Tilling and Odusai Schools, Uganda

Tilling and Odusai are two rural communities in the Teso-speaking area of central Uganda. Two sister schools were founded in the 1950s by the Ugandan Baha’i community to meet the dire need for education in the villages, particularly for girls. The schools flourished for several years, serving thousands of children who later became prominent members of the community, including some members of the parliament. However, the Idi Amin government confiscated the schools and closed their doors. This was followed by several years of war that devastated the population, cattle and other property. Now, the community is trying to rebuild with meager resources. The Mona Foundation is helping rebuild the schools and return them to their former excellence.