Disaster in Lamunyungu EC Uganda
Storm Damage Sparks New Hope for Lamunyungu Empowerment Centre
The Lamunyungu Empowerment Centre in Uganda has once again been struck by severe winds, with one side of the school’s temporary classrooms blown down. Thankfully, no children or staff were injured, but the damage has highlighted the urgent need for safer, permanent buildings.
For years, the centre has educated children in simple structures made from trees, mud and grass. While these classrooms have served the community with love and dedication, they are vulnerable to the heavy rains and strong winds that arrive each season.
Only the office and toilet blocks are built from brick. The local sandy soil is not suitable for making strong bricks, so quality materials have to be brought in from distant areas, adding greatly to the cost of construction.
Despite this latest setback, the spirit of the Lamunyungu community remains strong. See the video below where the children are learning in the shade of a tree.
A Dream Built One Brick at a Time
Over recent school terms, the centre has carefully saved small amounts of money wherever possible. Through determination and sacrifice, they have managed to put aside approximately 1,000,000 Ugandan Shillings (around £210) as the starting point for a permanent solution.
A local planner has now prepared a full construction budget for two permanent classrooms. The estimated cost of materials currently stands at approximately 12,376,000 Ugandan Shillings (around £2,600).
The plan is to build steadily as funds become available.
First the bricks.
Then the sand.
Then the cement.
Even if only one classroom can be completed initially, it will show parents that the future of their children is being taken seriously and that the centre is committed to providing a safe learning environment.
A School Built on Love and Practical Learning
The recent damage comes at a time when the school is actually growing.
As founder Generous explains:
“We are receiving many more children into our upper classes from the government schools because parents trust us to help their children achieve a good result in the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE). We are trying our very best.”
She believes one of the biggest differences is the time and care given to every child.
“Government schools give less time compared to us. We care deeply about our children’s learning, and that has created a different image in the community.”
Education at Lamunyungu is about far more than examination results.
“I went through school life myself and experienced an education focused only on academic performance. But the centre I have created is both an educational place and a technical school. We value academic learning alongside practical life skills.”
Lessons are taught naturally, with love, passion and real-life examples that make learning enjoyable and memorable.
The children are also actively involved in agriculture and caring for their environment. They help plant the trees that can be seen growing around the school compound and regularly take part in activities on the community farm.
As Generous proudly says:
“The children are very much involved. They are the ones planting the trees you see in the compound, and they also help on the farm.”
Looking Forward with Faith
After the school holidays, children have gradually been returning, and attendance is already increasing. Teachers continue preparing for the new term while also helping repair the damaged classrooms and working on the farm.
The founder remains hopeful:
“God is faithful. We will manage.”
And when asked what it would mean if the resources could be found to build the permanent classrooms, her answer was simple:
“What if we can get all it takes? 😁💃👏🏻”
A Special Thank You
The Lamunyungu Empowerment Centre would also like to express its heartfelt gratitude to Jayne-Lee, whose generous donation of £100 has given this building project an important early boost.
Acts of kindness like this provide not only materials, but also hope and encouragement to the children, teachers and families who believe in the future of this special place.
How You Can Help
The vision is simple: to replace vulnerable temporary structures with safe, permanent classrooms where children can learn without fear, whatever the weather.
Every donation helps provide another brick, another bag of cement and another step towards that dream.
Together, we can help build not just classrooms, but brighter futures. Go to Support our Empowerment Centres
