STEM in Action: Bringing Clean Water Solutions to Muguluka, Uganda

In the remote village of Muguluka, Uganda, students at Wings of Hope Christian Primary School had an unforgettable experience. Thanks to the efforts of Joshua Situka, project lead for STEM engagement at Sovereign Wings of Hope, the school embarked on an exciting, hands-on journey to learn about clean water through science.

Joshua hadn't visited the school since 2019. "I was not sure what to expect with the production and students being able to follow along," he admits. The uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, coupled with the distance and time apart, made the project feel like a leap into the unknown. While he had stayed in touch with staff through phone conversations, there was no substitute for seeing how the students would respond in person.

But from the moment he arrived, any concerns quickly faded. "The students and staff of the school were amazing. They were really involved in making sure the day went well," Joshua shared with a smile. One of the highlights for him was how eager the students were to learn about water filtration—a critical subject for a community where clean water is a pressing concern. Watching dirty water turn clear through their own efforts became a moment of wonder for the students. “They loved the topic of clean water and seeing the dark water become clear.”

As with any project in a rural setting, challenges are part of the process. Joshua faced one crucial obstacle: limited supplies. "The challenge was making sure we had enough for all the students. I was only able to carry so many materials on the plane," he explained. With hundreds of eager students to engage, Joshua had to get creative. Ensuring everyone got hands-on experience meant careful planning and collaboration. The students had to share resources to build their own water filters, a task that taught them teamwork alongside science.

Despite this hurdle, the students' enthusiasm and quick learning far exceeded expectations. "Once the students understood how to make the filter, they worked very fast," Joshua recalled, clearly impressed. Initially, the plan was to work with one group of students on Day 1 and the second group on Day 2. But in a testament to their excitement and dedication, the students managed to complete both groups' clean water lessons on the very first day.

The success of the project speaks to more than just the lesson itself—it highlights the potential that STEM education holds for rural communities like Muguluka. In a place where access to clean water can be a challenge, these students are now equipped with the knowledge to create small but impactful solutions.

Joshua Situka's visit reaffirmed the importance of hands-on learning. Through the support of Sovereign Wings of Hope and the incredible staff at Wings of Hope Christian Primary School, the next generation in Muguluka is being inspired to explore the wonders of science, with the hope that they will one day bring sustainable solutions to their own community’s challenges.