Eynesbury’s Tori Hirt has realised her dream of opening a not-for-profit school in Uganda.
Ms Hirt opened the Lotus Junior School on Saturday, January 25, in a celebration attended by students, community members and teachers.
“We had about 300 to 400 people on the school grounds, and we were able to provide them food and celebration with music,” Ms Hirt said.
“The kids receive their school uniforms.
“All of our staff and team got to know the community, and I personally got to know a lot of them too.”
Ms Hirt said the school’s fees are enough to cover the teachers’ salary and provide food and essentials for students.
“We’re not profiting, we’re not taking more money than is needed from the families, it’s covering the bare minimum,” she said.
“We really tried to make the staff wages above board, because our teachers are just doing incredible work.
“As long as the school fees cover that, then we’re happy.”
Ms Hirt said the school was already at capacity, with more parents inquiring to get their kids in the school.
“At the moment we have 210 students at capacity,” Ms Hirt said.
“Since we’ve been open, we’ve had 150 to 200 extra inquiries for enrolments.
“It’s been massive and we’ve had lines coming from our office.
“Eventually, we would really love to have that capacity to grow and develop.”
Faith Macale
