Life in Kafunjo: School Uniforms

School uniforms are mandated by the Ministry of Education and can be a stressful expense for the Project. However, they are deeply ingrained in the culture of Uganda. For many children, it would feel as if a part of the school experience was missing without them. The children like school uniforms and get excited to wear them when they first start attending a school. Uniforms instill a strong sense of community and belonging and play a huge part in making children love school. A uniform bridges the gap between the rich and poor and prevents a student from being judged for his/her economic status. They eliminate any worry a child might have over what to wear to school, reduce peer pressure among the students, and financial pressure on parents to buy nicer clothes for their children. Additionally, school uniforms help children to stand out and earn societal respect. While uniforms are required by the Ministry of Education in Uganda, not every child at the Project has one as the fabric can be very hard to afford.

Bonita, Kafunjo’s seamstress, used to be a student of the Project but struggled with frequent health issues and was, sadly, unable to finish her studies. Rather than pushing her to finish school, Bruno and his supporters allowed her to complete a short-term seamstress program - of which she has now completed. Because Bonita’s mom is too poor to care for her, she continues to live at the orphanage and has officially joined the Project’s staff as their main seamstress! She is elated to be able to serve the Project that assisted her while also being surrounded by many loving people she considers family. In addition to sewing uniforms for the children, Bonita also sews beautiful African-style clothes for them whenever the Project can afford the extra fabric. These clothes are especially popular during the Christmas season.

Below, you’ll find pictures of some of the fabric Kafunjo purchases for school uniforms, one of the Project’s sewing machines, and examples of what children’s uniforms look like once completed.