“Strive to succeed” is the motto of St Benard Junior School, in the Bududa District of Eastern Uganda. And it’s mission? To produce citizens who are academically competent, morally upright and self reliant.

The school has grown significantly since it opened in 2007 with 15 students. Of the current 55 pupils attending the nursery or primary classes, 20 are orphans, and as such are supported completely by the school.

Although the school has three classrooms of it's own, there is not enough room for all five classes and pupils in Primary 3 and 4 classes take their lessons in rented accommodation nearby in the Buluchehe sub-county.

As well as a classroom block, the school building comprises of an office, shelter, toilet, kitchen, and three-quarters of an acre playing field, which students use to practice netball, football, volleyball and athletics. Director Vincent Matamba is proud of the school’s regular appearance in competitions: at centre level in music, dance and drama, and at district level.in table tennis.

In addition to five teachers and three support staff, the school also has an board of directors, many of whom helped found the school.