Children get free dental, eye treatment

Harriet Karungi, a P5 pupil at Shiperoy Nursery and Primary School, had been struggling with eye problems for over two years.

Her studies were affected as she could not see clearly, but her family could not afford proper medical attention.

Fortunately, Karungi found relief when she attended a free health camp organised at her school. For the first time in years, she received an eye checkup and a pair of glasses, changing her life instantly.

Shiperoy Nursery and Primary School is not just shaping young minds in the classroom, it is also making a lasting impact on the surrounding community.

Committed to enriching lives beyond education, the school has embraced corporate social responsibility by addressing key challenges such as health, sanitation, and hands-on skills training.

According to Mabele Semujju, the director of Shiperoy, their latest initiative, a health camp organised in collaboration with Restoring Vision, was inspired by a growing concern.

“Many of our pupils were struggling with dental and eye problems, and we realized that these were also common issues in the wider community,” she said.

Unlike other schools that focus solely on academics, Shiperoy seeks to be a beacon of holistic development. 

“Many parents are financially strained due to the cost of educating their children. Some people in the community also question what additional value we bring beyond schooling. We have already done a lot in sanitation, but we saw a greater need to support residents in other ways,” Semujju added.

The health camp turned out to be a game-changer for many locals. Charles Mukwaba, a resident, expressed his gratitude, revealing that he received a pair of eyeglasses after paying just sh10,000, a fraction of what he would have spent elsewhere.

“I never imagined I could afford quality eye care, but thanks to Shiperoy, I can now see clearly,” he said.

Sharon Mukiibi, an ophthalmologist who participated in the health camp, reported that over 500 people and 100 pupils received eye care services. Many of them, like Harriet, had been suffering from vision issues without access to proper treatment.

Dickson Kirya, a dentist, said they attended to 80 residents and 50 pupils, providing much-needed dental checkups and treatment.

He emphasized the importance of oral health, noting that many children were unaware of basic dental hygiene, leading to common problems like cavities and gum infections.

Encouraged by the success of the initiative, Semujju pledged that the school would make this an annual program.

“We want our children to be healthy. That’s why our number one priority is equipping them with hands-on skills. We believe that after school, our pupils should be able to stand on their own,” he emphasised.