Week 2 - Mulago Bright

Location: Kampala, Uganda

On Tuesday, April 6, we visited Mulago Bright Standard Nursery and Primary School as part of our last NGO site visit of the day. As we had just arrived from Joint Clinic Research Center and Nsambya Home Clinic, I was hopeful that Mulago Bright would present me with the opportunity to volunteer at an organization in a less “hospital like” environment. Focusing on supporting HIV/AIDS infected and affected orphans, training students in the arts to develop their talents, and providing basic needs to needy children, MBSNS has served its community since 1998.

Soon after we arrived, the director of Mulago Bright proudly informed the group that his institution had been declared the best school in Kampala for music, dance, and drama in 2009. Though his expression made it clear that this accomplishment had brought him great joy, this was one of the few positive things that the director had to say about his school. One of the first places we were taken to on our tour of the facility was a small room where several children shared a cramped living space. In what sounded like a thoroughly rehearsed speech, the director informed our group that each bed in this cramped space was used by at least three bodies.

As our tour progressed, the director made fewer and fewer mentions of Mulago Bright’s strengths and potential; rather, he insisted on highlighting the deficiencies of his facility. While it would be erroneous to suggest that the problems outlined by our guide were entirely illusionary, the degree to which he outlined these problems was shocking.

The next stop on our tour of Mulago Bright was a larger room characterized by a high ceiling and a corrugated iron roof. In addition to acting as a classroom, the director explained, this room served as a sort of storm shelter for the MBSNPS community. At Mulago Bright, water leakages represent much more than a minor nuisance; they present a serious inhibition to learning. Indeed, whenever the rains come the entire Mulago Bright family—students and faculty alike—must crowd into this room in order to keep dry, and as there is very little space in this room to move let alone conduct classes, learning in such an environment is impossible.

I recognize that Mulago Bright’s director cannot be faulted completely. Perhaps I misinterpreted the director’s words entirely. Perhaps he only intended to make the point that, in spite of such adverse conditions, the students of Mulago Bright have remained steadfast in their commitment to education. However, if this was indeed his point, it could have been much more clear.

Though I certainly felt uncomfortable with the director’s instance upon highlighting Mulago Bright’s weaknesses, I understand that there may have indeed been a method to his madness. Through pointing out the shortcomings of his school, the director undoubtedly had the intention of drawing much needed financial assistance. When we visited Peace for Children Africa (PCA), the impact that financial security became more than apparent. With a strong base of governmental and foreign assistance, PCA can afford to provide its residents with school supplies and healthy meals. Without this same economic security, the director of Mulago Bright may have to try everything possible to support his students. Donors may not feel pressed to help Mulago Bright unless its deficiencies are sufficiently marketed. Money goes a long way when invested in an NGO, and, though disappointing, this may just be how aid works.