Author: Gina Pitsenberger

By Fifi Faith Letacie

A New Direction in Education

Education in Uganda is rapidly transforming to address the evolving needs of the labor market. One of the most significant changes has been the introduction of a National Competency-Based Curriculum for Secondary Schools, which emphasizes not only academic knowledge but also practical skills that students can apply in real-world settings.

At Kingsway, we are proud to be embracing this progressive approach to education. Our goal is to equip students with abilities that go beyond the classroom—skills that can empower them to create opportunities for themselves and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

As part of this initiative, the school has introduced entrepreneurship and sewing/tailoring as important practical learning areas. These programs aim to help students develop practical skills, creativity, and a strong business mindset.

Why Skills-Based Learning Matters

Traditional education has often concentrated primarily on theoretical knowledge. While textbook learning is important, the modern world increasingly requires individuals to solve real-world problems and generate economic opportunities.

The competency-based approach aims to address this need by:

• • Developing practical skills alongside academic knowledge
  • Encouraging creativity and innovation
  • Preparing students for self-employment and entrepreneurship
  • Building confidence and independence among learners

By introducing skill-based subjects such as sewing, Kingsway is helping students explore talents that may become valuable skills or even lifelong professions.

Why Sewing?

Sewing was selected as one of the first practical skills to be introduced because it is both highly practical and accessible. Sewing is a skill that can easily translate into income generation. Many successful small businesses begin with something as simple as a sewing machine and creativity. There are several reasons why sewing is particularly suitable for our students:

1.  A Skill That Leads to Self-Employment

One of the biggest advantages of sewing is that it provides a clear path to self-employment. A skilled tailor can start a small business with minimal capital. In many communities, tailoring services are always in demand for:

• • School uniforms
  • Traditional clothing
  • Alterations and repairs
  • Custom-made garments

With dedication and practice, students who master sewing can build sustainable businesses.

2.  Low Start-Up Costs

Compared to many other trades, sewing requires relatively little capital to begin. In its simplest form, all a person needs is a sewing machine, fabric, and some basic tools. Because of this low barrier to entry, sewing offers an accessible pathway for young people to use their creativity and skill to become economically independent.

3.  A Rich African Fashion Heritage

Africa has a vibrant and diverse fashion culture. Traditional clothing continues to play an important role in everyday life, ceremonies, and celebrations. Across the continent, people proudly wear beautiful and culturally significant garments such as:

• • Dere
  • Kente
  • Kanga

These fabrics and styles are not only expressions of identity and heritage but also represent a thriving fashion industry. By learning sewing and garment design, students at Kingsway will gain the ability to work with these fabrics and potentially contribute to Africa’s growing fashion and textile sector.

Investing in Learning Resources

To support this initiative, Kingsway has invested in 36 new sewing machines. These machines will significantly enhance practical learning by allowing more students to participate actively during lessons. Hands-on practice is essential when learning a skill such as sewing. With adequate equipment available, students will be able to:

• • Practice stitching techniques
  • Learn garment construction
  • Work on creative projects
  • Develop confidence through repeated practice

To ensure that students receive high-quality training, the school will employ a professional sewing teacher who will guide students through basic sewing techniques, garment construction, and teach them how to maintain sewing machines. Beyond teaching technical skills, the instructor will also help students appreciate the discipline and patience required in tailoring and fashion design.

This mentorship will play a critical role in shaping students’ competence and confidence in the craft.

Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset

The introduction of sewing is not only about learning how to stitch fabric—it is also about developing a business mindset. Entrepreneurship education encourages students to think creatively about opportunities around them. By combining sewing skills with entrepreneurial thinking, students will learn how to:

• • Identify business opportunities
  • Understand customer needs
  • Price products and services
  • Manage small business operations
  • Build sustainable income-generating activities

These lessons will empower students to see themselves not only as job seekers but also as job creators.

