Kawete, Uganda

“Christ Community Lutheran School-Uganda,” says Rev. Charles Bameka, “got its name because it is centered in Christ and is ‘owned’ by the entire community.” Christ Community Lutheran School-St. Louis, however, did provide inspiration for the name.  And more.  Students at the CCLS-St. Louis school “bought” bricks to build a classroom building, raised funds to purchase additional acreage for the Kawete garden, and gathered mountains of school and medical supplies to be hand carried into Uganda. 

CCLS-U has over 560 students and a teaching staff of fifteen.  Other U.S. congregations and donors provided funds for a second classroom building, a borehole well,  a VIP latrine, and a solar energy system. 

CCLS-U is a work in progress. Although struggling with mundane affairs such as making ends meet, we’re enjoying positive relations with the local community, seeing a sizable number of Muslim students (they’re all aware that we teach and live Jesus), and attempting to meet the health needs of local girls and women. Goat-raising, weeding the school garden, sewing sanitary towels, excelling in music and dance—all colorfully figure into the life of this young school.

Rev. Charles Bameka (newly-elected president of the Lutheran Church Mission-Uganda and WGLO country representative) has been deeply involved in the overall planning.  Ms. Violet Nanono, project coordinator, lovingly and skillfully oversees the day- to-day needs of the children and larger community.

We’re looking for congregations who are willing to “adopt” a Kawete teacher, enabling us to increase the Ugandan teacher’s monthly stipend to $110.00. 

For videos and pictures about CCLS-St. Louis and Kawete partnership, click on this link for the School News, Special Announcements page at CCLS-St. Louis website.

Here is a short video of the October 2011 trip to Uganda.  Team to Uganda

To see more pictures and videos of CCLS-Kawete and WGLO projects, just click on the Facebook logo below.

A number of CCLS-St. Louis teachers have visited Kawete, learning and sharing with their Ugandan partners.

Jonathan Butterfield, CCLS St.Louis Middle School principal and soccer coach, received homemade footballs (soccer balls) from the kids in Kawete.

In addition to teachers, recent teams to Kawete have included a pediatrician, and a nurse practitioner specializing in women’s issues.

Teachers, staff, and board members at CCLS - Kawete, Uganda (October 2011) looked very professional in their new shirts donated by CCLS - St. Louis.