The real cost of education in Uganda – school, uniforms, books, etc.
Although school in Uganda is “free”, students must have uniforms and supplies that they often cannot afford. In fact, most high schools in East Africa are boarding schools, thus requiring students to live away from home and pay fees for their living expenses and tuition. Where the cost of education for one high school student in the United States is $7,750 a year, the average combined cost for Ugandan, Tanzanian and Kenyan students is $650 and therefore, 12 East African girls can attend school for the cost of one US student.
Below is an example (in $US) of what different donations amounts can get students, according to one US charity*:
(*Source: https://www.aidforafrica.org/girls/how-much-does-school-cost/)
- $25 – personal supplies, including soap, toilet paper, sanitary pads, laundry detergent, and the like
- $50 – a school uniform, physical education uniform, and school supplies
- $100 – school books for eight girls
- $200 – a mattress, set of sheets, a blanket, and a trunk for two girls at boarding school
- $350 – a year of elementary school
- $650 – a year of high school
- $1,500 – a year of vocational school
- $3,000 – a year in college, including room and board
In summary, no matter what is said things that are the most important cost money.