Donations by St Marks has helped enormously in providing funds for the teachers to continue their work and resources for the ten orphans that are looked after by the Busiliwa school. Uganda has remained in lock down in some parts of society.  There was a full lock-down from March to July, which kept the infection rate low.  However, many people lost their jobs and sources of income, transport was suspended and schools only reopened for pupils due to sit exam  (primary 7 and secondary schools). During this period the teachers had no income.  Schools are now open to more classes but many parents who lost their jobs in lock-down cannot affords school fess so may children have not returned.  All schools, state and private, charge fees with fewer children in school there is less work and less money to pay teachers.  Uganda did not have a furlough scheme.

 In rural areas like Bududa District where the school is situated, people can grow their own food, but climate change has an impact and people have little money for other necessities and may even struggle to buy seeds for the next growing season. December to February is the dry season and the growing of food is hard.

Despite the hardships people try to keep spirits up and have sent us photos and videos of joyful gatherings at baptisms in the new chapel at the Busiliwa school.  Their faith in the Lord remains strong and gives them hope for the future.