Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS)
PEAS (www.peas.org.uk)permanently widens access to high quality secondary education by founding and operating self-sustaining secondary schools. Our work is currently focused on Uganda.
The Challenge
In 1997, the government of Uganda launched free primary schooling (UPE). Consequently, enrolment and numbers of primary school leavers have increased dramatically. However, insufficient secondary school places and an inability to pay high fees mean that thousands of young Ugandans are denied the opportunity to continue their education beyond primary school.
PRIMARY SCHOOL ENROLMENT - 93%
SECONDARY SCHOOL ENROLMENT - 21%
Children who complete secondary education in Uganda earn an average of 28%
more than primary school leavers. This is enough to lift a family out of poverty.
Why PEAS Works
PEAS recognises that an effective secondary school is more than buildings.
By operating an innovative financial model in schools, PEAS keeps fees
low whilst assuring self-sufficiency. PEAS safeguards this efficient approach
with regular financial audits.
In addition to this, PEAS ensures that the education being provided is of a
high quality by using a bespoke school inspection programme to drive
continuous improvement in educational provision. It is our vision to make
our schools centres of excellence whilst continuing to promise
universal access for any student who wishes to study in one. In fact, we
are already working closely with the Ugandan Ministry of Education to reach
those in greatest need by making our schools free to all students.
Our Promise: Smart Aid
Every new school opened by PEAS means 1000 more school places for young Ugandans, permanently. Furthermore, it’s another step forward in our ambition to influence systemic change in Ugandan secondary education.
The PEAS approach eliminates the risk of dependency, because we only spend funds on capital development. When existing schools reach maturity, even the cost of developing them is covered within Uganda. This means donors can be sure that their money is having a definite, long-lasting impact. Just $200 can provide a permanent school place. That’s not just a place for this year, but a place for generations to come.
Ways to Help
Through the American Fund, US donors can support PEAS tax-efficiently and have their money go straight to where it’s needed. We are currently raising funds for a library at our new school in Hoima District, currently under construction and due to open in February 2010, as well as for our 2011 school projects. Donors giving over $2000 will have their contribution recognised with a naming ceremony at the school.
Desk and chair |
$30 |
Set of textbooks |
$80 |
Rainwater tank and guttering |
$500 |
Basic laboratory equipment |
$1200 |
2 fuel-efficient stoves |
$2,000 |
Basic solar power |
$2,500 |
Income-generating and vocational learning project |
$3,500 |
Sustainable water source |
$4,500 |
Library |
$11,000 |
Fully-equipped laboratory |
$14,000 |
Four classrooms |
$24,000 |
| A WHOLE SCHOOL (first phase) | $160,000 |
| (second phase) | $50,000 |