I am very very happy now I know that there is a new secondary school coming to our area. My youngest children will now be able to attend and also remain close to home. I was a very good student at primary school and I dearly wished to carry on my education. My teachers helped pay for me to go to secondary school for one year, but then I had to drop out. I thank God that some of my children will have the opportunity that I didn’t. Maybe they can be professionals and learn to speak good English. I am the head of the village women’s group so I will make sure that all of the mothers know about this lovely school.