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If you would like to be paired up with Holy Rosary Primary School just register online and you'll receive the username and password to access our Links for Registered Schools page where you can fill out our Sister School Selection Form

Number of U.S. Sister Schools: 3

Number of Books Already Pledged:
249

U.S. schools paired with
Holy Rosary Primary School

O'Fallon Township High School

St. Charles Parish School

Saint Paul the Apostle


















School Name:
Holy Rosary Primary School

Location:
Gulu Town

Student Population:
1900

Ages:
7 to 13


Number of Teaching Staff:


Demographic DescriptionNumber
Girls 
Boys 
Orphans 
Vulnerable Children 
Former Child Soldiers 
Children with Disabilities 
Children at the Head of their Household 


This school is requesting money for:

  • Tuition
  • Book Shelves
  • Desks
  • Chairs
  • Cupboards
  • Electricity
  • Computers

This schools needs donated supplies:
List of Needed Supplies


Description:

What stands out most about Holy Rosary is its sheer size for a primary school. They serve almost 2000 students and have over 40 teachers and support staff.

On both of our visits, the head master, Okot Gabriella Nyatho, has been extremely welcoming and helpful. She took us around in April 2009 and introduced us to all of her staff who were there, although a surprising number were gone on maternity leave (which really only lasts a week or two in Uganda. The women return to work then with their babies on their backs).

The school is located right in Gulu Town, and therefore has a few more resources than our remote schools because the relief agencies have easier access to them. However, its size means that it has a long list of ongoing and unfulfilled needs. The good news for Holy Rosary is that, with its proximity to town, electricity is fairly accessible and less expensive to install than for our more remote schools. A little financial support for this school can go a long way!


Account from Our Delivery Trip:

2009: We arrived in Gulu late Thursday night from Kampala, and started our school visits the next morning after visiting the requisite government officials. The headmaster of Holy Rosary, Okot Gabriella Nyatho, met us very graciously and was very helpful and responsive. Holy Rosary is one of our only schools actually located in Gulu Town, and, as such, has access to more resources and services than our more remote schools. Holy Rosary is actually a very large public school, with almost 40 staff members and 21 classrooms spread out over several buildings. Somehow, the school has managed to acquire a good number of textbooks, but unfortunately, they don't have any book cases, so the books are just stacked up in boxes and are difficult to access. Their primary request was for donations to purchase book cases (generally about $50 per tall bookcase, handmade and delivered by a local carpenter).




Meet the Community!

Please note that the entire staff was not always available to be photographed during our brief visit.

Traditionally, Ugandans use their last names (or family names) first, and then go on to include their first names (given names). In the case of the Acholi, they can have two given names, often including a traditional Acholi name.

Okot Gabriella Nyatho,
Head Teacher		 Ojara Denis,
Deputy Head Teacher		 Nyeko Walter,
Deputy Two Head Teacher		 Abalo Concy Harriet,
Primary 5
 
Adokorach Lucy,
Primary 3		 Akello Collins,
Primary 4		 Aluku Gloria,
Primary 2 English, Music, Physical Education		 Amono Paska Monica,
Primary 4 Language
 
Anyeko Christine,
Primary 2 Math, Music, Arts, Physical Education		 Apoto Everlyn Prossy,
Primary 5		 Ataro Margaret,
Primary 3		 Auma Milgret,
Primary 3
 
Banya Charles Aguma,
Primary 6		 Buzu Florence,
English		 Kidega Laboke,
Primary 1		 Kidega Michael,
Primary 6
 
Komakech Albert,
Primary 5 Math		 Laker Concy Acan,
Primary 2 Math		 Njeri Anastasia,
Language and Religion		 Obwya Lucy,
Primary 1
 
Ocan Patrick,
Primary 7		 Ochaya Christopher,
Primary 1 - 2 English		 Odong Milly Asienjo,
Primary 1		 Odon Richard,
Primary 5 Science
 
Okot Collins,
Primary 2 Math, Reading and Music		 Okot Michael,
Primary 4 Science		 Okot Robert,
Bursar		 Olanya Milly Milton,
Primary 4
 
Omona Delfina,
Primary 1		 Omona George W.,
Primary 7		 Onen Charles,
Primary 6		 Opige Rose Molly,
Primary 2 English
 
     
Watmon Wilfred,
Primary 7		      
 
Books requested by Holy Rosary Primary School

The numbers in the chart below represent the number of books in that category still NEEDED by this school. Negative numbers mean that the school will already receive more books than it has requested in that category. Please do not make any additional books for categories that have negative numbers or '0'. Thanks!