Preparing Students for the Future

The introduction of sewing and entrepreneurship reflects the broader mission of Kingsway — to prepare students not only for exams but for life. By embracing skills-based education, the school is helping students develop practical abilities and problem-solving skills, as well as self-reliance and independence. These are qualities that will serve them well whether they pursue higher education, employment, or entrepreneurship.

A Vision for Growth

The tailoring program is just the beginning. We are also working on developing a program in machine knitting. As the initiative grows, Kingsway hopes to expand its skills-based learning opportunities and continue investing in resources that empower students.

The vision is clear: to nurture a generation of young people who are skilled, confident, innovative, and capable of shaping their own future.

Through initiatives like tailoring and entrepreneurship training, Kingsway is taking meaningful steps toward that goal.

Together, we are stitching a brighter future—one skill at a time.

 

Both the tailoring and knitting programs will need ongoing support, and we are wondering if you would like to help out.  To do so, please write in the comment line of a donation to Kingsway that you’d like to support their new Practical Skills Programs.

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The beginning of this term brought excitement and renewal to Kingsway Christian High School with the arrival of brand-new desks in classrooms. This much-needed upgrade was warmly welcomed by students and staff, transforming learning spaces into more comfortable, organized, and inspiring environments.

The new desks, which are sturdier, more spacious, and ergonomically designed, were introduced as part of the school’s broader commitment to improving learning conditions and investing in student’s futures. With smoother surfaces, ample storage, and modern design, these desks are a significant upgrade from the old furniture and reflect the school’s dedication to academic excellence. They promote better spacing and support for each student, encouraging good posture and more effective classroom engagement.

As student numbers increase, the need for adequate desks and sleeping arrangements becomes more urgent. Kingsway responded by constructing new desks and beds, aligning with its commitment to expanding capacity and infrastructure to meet the needs of its vulnerable learners.

                      Work in progress. Desks were lined up for the final phase of spray painting

These desks are more than just furniture; they symbolize the school’s vision to improve learning conditions, reduce congestion, and boost students’ academic focus—a step toward fulfilling
Kingsway’s transformation-driven mission.

In rural Uganda, many students sit on the floor or share overloaded benches, causing discomfort and hindering learning. Desks greatly improve concentration, posture, and overall physical well-being, which are essential for student health and progress.

Kingsway Christian High School’s introduction of new desks signifies a vital and symbolic improvement, demonstrating progress in practical learning conditions and the broader mission of nurturing vulnerable Ugandan youth through education and faith.

Teachers have already observed a positive impact on student concentration and classroom discipline. “The students seem more focused and eager to learn,” said Mr. Kato, a senior teacher.
“It’s amazing what a simple change in the physical environment can do.”

Students, too, have shared their appreciation. “We feel more respected and cared for. These desks make us feel like we’re in a serious academic setting,” said Mary, a Senior Four student.

Ready for deployment. These are the fruits of generous giving, hard work and love.

This upgrade was made possible through the generous support of our partners and school administration. We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this project—your support continues to shape the future of our learners.

As we progress through the term, we believe this improvement will lead to better academic results and a more enjoyable school experience. Kingsway Christian High School remains committed to creating a God-centered, student-friendly learning environment where every learner can thrive.

On April 18-19, Kingsway was excited to have Ken Watkins from Genesis Waters on campus. Genesis Waters is a ministry based in Grand Rapids, Michigan that provides clean water for outreach-oriented Christian ministries around the world.

Ken was able to look at Kingsway’s collapsed well and assess their bore hole, which gives a small amount of water per day which doesn’t smell or taste good. He also walked the whole 2 km with the students to where they are currently fetching water. It’s a long haul, especially uphill with full jerry cans on the way home! Check out this video:

Ken was also able to look over Kingsway’s property, assess their current well situation, and offer some next steps.  He was optimistic about the possibilities after his visit.

