School Profile: Kibiribiri

Since 2015, Sister Schools has partnered with Kibiribri, a private day school in Uganda. It’s pronounced “Chee-bee-ree-bee-ree,” and learning to say it correctly is a right-of-passage for new staff and board members in Seattle.  

The school is a matter of heart for director Robinah. She founded the school to meet unmet educational needs in her rural community, desiring to give every child the chance of a quality education, no matter their economic circumstances. As a private school, they receive no government assistance. Robinah has kept it running primarily on passion and goodwill, with the community working together to pay teachers’ salaries, and maintain buildings.  

Kibiribiri welcomes approximately 250 students every day, with 12 teachers. In recent years, they’ve been seeing improvements across literacy and academic performance, making everyone involved incredibly proud. Robinah credits the supplies Sister Schools provides for some of the improving outcomes, and we’re grateful to be a part of their success story!  

Their biggest challenge at the moment is the poor state of their physical buildings. They have nine classrooms as well as an office, but none of them are in permanent structures. The mud buildings have dirt floors and no doors or windows. Everything was designed as a temporary building. Work has started on new, permanent classroom blocks, but can only continue as funding is available.  

Despite the sometimes-adverse conditions, Kibiribiri staff are deeply engaged with their students and hopeful for their futures. It's obvious to see the connection students have with staff and the dedication they all have to academics. We’re proud to be celebrating 10 years of partnership with this incredible school!