May 2026 - Progress, Purpose & Possibility
Back in the Classroom and Ready to Shine
The second school term is officially underway, and our students jumped right in with examinations. These assessments are an important part of our new centre number registration requirements, but they also serve another valuable purpose — helping our teachers understand exactly where each child is academically and where extra support may be needed.
One of our favourite new additions this month is the creation of "Together Seats" around campus. These shared study spaces encourage students to learn side-by-side, support one another, and strengthen the sense of family and cooperation that makes Sunrise so special.
Reaching New Heights: Girls' Dorm Hits Roof Level
Exciting progress continues on the new girls' dormitory! Construction has now reached roof level, bringing us one step closer to providing a safe and comfortable home for more girls to access education.
At the same time, our coalition partners have been busy recruiting students across Uganda. We won't know the final enrollment numbers until June, but early signs are encouraging, and we're hopeful to see a meaningful increase in boarding students this year.
Stay tuned next month for enrollment updates and progress photos!
Literacy Champions on the Move
During the semester break, Access Knowledge Africa's Champions of Literacy Program remained busy serving children throughout the community. Our literacy champions conducted a variety of outreach activities targeting children ages 2–12, helping them develop reading, spelling, and storytelling skills through play-based learning methods and locally made educational materials.
Through these outreaches, the team reached and supported 150 children, creating fun and engaging opportunities for learning while fostering a love for literacy at an early age.
One inspiring story comes from Champion Mirembe Joy, whose dedication to literacy continues to grow. Joy has demonstrated an increased love and passion for promoting literacy within our community, especially among young children. Her commitment, enthusiasm, and steady progress have made her a valuable role model and advocate for early childhood learning. We are proud of the impact she is making and look forward to seeing her continue to inspire young readers and learners.
Healthcare Is Returning to the Heart of the Community
We are thrilled to announce the planned reopening of Grace Family Clinic on October 9, 2026.
The need for healthcare services in the community remains significant, and in consultation with the Ugandan Ministry of Health, the clinic will reopen as a Level III Health Centre, an important step up from its previous Level II designation. This advancement will be made possible through new partnerships, enhanced staffing, and investments in equipment and infrastructure.
The upgraded clinic will be better equipped to serve maternity patients, provide inpatient care, and deliver a broader range of essential healthcare services. As a Level III Health Centre, Grace Family Clinic will expand its reach beyond the local parish of approximately 5,000 people and serve the entire sub-county—an estimated population of 15,000 people.This expansion will bring quality healthcare within reach for thousands more families who depend on these services.
To help make this vision a reality, Sunrise Centre Canada will host a fundraising dinner in Nelson, BC, on October 3. Our goal is to raise $25,000 to support facility upgrades, purchase medical equipment, and provide six months of operating salaries during the clinic's relaunch.
True to Sunrise's commitment to sustainability and community empowerment, the clinic is expected to become locally funded after this initial six-month startup period, ensuring long-term community ownership and impact.
Thank you for being part of this journey
Every classroom built, every child empowered, and every patient cared for brings us one step closer to a stronger, healthier community.