In the local language, Bundibugyo literally means “the end of the road”. And it is just that. Nestled on the western edge of Uganda, past the Rwenzori Mountains, it sits just 5km from the Democratic Republic of Congo. For the many people living in extreme poverty here, hope for more than a few dollars a day is difficult to come by. So why did we start a secondary school in Bundibugyo, Uganda?
Bundibugyo is one of the poorest districts in Uganda, which is the 14th poorest country in the world ….. More than 50% of Ugandans are under the age of 18 ….. Over 20% of children are orphans or vulnerable ….. The average Ugandan receives only 6 years of education ….. There is not a complete Bible yet translated into the local language.
POVERTY
Uganda is one of the poorest countries in the world, and Bundibugyo is one of the least developed districts economically in Uganda. Most people live on only a few dollars a day, caring for multiple children, without clean running water or regular electrical access. If there is a landslide, or the cocoa harvest is hampered, it can go from bad to worse for the community very quickly.
- Serge (formerly World Harvest Mission), subsidizes 50% of the tuition and room and board for all students, so that financial means will not be a barrier to a high-quality education.
ORPHANS
Orphans, as one of the most vulnerable social categories, face a high risk of sexual and labor exploitation, human and organ trafficking, have limited access to education and health care, and end up with a lower life expectancy. AIDS, other health related deaths, and rebel warfare are among the leading factors that have left children parentless in Bundibugyo.
- CSB provides scholarships covering 100% of the costs to 10 students in each class of O-Level. That’s 40 students each year, almost 10% of the student body.
Discipleship
With no Bible written in students’ native languages, and very few healthy adult role models, the need for Gospel-centered discipleship is paramount. A lack of Bible knowledge and understanding, as well as high levels of legalism and mysticism in the community, have led to a void of mature Christians.
- CSB hosts worship services every Sunday, complete with lots of singing and dancing, and preaching of the Word. Students also participate in Wednesday afternoon Chapel, and Cell Groups for discipleship. Each student takes Biblical courses as well.
GIRLS
In Bundibugyo, girls often do not receive much education, as they are needed at home to take care of other children and cook and clean. Even if a girl completes primary school, attending secondary school is a long shot as parents often cobble their resources to support the boys’ educations. This can lead to diminished future opportunities, unwanted marriage and pregnancies, and perpetuates a cycle of poverty.
- Christ School Bundibugyo admits and educates as many boys as girls – over 175 this year. They provide safe boarding, a campus free of sexual harassment, and opportunities for student leadership and extracurricular involvement.
The 365 Club
Here’s a breakdown of costs to keep Christ School up and running.
Interested in supporting one student for one year for $1 per day ?
Sponsor a Orphan
The sponsorship of needy students has been a heartbeat of CSB since the school’s founding. The Orphan and Vulnerable Children sponsorship program was created to provide orphans in Bundibugyo an education paired with the gospel, so that they might become young men and women who shape their community and the world. It exists to show them they are beloved, valuable, and worth investing in when their world tells them otherwise. The fatherless should never be denied the empowerment that comes with an education. We partner with sponsors to spend 4-6 years showing them truth and love, and hope that this will impact and affect them for the rest of their lives.
Currently, 46 students at CSB are sponsored through the Orphan and Vulnerable Children sponsorship program. The need is always greater than what we’re able to provide; and the dream is to grow the program until we’re able to extend an education to any orphan that knocks on our doors. To become a sponsor through the CSB Orphan and Vulnerable Children program, click here.
Soccer & Sports Partnership
Sports, particularly football (soccer), is crucial to the culture of Christ School. Athletics gives students an outlet to practice and play what they love, while cultivating camaraderie amongst peers in unique ways. Student athletes learn the meaning of teamwork, commitment to excellence, leadership, and confidence that they take with them off the field and into the classroom. Athletics teaches our students that goals are attainable through dedicated hard work and consistent practice.
Our girls football program is the most recent example of this ethic. In the five years since its formation, the girls team has become the sole ranking football team in all of Bundibugyo. They have advanced to both the regional competition and the national competition for the past three years. We’re proud of the hard work these girls put into their sport and the example they continue to set for all of CSB athletics.
It costs $10,000 per year to run our athletics program, which includes all competition fees, equipment, and all travel costs to and from tournaments all across Uganda. We’re always looking for financial partners who truly believe in the transformational aspects of being on a team. Click the button below to support our athletes. We’d even love for your team to visit and play alongside us for a week or two! For more information, visit our Short Term Team Opportunities.
Jobs / Internships / Apprentices
Interested in joining the CSB team? We have several different opportunities to check out!
Internships
Come experience 6-8 weeks of life in Bundibugyo while assisting special CSB development projects! Past interns have expanded Christ School communication resources, worked directly with our football programs, discipled our students, helped orchestrate our Field Day fun, and helped with administrative tasks for our Orphan and Vulnerable Children program. All interns must apply through our stateside partnering organization, Serge.
Apprentices
Join our team for 18 months, focusing on service at CSB in one of several core areas. Currently, we’re looking for apprentices who come from science and math backgrounds and are passionate about teacher assistance and development. All apprentices must apply through our stateside partnering organization, Serge.
Long-Term Careers
Do you have a heart for missions and the gifts of servant leadership? Is God calling you to serve him overseas in missions? We’re on the hunt for a school director who’d be willing to join our team!