Help build a better future for children in Uganda: support St Mary Immaculate Villa Maria Primary School

In an email from Uganda, Rev. Sister Nancy Monchari, head teacher of St Mary Immaculate Villa Maria Primary School, reached out to us with a request for support. Located in Villa Maria parish, Kalungu district, in the Masaka diocese of Uganda, this non-profit, government-aided Catholic school was founded in 1910 by the “white sisters” with the aim of educating girls in Uganda.

When the original appeal was published in April 2025, the school reported having around 700 pupils, including vulnerable children and orphans. Some of its facilities date back to 1910 and, according to the school, require renovation to provide more suitable conditions for teaching and learning.

The school calls for help

The school originally requested support to renovate its older classroom blocks and build five new classrooms, creating more space for teaching and learning. In its February 2025 fundraising request, the school explained that some pupils were using buildings rented from the local mission hospital because of a lack of classroom space.

Update from the school, August 2026

On 6 August 2026, Sister Nancy informed us that the school had not yet received any donor funds for the construction of the new classroom block. She also reported that Kalungu District was planning to renovate an existing school building. Her message did not confirm whether funding for that intervention had been formally released or whether work had started.

How you can help 💙

In February 2025, the school provided Voluntouring.org with documents supporting its request, including:

• A recommendation letter from the Kalungu District Local Government
• A safeguarding statement bearing a Masaka Diocese stamp
• School documentation and a district letter referring to government EMIS code 005709

If you are interested in supporting this project, or know an organisation or individual who might be able to help, you can contact the school directly using the details below. Ask for the latest project information and verify any payment instructions before making a donation.

🤝 Past fundraising successes

In its original 2025 submission, the school reported previous support from organisations in Spain and the USA, as well as local parents. Earlier projects included:

• A perimeter security wall (partially completed)
• An underground water tank and toilets for students
• Sponsorships for vulnerable children
• A nursery block
• A male dormitory (reported as under construction in 2025)

These earlier achievements are separate from the current appeal to build new classrooms. Voluntouring.org shares the school’s request to help it reach potential supporters, but does not collect or manage donations.

Photo credit: Rev. Sister Nancy Monchari with her students 📷

The school on Google Maps 📍