Elem = Elementary Grades (ages 3 - 8)
Int = Internmediate Grades (ages 9 - 13)
Adv = Advanced Grades (ages 14 - 18)

What do we mean by Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced?
See the bottom of the page for detailed descriptions.

TopicDescriptionElemIntAdv
English Language Literacy: Remember that you can enhance English Language Literacy in all of your books by adding a glossary of terms at the end.
Alphabet Alphabet books can be created for a variety of grade levels. For younger students, they can help teach the recognition and sounds of letters. For older students, they can help teach increasingly advanced vocabulary, though we want to be careful not to supplement these with illustrations that are too childish for older students.1962000
GrammarBooks about the logical and structural rules that govern the composition of sentences, phrases, and words. This can include parts of speech, syntax, and punctuation. 991990
VocabularyThe purpose is to help expand the English vocabulary of our readers. Consider making subject-specific vocabulary books (like science terms) to support learning through English. This can also be accomplished in all of the other subject areas simply by adding a glossary to the end of the book. 1981800
Poetry Poetry books should not solely contain student-written poetry. By poetry, we mean the study of poetry and its form and history. For example, terms such as rhyme, meter, verse, repetition, alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia, metaphor, and simile. We encourage you to include samples of published, canonical poetry to illustrate these terms, and student examples are welcome alongside these. Ideally, these would include some writing exercises to give our readers some practice.0990
Writing InstructionBooks should be about “How To Write” in various forms, including creative fiction, nonfiction essay, prose, research papers, persuasive essays, etc. You can cover terms such as outline, plot, theme, voice, tone, characterization, point of view, narrative, transitions, descriptive language, etc. You can also teach the process of writing a research paper, right down to creating the bibliography. Ideally, these would include some writing exercises to give our readers practice.0200
World LiteratureThese books can include a discussion of fictional literature from any part of the world, but should not be focused solely on American literature. Comparative literature is ideal. This could include short stories, dramas, and novels, and discuss terms such as plot, theme, symbolism, and character. You can also compare eras of literature, such as Romanticism, Realism, etc. 0980
Mathematics: Ideally, books in this category would have sample math problems and solutions guides. You can also include manipulatives and tools to help teach concepts.
CountingCounting books can be created at various grade levels and can be used to help teach English number vocabulary. For example, counting by 10s to a trillion for an Intermediate level book: you can show the number and the words (one million and 1,000,000). You can also introduce other vocabulary words for the objects being counted. For example, “5 balloons” accompanied by pictures of balloons.1891000
ArithmeticThis includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions and decimals, and can be modified for advanced grade levels (for example, division with fractions).1881990
AlgebraThis can include the introduction of variables, constants, operations, equations and equation solving, polynomials (algebraic expressions), factorization, etc.01990
GeometryTopics related to the size, shape and relative position of figures, including concepts such as area of 2D figures and volume 3D figures, circumference, coordinate systems, Pythagorean Theorem, and proofs. Also introducing tools such as the compass and straightedge. 991990
TrigonometryBooks related to trigonometric functions which describe the relationships between sides and angles of triangles.000
CalculusBooks related to calculus as the mathematics of change, including topics such as limits, functions, derivatives, and integrals, and the various applications of calculus.000
Probability and StatisticsBooks about probability theories, particularly discrete probability distributions with terms such as set, subset, sample space, event, element, etc. Statistics topics relate to the collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data (surveys, models, etc.).000
Science: Ideally, books in this category would have ideas for simple experiments, activities and observations that don’t require equipment. You can also include simple science experiment kits (as long as none of the objects are breakable) in your final shipment.
Scientific Method and HistoryBooks should discuss the scientific method, scientific reasoning, scientific theory vs. hypothesis, experimentation, and the fundamental nature of science. You can also write about the history and development of various scientific theories and models.1001980
Earth SciencesCan include books about Geology, Archeology, Dinosaurs, Astronomy, Oceanography, and Weather Systems.971940
ChemistryBooks about the composition, behavior, structure and properties of matter. This can include topics such as atomic structure, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, etc.0990
PhysicsBooks about the study of matter and its motion through spacetime. Topics can include energy, force, magnetism, electricity, thermodynamics, Chaos Theory, classical physics, Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, String Theory, etc. 01000
Environmental SciencesCan include books related to ecology, conservation, endangered species, pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, etc.0930
Biological SciencesCan include books about cellular biology, animal biology, plant biology (botany), human biology and anatomy (physiology), Evolution, etc.99980
Agricultural SciencesBooks should be about topics in crop choice, crop rotation, planting, harvesting, fertilizing, composting, raising livestock, marketing and selling agricultural products, and especially subsistence vs. commercial agriculture. 01000
Computer ScienceBooks can be an introduction to modern-day hardware and software. Commonly used software packages available in Uganda include Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and Internet Explorer. Many Ugandans also use webmail, including Yahoo and Gmail. Students can write simplified software guides (how to use Microsoft PowerPoint), HTML reference guides for simple webpage creation, a tour of a computer’s hardware components (how a computer works), or guides about basic computer skills (turning on and off, using the mouse to right-click, using the Start Menu, etc).0500
Health Sciences: Feel free to enclose wash clothes, tooth brushes, floss, tooth paste, bar soap, deodorant, and other personal hygiene items.
HygieneTopics include basic hygiene practices and their health consequences, bearing in the limited access to soap, washcloths, and dental cleaning supplies (feel free to include toothbrushes!).971000
SexualityTopics related to the biological aspects of human sexuality and development, the health consequences of being sexually active (early pregnancy and diseases such as HIV), the personal decision-making that goes into being sexually active. You can also discuss options such as birth control and abstinence.0980
