Mission Statement: 

To promote holistic development by practically demonstrating the unconditional love of God to vulnerable children.

Students practice typing skills in Computer Studies class at LLHSS.

Students practice typing skills in Computer Studies class at LLHSS.

Bringing education within reach of those of the Buvuma Islands is the driving force behind SHIM’s Educational Development branch. Less than a decade ago, access to high school education on the islands was severely limited, but SHIM is happy to be part of “building” bridges to greater opportunities for young men and women in our area.

Video on SHIM’s special focus on children and education

SHIM was instrumental in the founding of Lingira Living Hope Secondary School (LLHSS), as one of only two secondary islands in the 52-island Buvuma chain. From its inception, LLHSS has experienced the miraculous power of God to provide staff, students, and funding.  The idea of a secondary school was first raised on December 29, 2005, and just over one month later, February 6, 2006, classes were opened.

LLHSS is a ministry of the Deliverance Church of Uganda, and is a registered boarding school with a student population of about 220 students and a teaching staff of 10. Advancing from mud and rough-hewn timber structures, in 2010 a brick and cement classroom, office, and laboratory block was completed.

The dormitory for female students.

The dormitory for female students.

Through the continuing help of supporters and friends, dormitories for male and female students were constructed in 2011 and 2012. A spacious two-room classroom block was completed in 2013, and the dormitory for the male students was expanded in early 2014. One of the next building priorities is permanent staff housing, since the teachers currently stay in mud-walled buildings. As of early 2015, construction was underway on the first phase of the staff housing.

Dormitory for male students.

With enrollment growing by about 30% every year, the school has an ever-increasing need for dormitory space and classrooms to provide an opportunity for the many students from other islands and the mainland who would wish to attend high school.

Lingira Living Hope Staff (as of Nov. 2013), back row, from left, Robert Wafula, Chairman of the School Board; Mrs. Joyce Nakku, History and Christian Religious Education teacher; Head Teacher Sam Okello, teacher of Biology and Chemistry; Mr. Menya Isifu, teacher of Commerce and Entrepreneurship; Mrs. Teopista Tasiimye, Director of Studies and teacher of Geography and History; Miss Ruthie Howard, teacher of Computer and Biblical Life Skills; front row, Mr. Fredrick Magumbye, Deputy head teacher and teacher of Fine Art; Mr. Pascoe Beyanga, teacher of English and Literature; Mr. Martin Econyu, teacher of Mathematics and Physics.

Lingira Living Hope Staff (as of Nov. 2013), back row, from left, Robert Wafula, Chairman of the School Board; Mrs. Joyce Nakku, History and Christian Religious Education teacher; Head Teacher Sam Okello, teacher of Biology and Chemistry; Mr. Menya Isifu, teacher of Commerce and Entrepreneurship; Mrs. Teopista Tasiimye, Director of Studies and teacher of Geography and History; Miss Ruthie Howard, teacher of Computer and Biblical Life Skills; front row, Mr. Fredrick Magumbye, Deputy head teacher and teacher of Fine Art; Mr. Pascoe Beyanga, teacher of English and Literature; Mr. Martin Econyu, teacher of Mathematics and Physics.

Because of the deep poverty of the island villagers, the students’ school fees only cover their food and a few incidentals. The bulk of the funding – teachers’ salaries, for example, comes through individual donations.

Wanting to make education more accessible to the islanders, and support LLHSS, SHIM runs a child sponsorship program, linking sponsors in the States with individual students in primary and secondary schools, as well as university. In early 2011, SHIM partnered with LLHSS to begin a school fees Cost-Sharing program, helping to reduce fees for those students who pay early and creating an incentive for drawing additional students. See below for more information.

From the beginning, the vision of LLHSS has been to instruct and influence students so they may be challenged academically and spiritually and in turn positively impact their communities and nation.

Assisting and supporting other island schools is also a focus of SHIM’s Educational Development, including primary schools in Lingira, Kikongo, Kirewe, and Namiti.

CHILD SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

Attaining higher levels of academic and vocational education and training are these students, which have either recently graduated from SHIM's sponsorship program, or are continuing on to higher levels. Many would have likely been confined to the islands without the faithfulness of their generous sponsors.

Attaining higher levels of academic and vocational education and training are these students, which have either recently graduated from SHIM’s sponsorship program, or are continuing on to higher levels. Many would have likely been confined to the islands without the faithfulness of their generous sponsors.

The purpose of the Child Development program is to provide holistic care as well as financial support to the Buvuma Islands’ vulnerable children. In line with the holistic focus, spiritual mentoring and encouragement are offered, students’ academic progress is followed, moral, educational, and financial accountability is required, and communication between SHIM, sponsors, and students is highly encouraged.

Sponsorship for primary and secondary students is $30 a month, which enables a student to study from kindergarten through high school. Sponsorship for college/university students is $100 a month.

Donations are made through Global Outreach International, a member of the ECFA.

A View of the Sponsorship Program, Through the Coordinator’s Eyes (video)

One of SHIM’s sponsored students, Isaac Okello, completed a nursing course in May 2013, after being assisted by sponsors to finish secondary school on the island and then to pursue training in medicine.

SCHOOL FEES COST-SHARING PROGRAM:

For donors interested in supporting the education of non-sponsored island youth, SHIM now has a school fees Cost-Sharing program.

Under this program, all parents and students of Lingira Living Hope Secondary School have the option of paying 80% of their portion of the school fees, rather than the full 100%. If this is accomplished within the first month of the term, the Cost-Sharing program completes the remaining 20%. The program, which has been hugely successful, draws from a pool of donations designated for this purpose by friends and supporters of SHIM. Donations can be made through Global Outreach International, a member of the ECFA.

MORNING STAR LADIES’ STUDY:

Singing in church is the Morning Star Ladies’ Bible Study Choir.

Singing in church is the Morning Star Ladies’ Bible Study Choir.

Since its beginning in early 2010, the weekly Morning Star Ladies’ Study for young women at Lingira Living Hope is going strong. Daily Bible reading, memorization, and personal application of the lessons are encouraged.

Through this study and the generosity of friends in the U.S., about 300 Bibles have been awarded to students of both genders who have successfully memorized the order of the 66 books of the Bible.

VISITING SPEAKERS AND MINISTERS:

Throughout the school year, SHIM hosts many visitors from around Uganda, the U.S. and the world, including a number who dedicate significant time at LLHSS as visiting lecturers/teachers, counselors/advisers, and most importantly, enthusiastic supporters of the school and its students.

For up-to-date information on how SHIM and its partners are positively influencing the young lives of the Buvuma Islands, visit the SHIM Facebook page.

Powerful communicator Wilberforce Onyango, of northern Uganda, inspires the secondary students to acquire essential life skills, during an Oct. 2014 visit.

Encouraging the young men of LLHSS in a 2014 visit is Ronnie Kakaire of Family Altar Ministry in Jinja. He and his wife, Stella, regularly visit the island to work with the students, as well as minister to the island’s families.