São Jose school

overview

The efforts of Team RISE 2010 funded an 8-classroom school at São Jose, 7km outside of Kuito. Responding to an enormous need of nearly 3000 children, who were schooling in 2 small classrooms, and in many small groups outside, where children sat on stools, cans or chairs they carried to attend class. Rain, cold and wind mean there can be no class without the protection of a building.

The principal expressed much gratitude, and shared that there is a significant difference in learning in classrooms rather than outside – the kids are more engaged, able to pay attention, and serious about their studies. The need remains huge with so many children, and additional classes continue to meet outside in “rooms” built with corrugated tin.