Vocational Skills at Uphill

Every Friday is a Good Friday

During our trustees’ visit in February 2026, we got to see our new vocational classroom in use. In pride of place were the sewing machines and knitting machine, and there was more waiting for us.

We really enjoyed helping with the ‘unboxing’ of the Workaid consignment of equipment which had arrived late in 2025 but been left unopened until our arrival. That takes real self-control. Michael, the school’s headteacher, was in his element surrounded by boxes of amazing tools, equipment, materials and gadgets. These included some very old tools that will now have a new working life in Uganda.

Tables, chairs, shelves and cupboards to finish the classroom fit-out are now on their way. Most of these are existing school furniture which is being repaired and repurposed. As well as reducing costs, this is a perfect way to show the kids the benefits of repair and reuse, rather than throw away. The star of the show will be a large cutting table which, as any dressmaker knows, is a much wished-for luxury.

Every Friday during the school term is now timetabled for extra-curricular activities. Our Director’s wife Shalot is combining her role as school bursar with the management of vocational studies. Her own expertise in tailoring, knitting and crafting is being put to great use, and she is involving members of the local community and former Uphill pupils who are helping by sharing their own skills too.

Machine-knitting, basket-making and sewing are extremely popular with everyone. The children are using the knitting machine to make school uniform sweaters, under supervision, which are then to be sold. There is a queue to use the knitting machine so they work in small groups of three.

We have young entrepreneurs in the making!

Another activity Liddy got involved with was making banana leaf dolls, new banana leaf skipping ropes, and footballs from plastic bags…and banana leaves. Liddy had a go at making her own doll and now knows just how strong your fingers have to be to fold and tie the leaves.

The skipping ropes and footballs are used by all the kids at break time. The kids are extremely competitive with any games and it is so good to hear the fun and laughter from them all.

Liddy also enjoyed watching – from a safe distance – the children making simple eco-stoves from bricks, mud and a generous helping of cow dung. The kids loved getting messy with the mud.

Outside the classroom, the school gardening club is going strong with children guided by teachers and members of the community.  Their recently harvested crop of carrots was superb.

Other very popular extra-curricular subjects – with kids and staff – include music, singing, cultural dance, board and card games. Our music teacher, Martin, is giving lessons on the keyboard, and he has a school choir who rehearse regularly.

A huge THANK YOU to all our supporters who have helped us bring all these opportunities to Uphill.

Fridays are the best days of the week!

Tags: machine knitting, Uphill Junior School, uphill vocational studies programme, vocational skills, vocational studies