"This is the most beautiful campus in the local area" (co creating a new era of prosperity and development) Uganda | Entebbe City | Campus
Driving south from Kampala, the capital of Uganda, along the highway leading to Entebbe International Airport for over 40 minutes, you will arrive at the Entebbe Changsha Demonstration School located on the shore of Lake Victoria. The school wall is wavy, and the lintel of the arched gate bears the name of the school in both Chinese and English. Entering the campus, the teaching building with a red roof and bright yellow walls is rich in Chinese architectural characteristics. Driver Steve told us that it was during break time, and some students were sitting around chatting under the big tree, some were chasing and playing on the playground, and some were playing passing games on the lawn. "Hello!" Several students greeted the reporter warmly in Chinese as soon as they saw him. "As soon as they see your face, they know it's Chinese friends coming," Principal Robina Nakamia smiled and said. The school is funded by the Chinese side, and Chinese friends often come to visit. Teachers and students have learned some simple Chinese, and they are also interested in Chinese culture.
In 2003, Changsha and Entebbe became sister cities, making it the first pair of sister cities between China and Uganda since the establishment of diplomatic relations. In 2009, the Endopei Changsha Demonstration School, which was built with donations from Changsha City, was officially completed. Ugandan President Museveni personally unveiled the school plaque. In 2019, at the request of the Entebbe Municipal Government, Changsha City launched a demonstration school for funding and repair. The contractor, China Water Resources and Hydropower Eighth Engineering Bureau Co., Ltd., renovated the school building, built teacher apartments, basketball courts, and walls, and upgraded teaching software and hardware facilities, making it one of the best hardware primary schools in Entebbe City. The then mayor of Entebbe, Kayanga Vincent de Paul, stated that the renovation of the demonstration school has effectively improved the learning and living environment for students.
"Nowadays, demonstration schools have become the first choice for local children to study," Nakamia proudly said. The school not only has a beautiful campus environment and complete facilities, but also outstanding teaching results. The school covers both preschool and primary education, and local parents are willing to send their children to school here. The number of students has increased from over 200 to over 800 now.
The school's teaching director, Osia Bernard, led reporters to visit a two-story U-shaped teaching office building. "By studying here, children can not only learn basic subject knowledge, but also master skills such as art and design, computer science, and handicrafts. Sports are also our strengths." Bernard pointed to a two-story yellow building and told reporters that it is a newly built teacher's apartment in China. "Not all schools in the city have such good teaching conditions.".
In the filing cabinet of the principal's office, there are many trophies placed, and there is also a Chinese "fu" character ornament on the desk. Nakamia told reporters that in the 2022 primary school graduation exam, the demonstration school ranked among the top in average grades among the 16 public schools in Entebbe. In the city's sports competitions, demonstration schools often win first place. "Thank you very much for the selfless assistance provided by the Chinese side. The demonstration school is a symbol of friendship between the two countries."
