Impact Story: Precious Princess Junior School, Uganda
In the heart of Nansana, Uganda, Precious Princess Junior School stands as a testament to resilience, vision, and the transformative power of education. Founded in 2021 amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the school has quickly grown from humble beginnings to become a thriving institution. Behind this success is Mr. Salongo Mike Waswa, a determined school proprietor who has leveraged training, innovation, and a commitment to child protection to create a safe and nurturing environment for learners.
Mr. Salongo purchased Precious Princess Junior School during the pandemic, a time when schools globally were struggling to stay afloat. With just 23 students and 3 staff members, the school faced an uncertain future. However, joining EduQuality, a program offered by Opportunity EduFinance, provided Mr. Salongo with the tools and knowledge needed to turn the school around. One of his first major changes was establishing proper financial management systems. Before attending the EduQuality workshops, Mr. Salongo had no formal budgets or financial records, making it difficult to gauge the school's financial health. Implementing these systems allowed him to track income and expenses, save money, and reinvest in the school’s growth. These improvements led to the construction of three new classrooms, accommodating an increasing number of students and staff.
Child protection quickly became a priority for Mr. Salongo after he assessed the school's challenges. Before implementing changes, the school had faced issues with corporal punishment and child safety, which impacted both learner retention and parental trust. Inspired by the EduQuality training, Mr. Salongo introduced a written child protection policy that all teachers signed, banning corporal punishment and establishing clear guidelines for safeguarding children. To further enhance safety, the school installed CCTV cameras, fenced its premises, and designated a staff member responsible for child protection issues.
These measures not only created a secure environment for learners but also built trust among parents, significantly boosting enrollment. Parents now see Precious Princess Junior School as a place where their children are safe, valued, and supported.
To strengthen the school’s visibility and attract more learners, Mr. Salongo embraced marketing strategies learned from EduQuality. The school began using social media platforms like TikTok and WhatsApp to showcase its activities, including photos of students and updates on new facilities. Mr. Salongo also invested in branding the school with vibrant visuals, including murals at the entrance and gate, making the school recognizable in the community.
Another initiative that drew parents was the introduction of bursaries for less privileged and talented learners. This effort not only boosted enrollment but also reinforced the school’s commitment to inclusion and community support.
EduQuality also emphasized the importance of professional development for teachers. Through the Teacher Mentor Professional Development (TMPD) training, educators at Precious Princess Junior School learned effective teaching strategies, such as using "turn and talk" and positive behavior management techniques. Mentors conducted classroom observations and provided constructive feedback, helping teachers refine their methods. These improvements have led to greater student engagement and better academic performance.
Classrooms have also become more inclusive, with boys and girls sitting together to promote equality. Separate washrooms for girls and boys, along with dedicated matrons and patrons for counseling, ensure that students feel supported and cared for.
Today, Precious Princess Junior School teaches 120 learners, with plans for continued growth. By prioritizing child protection, embracing innovative marketing strategies, and investing in teacher development, Mr. Salongo has transformed the school into a model of safety, inclusion, and educational excellence. With strong foundations in place, the school is poised to make an even greater impact on the community in the years to come.