Bravo Community Support

Growing Up in the Cliff Mountains of Bulambuli
In their hearts, ambitious aspirations take root. Some envision themselves as future healers, aspiring to don the white coat of doctors, while others harbor dreams of imparting knowledge and shaping minds as great teachers and lawyers.
Fueled by an unwavering drive, they are determined to pursue the finest education available, propelling them closer to the realization of their lofty goals but they have huge barricades to deal with.
Surrounded by towering cliffs in the mountainous of Buwokadala Parish, Bumasobo Sub County in the district of Bulambuli Elgon region, there is a young girl named Angela Muzaki.
Muzaki was born 8 years ago to Evelyn Namusoba and Francis Woniala who passed away when she was still an infant may their souls rest in peace (RIP) but now being raised by her aging grandfather the 64-year-old Stephen Masoboni.
The village of Muzaki's birth is nestled amidst the rugged stiff mountains and isolated from the luxuries of modern civilization.
Education is a distant dream, surviving on unclean rocky waters, and health services an unattainable luxury. Despite these hardships, Muzaki's spirit is as unyielding as the mountains that cradled her village.
To the young girl, the towering cliffs are her playground, and the unpredictable rains are her constant companion. However, just like the whole community and other children, she learns to navigate the treacherous mountain paths with ease, acquiring skills that were borne out of necessity.
As Muzaki grows older, she has to attend school and she would not look further apart from Wokadala Primary School, a school with only male teachers. The school whose challenges persisted and remained the same, clean water remained scarce, and the health of the villagers remained fragile.
As Muzaki grows up, she is most likely to face similar challenges as any other girl in the same cliffs they call home, unfortunately, many girls are attending school at the time when they experience their first menstrual period.
“When I grow up, I want to become a teacher, it is my dream,” said one of the girls in primary four at Wokadala Primary School. However, she’s not certain whether her dream will come true because back home, the two of her sisters once they clocked 18 years, were forced either to leave home or get married.
She says she finds difficulty in acquiring scholastic materials, hygiene, and food when she is coming to school.
Wokadala enrolled over 880 students however, by 2023, only 756 learners managed to complete with most of the girls dropping out.
According to the Headmaster Willy Wanangwa, the enrollment is most affected by natural challenges like the unpredicted rains which interrupt learners from coming to school due to impassable routes in the cliffs.
“The rains have no season, they come abruptly but we predict January – February as the only months with a dry spell. The school is faced with other challenges beyond the rains like feeding because of poverty. Parents fail to raise a small fee requested to feed the learners. Very few here eat at school,” he said
Wanangwa’s dilemma is beyond that, the learners come from hard-to-reach areas and they struggle to reach school when it rains while others simply drop out of school and others come late.
He says that the school has no female teachers and the school struggles to maintain the available number of teachers due to limited resources available to run the school.
“We only have 8 teachers residing in the neighborhood, some of the structures are very old and we have nowhere to place the learning materials for young learners. We only have one block with 4 permanent classrooms,” he pointed.
Without a library, staffroom, and no access to clean water, the teachers say that this affects the learning process of the learners in this school.
“We have a problem of the water source, even if it rains, we force our children to go and fetch water in far areas. If we can adopt water harvesting because this affects their performance in school,” said Teacher Woniala Justane the Primary four teacher.
Former Head Teacher Angella Nandutu who joined the school in 2012 and was elevated as the head teacher from 2016 – 2021 before she was transferred says the issue of school dropouts especially to the girl child has been too much especially when the school has no female teachers as role models apart from other natural factors.
“When I joined, we were two female teachers but most of the female teachers fear to work in that place, because of it’s a hard-to-reach area and near the trading center. That makes the girls vulnerable because they have no female role models to guide and counsel them,” she said.
Survey Finds Shocking Revelations
A survey by Bravo Shoes Community Support Organisation (BSC) research team on the need assessment done at Wokadala Primary School in Bulambuli district. The findings reveal that classes for lower primary run from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, extending to 4:30 PM for upper primary. However, challenges such as the absence of meals and safe drinking water, coupled with the difficult accessibility of the school, significantly impact both students and teachers.
The assessment was conducted on February 20, 2024, and aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses also points at high levels of class absenteeism due to child labor.
The survey which focused on the age range of 11-16 years in classes P.3-P.7 on both males and females observed declining enrollment throughout the term indicating potential issues with pupil retention or access to education.
“Gender imbalance with more male pupils than females suggest unequal opportunities or barriers for girls. The absence of female teachers limits role models and perspectives for students. A potential need for additional teaching staff to address student-teacher ratio or subject expertise,” the survey pointed
The survey revealed significant challenges at Wokodala Primary School, yet it has also uncovered a dedicated school community striving to provide education under difficult circumstances. While infrastructure limitations, resource scarcity, and limited teacher representation require immediate attention, the existing commitment of the staff and the potential for collaboration present an opportunity for positive change.
Bulambuli District Officials Decry Terrain
According to Christine Namwau, the District Community Development Officer (DCDO), the district comprises 54 government-aided schools, aligning with the government's policy to establish a school in each parish. Nevertheless, out of the 182 parishes in the district, only 32 currently have a school.
Namwau highlights a concerning trend in education, noting that 50% of students who initially enrolled in Primary One do not complete the Primary Leaving Exams (PLE). She attributes this dropout rate to a combination of natural factors and the challenges faced by parents, who may be either hesitant or financially constrained in providing for their children's education.
“It is not because of the children’s making or their parents but natural factors, children at a young age especially girls are the most victims.
The number of dropouts keeps growing as the primary ladder goes up, and there are other issues like not providing food. The parents' role is the provision of scholastic materials and food but most parents think everything is entirely free,” she said.
On the plight of girls. Namwau pointed out that girls are insecure in an environment where there are no female role models which creates an unhealthy environment for young girls in the puberty stages.
“We have schools with no female teachers and male teachers cant entirely handle girls in mistral stages, unfortunately, some girls had to drop out of schools because they don’t have sanitary pads yet they need someone to encourage them,” she explained.
She added that in Bulambuli district needs partners to sensitize men and women on matters that directly affect child development and also address these issues on top of health services. She mentioned other cases like early marriages, and lack of vocational institutes to help in skilling among others.
“As a district, we don’t have a single vocational skilling school, the early drop outs are very high at the ages of 16, 17, and 18 going for early marriages, at the stakeholder level, we have a good will of partners like Bravo Shoes Community Support Organisation and we believe the partnership will take us very far.”
Charles Gidoi, the Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), extended a warm welcome to BSC and emphasized that the primary challenges faced in the area revolve around access roads for children to reach their schools and health facilities. He further noted that children currently navigate cliffs through makeshift methods to access these crucial locations.
“Children struggle to go to school and parents also struggle to reach markets to sell their merchandise after it rains. We are grateful you have decided to have a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with us. As a district, we also have things to deal with,” he said.
The district's key economic activities are mainly agriculture in main crops like coffee, banana, maize, onions, horticulture, tomatoes sunflower among others.