First, Ken recommended they get a new water survey done of the whole property to determine the optimal place to drill a new well, in terms of soil conditions and depth. If there is indeed a prime place to drill, Genesis Waters will help install it.

If there are no good places to drill, then they will install equipment for rain harvesting since the area gets a lot of rain. Rain is a good supplemental source of water to be used for bathing and watering the animals and garden.  This is something that could be done gradually, a few buildings at a time.

The students were very impressed that Ken put forth the effort to spend time with them and walk with them the whole way to where they fetch their water.  They showered their affections on him in a final “thank-you” assembly.

Ken was humbled by the attention he received when the students performed a variety of skits and dances for him. He left Kingsway with many new friends! Ken then flew on to Kenya for other projects there.

Sports and physical activity are an important part of what goes on each afternoon at Kingsway Christian High School. Some of the benefits of physical exercise, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:

• • combats health conditions and diseases
  • improves mood
  • boosts energy
  • promotes better sleep

  

  All sports require some type of equipment which prevents injury and improves performance. But Kingsway has no budget for sports equipment, and they have a policy of not spending donations on sports when other needs are more critical, like books, medicine and even food. (Just a couple of years ago, Kingsway could only serve one meal a day for lack of money.)

  Yet sports are universally adored in Uganda, especially soccer (football). So alumni and local friends who want Kingsway to be able to play against other schools have donated uniforms.

  But very few students come to school owning sports shoes. Instead they play in flip-flops, sandals or crocs, or even barefoot resulting in stubbed toes, bruises, cuts and abrasions.

  

  In the fall of 2023, the board was made aware of the need for soccer shoes and other equipment. One of our board members asked various groups in town for donations. After a long and nearly fruitless campaign, she finally discovered a local organization called Cleats for Kids that collects used soccer equipment for charitable causes. They donated two large tubs of shoes and shin guards that cost approximately $1,400.00 originally. Hooray!

  

  Milly was in Michigan last October, and was able to bring the equipment back to Uganda with her, much to the delight of everyone at school. American shoes are of a much better quality than anything available in Uganda. They are durable and will be used by students in future years too.

  

  Currently, Kingsway is also working on constructing a basketball court so they will have the option of playing basketball too. Since the school has no money to spend, the students themselves are doing the heavy work of digging the base and leveling the ground.

  

  Why This is Important

  Kingsway’s long-term desire is to be self-sustaining, to have a body of paying students whose tuition supports needy students who attend for free. Right now that goal is somewhat far off, because very few students pay full tuition.

  Because sports are so popular in Uganda, having a good sports program is very useful for attracting paying students. In-kind donations like durable shoes and long-lasting equipment brings them closer to that goal.

What does a typical day in the life of a Kingsway Christian student look like?

4 AM – Rise and Shine, and Studying!

The students are not sleeping in until the last possible moment as many American teenagers do. Instead they rise at 4:00 am, a couple hours before dawn!

The first thing they do is get themselves physically ready for the day by brushing their teeth, washing their face, and bathing.

Next, is Morning Prep which takes place from 4:30-6:30 am. The focus of this time is on mathematics. Many students struggle with mathematics and the teachers want to see improvement in this area, so they are devoting the first part of the day to tackle what is most challenging for them academically.

6:30 – Morning Tea

The students then get a 30 minute break for morning tea. This is followed by 30 minutes of cleaning the compound and leaving it spotless.

At 7:30 students begin what is called their Early Morning Lessons. This is a 3 hour time block followed by a 20 minute break.

Then the Mid Morning and Afternoon lessons begin and continue for about two hours until their Lunch hour.

1 PM – Chapel and Lunch

Before they eat, the students and teachers have a time of praise and worship as well as a brief sermon.

Then a meal of maize, beans, and vegetables is served.

The afternoon activities include games and sports, and runs from 2:00-4:40 pm. After a long day of academic work, students change out of their school uniforms into casual clothing and head to the field where they can play football (known as soccer in the U.S.), netball, or volleyball. This time is supervised by the sports teacher, and is always opened and closed with prayer.