DiseaseBooks should primarily be about diseases found in East Africa, such as HIV, Malaria, Ebola, and various other parasites, bacteria, fungal infections, etc.100980
NutritionBooks related to the components of a healthy diet and the consequences of not getting certain nutrients. Bear in mind that not everyone has consistent access to food so the books should not scold its readers for not eating properly. The Gulu diet consists mostly of beans, millet, sorghum, wheat (bread), cassava, bananas, spinach, potatoes, sweet potatoes, noodles, chicken, beef, goat, fish, eggs, tomatoes, eggplant, onions, mangos, peanuts (ground nuts), and salt.0990
ExerciseBooks should discuss the importance of regular exercise, including cardiovascular, flexibility, and strength training. Share examples of exercises (possibly even routines) that do not require equipment.-1970
Social Studies: There is a great need for maps, particularly world maps and maps of Africa.
GeographyBooks about the Earth and its lands, features, and inhabitants, describing the way things are and how they got that way, with a special emphasis on maps and map-reading skills, since the students have almost no visual aids to help them understand the world. This also includes both human geography, which describes human interactions with their environment, and physical geography, which is primarily earth science. 1981920
World CulturesThese can be books about traditions, clothing, holidays, music, architecture, family structures, social mores, and lifestyle of any country in the world. We ask that the focus not be on U.S. culture as they do get a lot of that through the media.100990
World ReligionsThese books should be objective comparisons of various religions throughout the world. Their purpose is not evangelical. We want to give students the opportunity to learn about the different faith traditions that people around the world practice.01000
World FolkloreThese books can include stories and folklore from countries around the world, such as creation myths, legends, proverbs, nature myths, etc. You can also discuss different elements of folklore. Student-written folklore is welcome as a teaching tool if it’s included alongside well-known examples and terminology.1001000
World HistoryThis topic can include the history of any region or country in the world. This might involve biography, illustrated timelines, essays on specific events, or a study of a major civilization or other modern-day entity. U.S. history is fine; we just ask that not all of your books focus solely on American history, as it is not part of the Ugandan curriculum.01490
Poli SciBooks in this topic can describe different forms of government, the history and attributes of democracy, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in a modern-day democracy, and movements involving the suffrage of various minority groups.000
Current IssuesThese books can cover any contemporary world issue, group, or person in the last 5 years. They should discuss the history and the implications of the event or figure.01000
Human RightsBooks in this category can help our readers, as former child soldiers, learn about their rights as human beings. Books can rely on various U.N. documents and discuss other times in history when people have been oppressed or enslaved.1001000
EconomicsBooks about the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, including terms from micro- and macroeconomics and international economics, such as resources, scarcity, supply & demand, Gross Domestic Product, inflation, monetary policy, fiscal policy, globalization, tariffs, international trade, etc. This may also include international economic organization and important figures in economic history.000
PhilosophyPhilosophy incorporates many subjects, such as ethics, logic, the fundamental nature of existence, justice, truth, beauty, etc. You can also discuss famous figures in philosophy and their theories.000
Art: Pencils and paper are relatively common (though not for our more remote schools), but any other supplies will most likely not be found there. You are welcome to include supplies to supplement your instructional materials. You can also include small sewing kits.
Drawing and Painting“How To” books related to various drawing and painting techniques, concepts, and tools. This could include life-form or human figure drawing, portraiture, shading, perspective, depth, scale, color, etc. You can discuss various mediums such as pencil, colored pencil, charcoal pencil, oil pastels, watercolor, oil, and acrylic. 1991990
Craft SkillsBooks about metal working, wood working, sewing/needlework (some do have access to sewing machines – you could include sewing patterns).101000
CookingBooks about cooking techniques, scientific basis for cooking methods, or recipes containing the following foods available in Gulu: beans, millet, sorghum, wheat (bread), cassava, bananas, spinach, potatoes, sweet potatoes, noodles, chicken, beef, goat, fish, eggs, tomatoes, eggplant, onions, okra, mangos, peanuts (ground nuts), corn, and salt.000
Art HistoryArt history can have examples of important pieces of art from around the world and discuss its form, medium, context, history, the biography of the artist, its symbolism, its style, etc. The purpose is to expose students to different kinds of art and artistic movements and their context in history and culture.01000
Music: You are welcome to send along small musical instruments.
World MusicThis topic can include a history and explanation of musical traditions from around the world, including an illustrated guide to various instruments or a description of when and how music is used in different cultures. If you would like to send along a CD, please consider making a financial donation with a note for us to purchase a battery-operated CD player on our trip. We can also buy a year’s supply of batteries to make sure it keeps working. Otherwise, our schools do not have electricity, and CD players are likely to break when shipped.100970
"Notation, Theory and Rhythm"These can be books that teach students about the underlying structure of how music works, including the language and notation of music. This can include rhythm, harmony (harmonic function), melody, structure, form, texture, pitch, scales, dynamics, etc. 01000
Musical InstrumentsIf your school would like to donate some small musical instruments, you can include books that teach the students how to use them to play some simple songs. These books can also be surveys of musical instruments from around the world.0990
Recreation: You are welcome to include games and sports equipment in your shipment, just please be aware of volume. For example, an inflated ball will take up a lot of your allotted space. You can send shoes, play clothes, board games, decks of cards, volleyball nets, chalk, etc.
Indoor GamesThese books should include ideas for games that children can play inside with minimal equipment. These could be word games, math games, card games, etc.991000
Outdoor Games and Sports This topic can cover a wide range of outdoor sport and activities. You can include descriptions of games that don’t require equipment (for example, Red Rover or Hide and Seek). You can also write about sports or sports figure from other countries. 98940