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Bravo Community Support

Dear amazing supporters of Bravo Shoes Community Support, your unwavering dedication and generosity have made 2023 an incredible year for us. Your support has empowered us to take significant strides in making a difference.

Thank you for walking alongside us on this meaningful journey. Here’s to continuing our impactful steps together in the new year ahead! 🌟👟 #GratefulCommunity #BravoShoesSupport

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Bravo Community Support

For the holidays, we could all use a little hope. ✨ For our families, some of us are trying to make ends meet. Others are attempting to recover from a calamity, dealing with health concerns, or experiencing unspeakable violence.

We have been able to reach children and families dealing with some of the most difficult issues in Uganda for 5 years because to the generosity of people like you. By bringing together those who have more than enough and those who don't, we ensure that kids have everything they require to access quality education. Assist in raising $5,000 during the course of the 31 days of December to give a child hope for the upcoming year: #31DaysOfHolidayHope
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Bravo Community Support

𝐌𝐮𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐳𝐢 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬, 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐞!

In the aftermath of his father's unexpected passing, Acleo Muwanguzi grapples with a profound sense of loss. The burden of navigating life without his father, compounded by emotional rejection from his immediate family, weighs heavily on the 13-year-old.

The late Aloysious Bangula, aged 83 (RIP), was laid to rest in Zirobwe, Luwero district on October 30th, marking the end of his earthly journey and leaving a deep impact on Muwanguzi's life.

Despite Mzee Bangula's departure, his legacy endures. Stepping into the void left by his father, the Bravo Shoes Community Support Organisation, an NGO, becomes Muwanguzi's guiding light. Providing him with resources and opportunities, they shape a path for his future. Recognizing his potential, Muwanguzi, in turn, embraces the transformative power of education.

Yet, in the midst of these transformative moments, the young boy yearns for a father figure. To those reading who can step into the role of Muwanguzi's "Father," the invitation is extended to help him navigate these challenging times.

