We are pleased to share these updates and stories directly from our ROA partners! Kenneth wears many hats at ROA, but one of his biggest jobs is helping us coordinate the sponsorship program and sharing term updates. We are so grateful for Kenneth and happy to pass along all of the exciting things happening at ROA!
On the second day of term 1 2025, the school staff was surprised when student Steven presented a cake to the Head Teacher, Madam Betty Wasswa. Though it may seem small, it brings unimaginable hope and happiness knowing that he treasures every opportunity he gets to be in school.
Little did Teacher Betty know that someone else was also on their way! Billgates, who just completed the secondary program, came with a cock (rooster) to further appreciate his teacher for the support given through his education. He has been under Rock of Ages care since Baby class. Thank you to everyone who has made this achievable. One step at a time! I believe Billgates will make a difference in his home area.
When you read the name, you may wonder, "how it is the greatest meal?".It’s very rare to find a school that can feed its students fresh fish and rice.
Special thanks to Alyson Wells with the Fly Fishing Collaborative, our dear friend Jerry Keely, and the entire team that enabled the construction of the aquaculture farm. From it we managed to feed the children with rice and fish upon their return for the first term of 2025.
The tales and stories of having fish at school are awesome! There are no great words to express the gratitude for making such a reality.
On Sunday, 9th March there was a nationwide marathon organized to raise sickle cell awareness in the country. ROA gladly participated in support of two learners who are suffering from sickle cell, Angel in P4 and Joram in P6. We went to the community to show that we stand with the sickle cell fraternity. Donned in red vests, these children went to the surrounding community, which many are from, to show that they are in support of the cause. Thanks to Tr. Betty and Abdu Wasswa who brought the vests.
On Thursday 6th March there was a meeting with all probation students in the secondary program and with their parents to discuss their way forward. Among those that were summoned are those who were non-compliant with the terms and conditions of the secondary scholarship such as not turning in their report cards or letters to sponsors reporting on their term We encouraged students and reminded parents to communicate with their children to perform harder and follow the standards set forth by the program to get off the probation list.
Tr. Betty was clear as we were addressing the issues at hand. To which they all accepted to take and do their part.
Also during the routine visits to check on the students who have reported to school, I (Kenneth) went to Lords Meade Vocational college and met with the students that are under the program and we discussed how best to improve their performance and the challenges that lead to such dismal performances in term 3 of 2024 as most of the students are on probation from this school.
After the various exploits in the Netball World in Uganda, Rock of Ages is becoming more famous and as a result, we have received various invites to participate in tournaments. Although we don’t honor most of them due to financial constraints, when we do, we always go and deliver our best! We are currently ranked 3 out of 15 teams in the U14 league this year.
Upon acquiring funds, we wish to participate in more sports challenges in support of our young athletes.
Every Thursday all Staff of Rock of Ages (teaching and non-teaching) meet and pray for the children and their families, Hands4Uganda, and the sponsors.
All share their goals and targets, challenges and victories. Dedicate their future endeavors and everything to the Lord.
Some Sponsored children get extra food every month to supplement their foodstuffs at home. This food is so important because it cuts down on the family expenses. This month, they received various portions for the families.
This year there’s a drop in the enrollment of continuing and new students and this has been attributed to the standard Gauge Railway. Though it has not yet been implemented on the school property, rumors circulated that ROA school was no more. It took convincing of various parents to let them know that we are still at the old premises and nothing much has been done to remove the school yet.
This is a program solely for the children in the boarding section. A program was started whereby they are taught making snacks like chapattis, cakes, buns, pancakes and even pizzas to some extent. Here we are skilling them and learning how to make their Sunday morning breakfast snack
Though it’s very early in the year, a lot is expected throughout the year and we are eagerly waiting to see how the Lord does get us through it.
Thank you for the enormous sacrifices you have all made to make the lives of these young ones worthy. We all press on and know that the best may not be reaped tomorrow but with the simple impacts, change will prevail in due course.
Thank you all and may the good Lord bless you.
