St. Mary's Girls Vocational  School

Total number of students :1362


Father Bash Foundation champions female education as the key to women's independence and decision-making. The foundation predominantly supports orphaned girls, who often grapple with emotional instability. The majority of these girls face significant challenges, notably the societal stigma that accompanies their teenage years. Inadequate access to hygiene supplies even drives some to flee school.

St. Mary's Girls Vocational School is committed to empowering girls through education. The school adheres to the national curriculum while also offering vocational subjects like crafts, catering, and tailoring. Since its inception in 2004, numerous students have successfully completed their Ordinary Level of Education (UCE). Thanks to generous sponsors, the school recently expanded, adding a multi-storied complex for additional classes and dormitories, allowing for the introduction of the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) in 2018.

Situated near Mbarara's central business district, the school has taken measures to protect its students from potential threats, like unwanted advances from men and boys. It boasts a secure compound with vigilant security personnel, ensuring that the girls' primary focus remains on education.

Despite these achievements, there are areas in which the school needs improvement:

1. Nutritional Provision:  The school requires land for cultivating a variety of food, including vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates, to provide a balanced diet to its students.
2. Library:  A well-equipped library with a diverse collection of books is currently lacking.
3. Science Labs:  The school lacks essential laboratory equipment for practical subjects such as biology and physics.
4. Computer Education:  There is no computer laboratory for training students in essential computer applications used worldwide.