As most of us know, sports are a great way for kids to grow physically, mentally and socially. It also helps students hone their athletic skills and talents outside of the classroom. Sports are greatly loved by Ugandans too.

The latest project at Kingsway, involving the help of both teachers and students, is the making of a basketball court. The ground has been leveled, and the next step is to compact the soil before pouring the concrete and putting in the posts for the basketball hoops.

4:30 Fetching Water

When games and sports are done, students fetch water that is used for bathing and for washing their school uniforms and sports jerseys. Each day a different class takes a turn hauling water for school use. Because Kingsway’s well is not working, they need to walk over 2 km each way to fetch water from a community well. It’s a long hike, especially uphill back to Kingsway with a full water jug!

After all that physical activity, students are hungry.  Supper is served at about 6 PM followed by evening devotions in the Chapel from 7-7:30.

After devotions, the young men and women of Kingsway head back to their dorms and spend the rest of the evening studying until lights out at 10:00 pm. This fairly rigorous schedule leaves little room for boredom or idleness and makes supervising a large number of young people more manageable.

Holy week this year was a very memorable time for the students and staff at Kingsway Christian High School.  The significance of all that Jesus experienced during the final week of his life on earth was broken down into daily devotions with thoughtfully chosen Scriptures shared by staff at both the lunch hour and in the evening.

Palm Sunday was celebrated enthusiastically with vibrant singing, dancing, and waving of palm branches as Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem was remembered.

On Monday, the focus was on Jesus Christ turning over the tables of the money changers in the temple.

Tuesday’s devotion revolved around Jesus teaching in the temple and his  authority being questioned by the chief priests and elders.

On Wednesday the students learned about the anointing of Jesus while he was in the home of Simon the Leper and how Judas decided to betray Jesus and spoke with the chief priests and the officers of the temple to discuss how this might be done.

The Last Supper Jesus and his disciples celebrated together along with the events following; praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus arrest,  being brought before the Sanhedrin, and Peter disowning Jesus were the focus of Thursday’s devotions.

On Good Friday the teaching brought the students to the cross where Jesus suffered and died for all our sins.  The evening included a time of worship in which the Almighty was honored, glorified and exalted for all that he did on our behalf.

Saturday the devotion was based on Matthew 27:62-66 which tells us that the tomb was made secure in order to prevent anyone from stealing Jesus’ body.

Easter Sunday was filled with jubilation and much rejoicing as the students sang Easter songs and celebrated Holy Communion led by Milly.

All students participated in Sports Day on March 8 at Kingsway Christian School.  The day began with a student led prayer in which the day was dedicated to God.

The teams for this year’s event were named “The Conquerors”, dressed in red t-shirts, and “The Victor’s” dressed in yellow t-shirts.  The sports activities that students and teachers participated in included soccer, field races, javelin throw, high jump, and long jump. The male and female soccer teams had their own jerseys for the game.

The staff at Kingsway were very thankful that the students had an injury free day, due in large part to the donation of sports equipment that included cleats, shin guards, and socks. (More info here.) When Milly was visiting West Michigan in the fall of 2023, she was able to take back equipment that was collected by the board.

On a side note, the boys soccer team was super excited to claim a victory over a big school in the region recently, and they do not think it would have been possible without the new gear that enabled them to play their best.

After over 10 years of waiting, the joy was overwhelming when the girls could finally move in to the completed first floor of the dorm.

Many hands make light work! The boys muscles were appreciated as they helped carry the beds and other items to the dorm.

Not to be outdone, the girls had fun showing how much they could move using their heads rather than their brawn.

After claiming a spot of their own, the girls were able to make their beds and settle in.

The girls could kick off their shoes and get some rest on their comfy new beds after a busy day of moving in.

What a blessing to have the dorm up and running for the start of the new school year!