Fields of Life Academy was the first school constructed by Fields of Life in Uganda. As enrolement began in 1996 it became very evident that a literacy section was needed in the school. So in the afternoons when the younger children had gone home older teenagers and young adults would come from the surrounding villages for tuition. The basics of reading, writing and arithmetic were the subjects taught. For many this was a life changing experience. Teenage girls in particular found freedom from village prostitution or an arranged marriage to an old man. Education was a way out for many of these girls.

We saw many things happening in this class. Some after a year or so were able to adapt to primary school, even if they were older than average. Others were not as academic so they were taught practical skills in sowing and tailoring. Some of these pupils are the best tailors around and are now finding work in abundance. Once the course finishes each student will leave with a sowing machine which was the brainchild of a number of girls at Rathdown Girls Secondary School.

A carpentry workshop was also constructed for those who were not so academic. As this project develops it is hoped that the workshop will make all the furniture for our schools thus making the whole enterprise self sustaining. Thanks to St. Finnians for making this possible.