St. Mary's Girls Vocational  School

Total number of students :1362

Empowering Girls, Changing Lives: The Work of the Father Bash Foundation and St. Mary’s Girls Vocational School
At the heart of the Father Bash Foundation is a simple yet powerful belief: educating girls is the key to unlocking their independence and helping to make informed decisions about their lives. The foundation focuses especially on supporting orphaned girls, many of whom carry the heavy burden of emotional trauma and face profound social and economic challenges. During their vulnerable teenage years, these girls are often confronted with stigma and isolation. Something as basic as lacking access to hygiene products can be enough to force a girl out of school, cutting short her chance at a better future.
That’s where St. Mary’s Girls Vocational School steps in.

Located near the bustling center of Mbarara, St. Mary’s is more than a school—it’s a sanctuary of hope. Since its founding in 2004, it has offered a safe and nurturing environment where girls can focus on learning. While following Uganda’s national curriculum, the school also equips students with practical skills in areas such as crafts, catering, and tailoring—giving them tools not just to pass exams, but to build self-sustaining lives.
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, St. Mary’s recently expanded with a new multi-storied building housing additional classrooms and dormitories. This growth made it possible to introduce the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) program in 2018, allowing girls to pursue higher levels of education without having to leave the secure environment they’ve come to trust.
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Safety is a top priority. The school compound is protected by dedicated security staff to guard against the unwanted attention and dangers that many girls face outside. Here, students can focus on learning, healing, and dreaming.
But the journey is far from over. St. Mary’s still faces critical challenges that limit the quality of education it can provide:
  1. Nutrition – The school urgently needs land to grow fresh vegetables, fruits, and staple crops to ensure students receive the balanced meals they need to stay healthy and focused.
  2. Library – A fully stocked library is still missing. Access to a wide range of books is essential for nurturing curiosity and academic growth.
  3. Science Labs – Without adequate equipment, students struggle to gain hands-on experience in key subjects like biology and physics.
  4. Computer Training – In an increasingly digital world, the lack of a computer lab leaves students without vital skills needed for modern careers and communication.
With the right support, these gaps can be filled, and every girl at St. Mary’s can have the opportunity to thrive.