Community Based Education Intervention (CBEI) is a participatory strategy/approach aimed at improving the teaching/learning environment of the Child at Risk (CAR) in five primary schools of Mbale, Bulambuli, Bududa, and Manafwa. Before actualizing the intentions of CBEI project, a participatory preliminary study was carried out in the intended catchment areas .This project was implemented by Uganda Women Concern Ministry (UWCM) in partnership with Stromme Foundation (SF). All the stakeholders (the children, school management, teachers, School Management Committees, Teacher- Parent Associations, the community and parents, the Local leaders, the local Government, UWCM and Stromme Foundation) were involved in all stage of the project.

Our goal was to increase access to quality education services to 4600 children in the five schools by 2013 through building capacity of all stakeholders, and improve educational infrastructure development for learning/teaching environment.

Through this intervention, 4285 children were enrolled, retained and completed school with reduced drop out especially the girls. Academic performance increased with better UPE results in the five schools. 57 trained local resources mobilised and spearheaded the local collections which went towards the provision of children’s mid-day meals. Through capacity building, there was remarkable improved governance and management in these schools, improved collaboration and networks among the stakeholders, promotion of children’s rights and responsibilities with child protection. Ten teachers were trained in life skills education and psycho-social skills which led to health and friendly handling of children, thus improved behaviour of children.

Improving Learning/teaching classrooms: Ten apartment buildings were constructed accommodating over 40 teachers in the five schools. This reduced late coming and absenteeism   and increased teachers’ commitment to teaching and thus improving performance. 19 classrooms were constructed and ten renovated including provision of head teacher’s offices and staffrooms. 12 VIP latrines were constructed to improve on sanitation in schools.   250 desks for pupils, 35 chairs, and 35 tables for teachers were provided to improve teaching/ learning environment in these schools. Games and sports items were provided increasing participation of children in the extracurricular activities. Training of local resource mobilization and introduction of community Managed Micro Finance integrated into community Based Education Intervention increased community incomes enabling parents and guardians to provide mid-day meals, scholastic materials, and uniforms for children thus increasing their quality of education.