Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has spread across the globe. God’s Will Nursery and Primary School in Kampala, Uganda, has recently implemented our curriculum. Our lessons for grades kindergarten through 5th grade, aim to provide critical knowledge and skills to prevent substance use and promote healthy lifestyles from a young age.

God’s Will Nursery and Primary School serves a diverse student population in Kampala, with some branches located in the upcountry districts near Kasese. The school offers education from birth to three years at the nursery level and continues with primary education for children aged approximately 5 to 12 years. Additionally, the school provides secondary education, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience for all its students.

The implementation of the Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum began in June 2024. Despite challenges such as inconsistent internet connections and limited computer access, the dedicated staff at God’s Will Nursery and Primary School have made significant strides in utilizing the curriculum. All lesson plans and materials have been downloaded for offline use, ensuring uninterrupted instruction. Furthermore, Emily’s Hope has provided physical chapter books to support the curriculum, making it accessible to every student.

Classrooms at God’s Will Nursery and Primary School have a minimum of 40 students and three teachers per class. These photos provided by the school highlight the learning environment, with eager students and committed teachers, even in classrooms with dirt floors. This dedication to education, regardless of the physical environment, underscores the school’s commitment to its students’ future.

The school is enthusiastic about the curriculum’s initial success and is looking forward to expanding its implementation. Plans are already in place to introduce the Emily’s Hope curriculum for middle and high school students as soon as it becomes available. This continued collaboration promises to enhance substance use prevention education for a broader age range, fostering a healthier, more informed generation.

The integration of the Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum at God’s Will Nursery and Primary School marks a significant step in substance use prevention education in Uganda. The dedication of the school’s staff and the provision of necessary resources by Emily’s Hope ensure that students receive vital education to lead healthy, substance-free lives. This initiative not only benefits the students of today but also sets a foundation for a brighter, healthier future for the entire community.