In 1985, Abitimo Rebecca Odongkara started teaching 10 children under a tree in Gulu after she saw them playing war games instead of going to school. She knew that education was the only way the children of Northern Uganda would have hope for the future. UNIFAT quickly gained attention from surrounding communities for its affordable, quality education.
Abitimo rightfully named the school UNIFAT, which stands for “Upper Nile Institute for Appropriate Technology”. This name embodies the primary school’s mission to provide the tools for education that take into consideration environmental, ethical, cultural, social and economic aspects of the surrounding community. UNIFAT is committed to providing a quality education to all children willing to learn, regardless of their economic or social status. Abitimo has worked closely with Unified for UNIFAT to make sure every child has a chance at education. UNIFAT is preparing children for the future, a future bright with opportunity to improve their communities.
UNIFAT has gained recognition as being the top primary school in northern Uganda, consistently having the most P7 students score in the top divisions on the high school entrance exam each year for Gulu District. UNIFAT Primary School contributes so much more than just education to the local community. UNIFAT provides employment for 55 individuals including teachers, mentors, a cooking and cleaning staff, and a full time carpenter and tailor. UNIFAT has formed a dedicated parent/teacher association, a school board and a school management committee in an effort to connect the members of the community and the guardians of the students with UNIFAT School and its mission of education.
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-There are currently 1,300 students at UNIFAT
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-Classes are offered from Nursery to P7 (U.S. equivalent of 8th grade)
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-The average class size is 50-80 students
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-UNIFAT employs 41 full-time teachers
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-UNIFAT offers many after school programs such as scouts, chorus, and traditional dance
