NGO Breaks Ground for Maata Academy to Boost Education in Karamoja

A non-governmental organization, SHANITA, has officially broken ground for the construction of Maata Academy in Nakapiripirit District. The new boarding primary school aims to expand access to quality education for vulnerable children across the Karamoja sub-region.

Once completed, the institution is expected to accommodate up to 500 pupils in its initial intake, spanning from Primary One to Primary Seven. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in Akuyam Village, Kakomongole Sub-county, drawing local leaders, community members, and education advocates.

State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Esther Anyakun Davinia officiated the event and commended the initiative as a historic investment. She noted that the facility will help address low literacy levels in the area while thanking the people of Israel for supporting both the construction and SHANITA’s scholarship programs.

Lior Sperandeo, the Chief Executive Officer of SHANITA, explained that the name “Maata” translates to a blessing in the Karamojong language. He emphasized the school’s motto, “I Choose to Rise,” as a testament to empowering children to overcome challenging circumstances and shape their futures.

Construction of the academy will proceed in phases. The initial phase features classroom blocks, administrative offices, dining and kitchen areas, sanitation facilities, and sports spaces. The subsequent phase will introduce additional campus blocks, a library, a clinic, and agricultural facilities.

Local leaders, including Chekwii County Member of Parliament Simon Peter Longoli and Nakapiripirit Resident District Commissioner Ajilong Bessie Modester, welcomed the development. They highlighted that a safe learning environment will particularly protect young girls from harmful practices like early marriages while driving regional socioeconomic development.

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