A number of Bristol primary and secondary schools are linked with schools in the Masindi area of Uganda. We are partnered with Ikoba Secondary School, a small Church of Uganda-sponsored rural girls school, about 30 minutes drive out of Masindi. It has four main year-groups at present, S1-S4 (Years 8-11 equivalent), with a growing sixth form (S5 and 6). Most of the students board (this is usual in Uganda). Madame Ruth is the Headteacher, Chaplain Fred is the Partnership Co-Ordinator.



Our partnership started in 2006. This led to some exciting joint work in Science, Art, Textiles and Geography, for example. Students in Uganda love writing letters and a number of lasting friendships have started through this route. 

Personal, school, faith and community relationships lie at the heart of the partnership. We have found that Ikoba has a real wealth of faith, commitment, warmth, community and enthusiasm that is humbling. Consequently, as we develop the partnership, we want to keep the reciprocal visits at the heart of what we do.

Many staff and students from each school have made a visit. Some SMRT ‘gap year’ students have spent three months living at Ikoba school and this has led to a real deepening of the relationship.

We have established links at all sorts of levels in addition.  Our Friends of SMRT (Parents’ Association) and some teachers, students and churches are sponsoring needy children to go through the school, including some from the troubled areas in the north of the country. We are delighted also to support and be supported by Bristol Diocese’s Uganda links. SMRT Governors are funding a substantial annual project at Ikoba. 

We have publicised and fundraised in a number of ways, including a CD, a joint calendar, wristbands, Harvest sponsored sporting events and a Words of Wisdom joint booklet. We would be delighted if you wanted to join in with any aspect of our partnership.

Karuna Duzniak (Assistant Headteacher) on behalf of the SMRT/Ikoba partnership.

For further information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and/or visit Facebook group, Friends of Ikoba School, Uganda.