A Struggling Institution
Hopeful Hearts Community School in Namuwongo has been a beacon of learning for 12 years, serving a total of 203 pupils. Among them, 39% attend for free, while the remaining students pay a modest fee—much lower than those charged by other schools in the area. Despite its noble mission, the school faces immense financial challenges, making it difficult to manage its operational costs.

The Water Crisis
For seven months, the school struggled without piped water after disconnection due to unpaid bills. This shortage severely impacted basic operations such as meal preparation and maintaining hygiene. "Access to water in this school is essential for cooking children meals, as well as cleaning classes," said Gerald Maserejje, the School Director. "We simply cannot cope without it." The administration grappled daily with difficult decisions, choosing between paying for water or addressing other pressing needs. To keep water available, the school resorted to spending $3 daily to have it delivered—far more costly than maintaining a piped connection.

A Lifeline Through the EASE Program
The situation turned around when EASE’s Eco-Related Rescue Program intervened. The program facilitated the reconnection of piped water to the school. The funds previously spent on water delivery are now being redirected to critical areas such as providing school meals and supporting staff salaries.

The Impact of Water Restoration
The availability of water has brought significant improvements. Sureya Nalwanga, the Assistant Head Prefect, expressed the children’s relief: "Now that we have enough water, we are able to wash our hands after using the toilet." These small yet essential changes have greatly enhanced the students' learning environment and overall well-being.

Building a Brighter Future
By restoring access to water, EASE is helping Hopeful Hearts Community School focus on its mission of nurturing young minds. We are proud to support these tender hopeful hearts, ensuring they remain happy, healthy, and ready to learn.