What do we mean by Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced?

SUBJECTELEMENTARYINTERMEDIATEADVANCED
 Ages 3 to 8Ages 9 to 13Ages 14+
General Students are learning to read and count in English. They still speak mostly in Luo. Students can now "read to learn." They are now taught all subjects in English. Students are now capable of dealing with more abstract material.
 
English Language Literacy Students are acquiring basic skills: identifying the alphabet, reading and pronouncing simple words. Students are now able to read a book on their own. They can learn by reading now, and they are able to verbally summarize and report back on their learning. They are learning the basic elements of grammar in order to learn English. They are beginning to write their own poetry, and they are now learning the structures of writing (organizing an essay or a research paper, for example). Their English vocabulary is now beginning to expand. They may study poetry, literature, and philosophy, when it's available. They are acquiring more advanced English vocabulary words, now in specialized subject areas (science, political science & government, etc.)
 
Mathematics They are learning to count and doing simple arithmetic. They are beginning to understand measurement. They are moving on to more advanced arithmetic and possibly being introduced to simple algebraic concepts. They are learning algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, probability and statistics.
 
Science Students are learning basic concepts about the world around them mostly through observation of the natural environment. They are involved in more sophisticated scientific reasoning and are fascinated by earth sciences such as archeology, geology, weather, and astronomy. They are now studying scientific subjects in-depth, such as physics, chemistry, and biological sciences. They are beginning to learn to use computers when they have access to them.
 
Health Sciences They are learning about basic hygiene and health practices. They are not yet personally aware of sexuality but basic lessons start at this time about personal decision-making. They begin to get more in-depth sexuality education, particularly in regards to personal decision-making and the consequences of being sexually active. They begin to learn about disease, and they continue to learn about hygiene. They continue to receive sexuality, disease, and hygiene education.
 
Social Studies: Students are learning basic concepts about the world around them mostly through experience of their family and community. They are learning to read maps (if available). They are much more aware of world history, of politics, of current events, of issues of poverty, war and human rights.
 
Arts and Crafts They enjoy drawing and coloring, but there is very little formal art education (mostly because of the lack of supplies). At home, the girls are cooking and sewing. It's not clear whether there is any other formal art education. It's not clear whether there is any consistent art education from school to school. Some students enter vocational school to learn sewing or carpentry.
 
Music They are practicing rhythm and memorizing songs taught to them. They use rhythmic call and response to learn concepts. They continue to sing songs as part of their school day, though it's not clear if they’re receiving any formal instruction. Some students are involved in the school choir and learning traditional folk dances.
 
Recreation Children spend a lot of time playing outdoors, though mostly not through organized sports. Most of the students are actively involved in outdoor sports, especially soccer and volleyball (or 'netball'). Students (especially boys) are now involved with competitive sports across the District.