Afraa Kori
Eynesbury’s Tori Hirt is transforming education with the launch of her new school in Uganda as Afraa Kori reports.
Tori Hirt’s journey began with a powerful decision to leave her comfortable Australian life and gain a closer understanding of global issues in order to inspire change.
“I always wanted to do something regarding a school or an NGO (non-governmental organisation). This was the perfect option for me after my experience living in Uganda and it made sense,” said the 24-year-old.
“I witnessed a lot of corruption while in Uganda by those running schools, NGOs and especially in orphanages. This was a big drive for me, because everyone was looking like they wanted to help children and vulnerable individuals, but all money and benefits went into the pockets of directors and leaders that knew how to use the system to their benefits. The Ugandan school system is also poor and children are often left to fall through the cracks, so that was another big driver. Children have a lot of responsibilities at home which is also prioritised, health issues and extremely low financial environments really restrict children from attending school.
“It doesn’t have many welfare/support groups there and only a few schools had high school fees. So it made sense to establish an accessible education centre there.”
While the challenges looked gigantic, Tori realised it was the perfect opportunity to take on her dream project, which she has been financing from her own pocket so far.
“Corruption within areas such as children, vulnerable people is so high in Uganda and I want to do the right thing by the community and give them what they deserve and not lie or do it for the wrong reasons. I have worked in child protection within Uganda and worked closely with vulnerable kids, adults and especially women so this school really is for them. I just want to see people really grow and do well. This is also the perfect time for me, it just makes sense to do it now.
“Everyone is different and everyone has their own goals such as building a house, having a family of their own etc. But I really just want to be able to help others and have a positive impact on the world. So opening this school really does mean the world to me and I just hope we do everything right by these kids.”
Due to welcome its first students in 2025, Lotus Junior School will benefit Ugandan students and families in the village of Nakalama, which is situated in the east of the country.
“Lotus Junior School will have a big emphasis on child safety and wellbeing,“ explained Tori.
“Our children will be fed every day at no cost to the families, meaning every child gets a meal which is not a common occurrence at all, most children do not eat and are left hungry while at school. Students will access free physical and dental checks twice yearly, parents will get school fee help and already reduced fees to really encourage school attendance. School fees are compulsory at all Ugandan schools and if they are not paid, students are turned away and cannot attend. At Lotus Junior School this system has been removed and a new family support system is in place to encourage school attendance and help our community.”
Parents like Hussein Isabirye, who was concerned about the safety and education of his children, now has hope for a better future.
“I’m very happy for giving us Lotus Junior School and I appreciate the people of Australia for giving us that school in our society. I promise that we shall be together with it and support each other in everything.”
Building new connections with leaders and community groups in Uganda has helped Tori realise her dream.
“From the start of this project I had a very good friend who is our country director (CD) and principal at Lotus Junior School who is versed in business, welfare and the education system which made this process a lot easier. His knowledge and experience have assisted so much while we developed the school,” she said
“Land was easy to access. We got approval from the village’s chairman for the school and a written contract was made. The hurdles were generally things involving money and corruption. However, due to having Ibrahim actively apart of all things a lot of it was alleviated and we had really positive experiences while establishing the school.
“We have hired teachers and school staff, appointed leadership, expanded our land already due to growing demand and exceeding capacity. All buildings and land development will be finalised by December, which is really exciting for us all.”
Tori’s support system in Australia also provided unwavering encouragement and guidance.
“I worked in a school in Melton for 5 years, learnt a lot of administration, welfare and curriculum wise and then when I moved over to Uganda I was very connected with schools due to my role in child protection and safety. I witnessed a lot here, learnt a lot and hope I can really create something special that has a child focused approach and elements that can really enhance a child’s life.
“My youth has probably really influenced my approach. I had opportunities to work and experience life overseas in vulnerable communities. I went to good schools, had positive role models and influences growing up and my family have always been so incredibly supportive and encouraging of all my ambitious and crazy ideas. I have also grown-up watching family members make incredible differences within the community and hope that I can contribute something even one quarter of the size of what they have.”
Tori hopes her journey encourages young people, entrepreneurs and educators to make a difference in their own way.
“I have learnt a lot of lessons – Not everyone has good intentions, protect your heart but never close it, be wise, show confidence and take lessons as a big win,” she said.
“Don’t regret missed opportunities, everything happens for a reason so take the opportunities. Ask for help always, get advice and support and grow your circle of supporters who will be there for you when you need it.
“Obviously at the moment there are a lot of crisis happening both domestically and internationally. I understand that times are hard for people to support things that they don’t directly see. Just because it’s global, in a small community/village that people don’t know about or haven’t heard of doesn’t make the lives of those there any less important. Once we start looking into issues or areas that aren’t directly in front of us, perspectives and our lives truly change.”
To support the school go to gofundme.com/f/lotus-junior-school
