The Arlington Academy of Hope: A True Success Story

"Bumwalukani's schools are not so different in this way from those in countless Third World rural communities, where education comes in dribbles. For the most part, the idea of bringing such schools anywhere near First World standards -- or even closer to some urban Third World standards -- is an impossible dream. But for Wanda, the idea of transforming education in his home town seemed a little less audacious. He was a U.S. citizen now, the father of American children. But he was still a son of Africa."

- Tara Bahrampour, Washington Post Magazine.

The state of many African primary schools is poor. Children often walk barefoot for hours to attend a school that has no books, and no electricity. Teachers don't show up. Students sit on a dirt ground, with empty stomachs, hungry to learn. Many suffer from malaria. That environment is barely livable and is not conducive to learning.

The Arlington Academy of Hope is truly an amazing organization. Nearly 50% of AAH graduates, compared to 8 percent of children nationwide, scored in division 1 in Uganda's Primary leaving exams. Moreover, 98 percent of AAH graduates scored in the top 2 of 4 divisions.

Every AAH graduate has gone to highly regarded secondary schools with the scholarship funding that has been raised. Nearly half of those students are girls. Without the AAH scholarships, a good majority of the children would not be able to afford the education they deserve. The newly constructed library and learning center, the only of its kind in the region, opens a new word to AAH and the community as a whole. Furthermore, AAH assists 10 local village schools through teaching training workshop and the distribution of school supplies.

Health and nutrition are important global issues that AAH also addresses. AAH was able to serve more than 81,000 meals to their students last year. Additionally, AAH opened a new medical clinic in Bupoto in February 2008. The main benefactor, Beatrice Tierney dedicated the clinic to Joyce Wanda's four sisters who all passed away from health problems that could have been prevented or treated with the proper medical resources. Many people die from malaria, especially the children and the elderly. Unfortunately, the closest hospital is miles away and is inaccessible. People who are untreated inevitably die. With the opening of the second clinic, AAH will be able to save lives.

I feel truly honored and grateful to have worked with a great group of inspiring individuals. Hearing about their stories have personally touched my life. I will continue to work with AAH next semester.