In the space of under 10 years, the generosity, thoughtfulness and kindness of Apeltun primary school in Bergen Norway has transformed Otici primary school in Amuru District, Northern Uganda from a mad and wattle grass thatched structure to a fully fledged permanent school.
Over this period (starting 2009), Apeltun skole supported their partners with three classroom blocks, furniture, books, computers and accessories and solar power.
First, Lions Aid Norway and later, Spice of Life, coordinated and served as the implementing agency on behalf of Apeltun skole.
Spurred by the philanthropy of the Norwegians, the government came in with additional classroom blocks, recruited and posted qualified teachers and built two units of teachers’ houses.
Recently, another NGO came in with a Library building and furniture.
This is clear testimony to the benefit of partnership and co-operation, especially where the partners see themselves as both beneficiaries and benefactors. Where each appreciates that they can not only take from but also bring something to the table.
Today the school serves a little under 1000 pupils.
One of the gaps is teachers houses as the majority still stay in temporary structures.
Recently, the Executive Director of Spice of Life in the company of the District Education Officer Amuru and two visitors from Bergen Norway visited Otici to assess the progress.
The photos that follow zoom back to 2009 and compare with the present.
