Sudanese Refugee Camp, Uganda
More than half a million people fleeing violence and human rights abuses, mostly from South Sudan, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have now found protection and safety in Uganda. By early December, Uganda had become home to almost 511,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, the highest number ever in the country’s history. More than 100,000 have so far arrived in 2015, making Uganda the third-largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, after Ethiopia (736,000) and Kenya (594,000).
In May 2014 an assessment visit to Adjumani Camp, Uganda was made by Khalsa Aid trustee Jaswinder Singh. After various discussions with the UNHCR and The Office of the Prime Minister, Khalsa Aid took responsibility of supplying desks and academic materials to Lewa Primary School. This school was originally designed for 300 primary school children. Due to the refugee influx this number swelled to over 1,500 students.
The first delivery of 85 desks and academic materials were provided for over 500 in November 2014, and second delivery of 95 desks was made in January 2015. The provision of academic materials ensures that young children have access to quality education and that the conflicts in their home countries does not negatively impact their access to education.
