May 16, 2025
Part of the Russia Cultural Workshops Series – Busia County, May 2025
About the School
St. Michael Buduma Girls Secondary School, a day school located in Butula Sub-County, Busia County, has been a beacon of education since its establishment in 2013. Sponsored by the ACK Church, Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and local Members of Parliament, the school currently serves 260 bright girls with a dedicated team of 15 teachers. Under the leadership of Principal Mrs. Pamela Vugutsa, St. Michael Buduma Girls is committed to academic excellence, with Home Science being their best-performing subject.
The school operates on 5.5 acres of land, with portions used for sugarcane and maize cultivation, and even boasts a poultry farming project. A reliable borehole provides water, and students are provided with breakfast and lunch daily. However, despite these efforts, the school still faces significant infrastructure and resource challenges, including the absence of a proper library or computer lab, and a high dropout rate due to socio-economic factors.
When We Visited – 16 May 2025
On May 16, 2025, the “Path to Russia” initiative had the privilege of conducting a cultural and developmental session at St. Michael Buduma Girls Secondary School. The focus of the workshop was on student retention and academic improvement, particularly for day scholars. Our team was deeply impressed by the students’ engagement and the school’s unwavering commitment to their education, even amidst the evident challenges.
Activities Conducted
Our visit centered on interactive cultural exchange and identifying areas for future collaboration:
- Cultural and Educational Session: We engaged students in an interactive session introducing aspects of Russian culture, history, and educational opportunities.
- Discussions on Retention and Academic Improvement: We held in-depth conversations with the school administration to understand the root causes of student dropouts and explore strategies for enhancing academic outcomes, especially for day scholars.
- Assessment of Needs: A thorough assessment of the school’s facilities and resources was conducted to pinpoint critical areas requiring support.
Challenges Observed
Our visit highlighted several key challenges that impact the school’s educational environment and student welfare:
- Lack of Structured Library: There is no dedicated library, and reading materials are limited.
- Inadequate Computer Facilities: While some computers exist, they are housed in the staffroom, and there is no dedicated, fully equipped computer lab.
- High Dropout Rate: Approximately 15% of students drop out annually, primarily due to early pregnancies and economic hardship.
- No Backup Power: The school experiences frequent blackouts due to the lack of a backup electricity source.
- Insufficient Resources: Home Science equipment is inadequate, and there’s a general shortage of learning materials and sanitary towels for students.
- Limited Sports Facilities: There is no dedicated sports ground, forcing students to use a nearby primary school’s field.
- Teacher Housing: Only one teacher’s housing unit is available on-site.
Why It Matters
St. Michael Buduma Girls Secondary School represents the resilience of young women striving for education against considerable odds. The “Path to Russia” initiative believes that investing in this school will not only enhance the learning environment but also help address the critical issue of student retention, ensuring that more girls complete their education and realize their potential.
Looking Ahead
Our commitment to St. Michael Buduma Girls is focused on a multi-faceted approach to address their most pressing needs:
- Boarding Section and Housing Expansion: Establishing a boarding section and constructing modern dormitories to improve student retention and safety, alongside expanding teacher housing.
- ICT and Library Development: Creating a fully equipped computer laboratory with internet connectivity and building a structured library stocked with textbooks and reference materials.
- Resource and Infrastructure Upgrades: Procuring Home Science equipment to improve practical learning, developing a dedicated football and sports field, securing a consistent supply of sanitary towels, and installing backup power systems.
These initiatives are crucial for transforming St. Michael Buduma Girls into a thriving institution that provides its students with a comprehensive and empowering educational experience.