Reflecting on his father, Muwanguzi fondly recalls, "I will always remember my father; he used to go and drink, returning home inebriated. He would call my name from afar, handing me money and urging me to buy whatever I liked. The next day, he'd inquire about his money, oblivious to having given it away."

In pursuit of his dreams, Muwanguzi seeks companionship to bolster his aspirations. His journey becomes a testament to the transformative impact of determination and community support. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the incredible outcomes achievable when people unite to make a difference in a child's life.

The Bravo Shoes Community Support Organisation holds Muwanguzi in their hearts, remembering a young boy who found strength and determination amidst adversity. He becomes a symbol of resilience, a beacon of hope, and an inspiration to all. Muwanguzi's narrative underscores the interconnectedness of humanity and the potential for positive change when collective efforts converge for the betterment of a child's future.

In Muwanguzi's memory, the call is made to be a guiding light for others, just as the NGO and the community were for him. Let his journey inspire acts of kindness and compassion, recognizing the power to change lives lies within each heart.

Rest in peace, dad. Your profound influence on Muwanguzi and the world lingers, serving as an enduring legacy that motivates us to impact the lives of others positively.

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Bravo Community Support

Shakur Bids Farewell to Pallisa for Education #education
https://youtu.be/1aWKCy50VP4

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Bravo Community Support

Achieving Dreams at a Tender Age #education #tourism #uganda
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Bravo Community Support

I would like to appreciate everyone that voted me , I 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶 you all!
You are part of this this win of the prestigious award and Kudos to Humanitarian Awards Global for recognizing the World Change Makers .❤️❤️❤️💪💪💪. For Team Bravo Shoes Community Support, you are amazing and you own this 110% ! No one gets success or achievement alone ! There are always many a thousands behind them. I love you all big time .
Yesigye Brian Bravo
ED - Bravo Shoes Community Support

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Bravo Community Support

A Tribute to Muwanguzi’s Father Aloysious Bangula (RIP Bangula)

Born in 1940, the 83-year-old Aloysious Bangula was laid to rest on Monday in Zirobwe, Luwero district, Central Region. Although he was enrolled in the free care of Biyinzika Ministries in Mukono, receiving treatment for high blood pressure and a stroke, he did not live long enough to witness his dedicated son's dream of becoming a mechanic or a doctor come to fruition.

On August 6, 2021, the nation watched as Acleo Muwanguzi appeared on Spark TV, tending to his ailing father before breaking down in tears, pleading for help. One door of opportunity opened - at least for education. His father had been struck helplessly by a stroke, leaving him unable to talk or walk, and the 12-year-old boy had to sacrifice his education to care for his family in the last few years.Muwanguzi's story of selfless devotion to his father is not merely one of loss but a testament to the incredible impact of his kindness and determination to save his father's life.

Muwanguzi, now 13, is filled with dreams as vast as the open sky. He serves as a shining example of how, with determination and community support, one can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. His story serves as a beautiful reminder of the incredible things that can happen when people come together to make a difference in the life of a child.

Although Muwanguzi's father may have left this world, he left behind a legacy of love and resilience in the heart of his son. In his absence, an NGO stepped in to become Muwanguzi's guiding light, providing him with the resources and opportunities that would shape his future. Muwanguzi recognized the value of education and its power to change his life, just as the NGO recognized his potential.
Today, we stand together not only to mourn the loss of Muwanguzi's father but to celebrate the life made possible through the combined efforts of the Bravo Shoes Community Support, his family, and the community. Muwanguzi's story is a powerful reminder that it takes a village to raise a child, and it's an example of what can be achieved when we extend our hands to uplift those who need it most.

In our hearts, we carry the memory of a young boy who, in the face of adversity, found strength and determination. Muwanguzi is a symbol of resilience, a beacon of hope, and a source of inspiration to us all. His journey reminds us that we are all connected, and when we work together, we can create a better future for those who need it most.

As we mourn Muwanguzi's father, we also celebrate the enduring spirit of Muwanguzi himself, and the love and support that helped him reach for the stars. Muwanguzi's legacy will live on through the dreams he cherished and the lives he touched. Let us honor his memory by continuing to support and uplift the young souls who, like him, deserve the opportunity to shine.

In Muwanguzi's memory, may we find the strength to be that guiding light for others, just as the NGO and the community were for him. Let us remember that, in our acts of kindness and compassion, we have the power to change lives, one heart at a time.

Rest in peace, Dad. You have left a profound mark on our hearts and the world, and your legacy will continue to inspire us to make a difference in the lives of others.

bravoshoescommunitysupport.org/muwanguzi-strives-t…

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