Voluntourism in Schools and Community Development in Rural Mukono, Uganda
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University of Calgary PRISM: University of Calgary's Digital Repository Graduate Studies The Vault: Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2014-04-30 The role of 'mzungu' voluntourism in schools and community development in rural Mukono, Uganda Skett, Sarah St.Clair Skett, S. S. (2014). The role of 'mzungu' voluntourism in schools and community development in rural Mukono, Uganda (Unpublished doctoral thesis). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. doi:10.11575/PRISM/28336 http://hdl.handle.net/11023/1463 doctoral thesis University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission. Downloaded from PRISM: https://prism.ucalgary.ca UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY The role of ‘mzungu’ voluntourism in schools and community development in rural Mukono, Uganda by Sarah St.Clair Skett A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY CALGARY, ALBERTA April 2014 © Sarah St.Clair Skett 2014 Abstract Uganda introduced Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 1997 and while the number of children in school has increased, the quality has not. Fifteen years on UPE schools struggle with teacher absenteeism, overcrowded classrooms, and high repetition and drop-out rates. Community members have now started their own low-cost private schools (LCPS) which have nominal school fees, lower student/teacher ratios, and (the majority) seek out children most in need. This research explores the partnership between LCPSs and volunteer organizations. It provides a critical bridge to divergent literatures on LCPSs and the voluntourism industry through Rights Based Development (RBD). The research objectives are examined within the framework of pro-poor tourism and demonstrate how this partnership contributes to community development. The mixed-methods comparative case study was carried out in Mukono District, Uganda, in 2010. Five LCPSs partnered with a volunteer NGO, The Real Uganda (TRU), was the setting for this fieldwork and offered an insight to the success of these schools and partnerships. It further revealed the role of western volunteers as education boosters through their presence in host schools and communities. Two of the five schools in this research now have the highest Primary Leaving Exam (PLE) rates in their district. These schools have now gained notoriety and parents are becoming more engaged in their children’s education. The success of these LCPSs offers an alternative to the failing government schools and strategies put forward by international education organizations. However, the perils of this partnership and the impacts of bzungu in host communities was also seen, leading to parental and community mistrust; and in the worst scenario, the closure of a school. ii Acknowledgements I would first like thank Dr. Miriam Grant for her teaching, mentoring, support and encouragement throughout this journey. I came to the University of Calgary to work with her as my supervisor and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I have learnt invaluable skills from you, but also the importance of life beyond the academics, to enjoy and appreciate all that life has to offer. Miriam, thank you for everything you have done for me, I look forward to our future work together and ongoing friendship. I would also like to thank my co-supervisor Dr. Dianne Draper, you have supported and guided me since I began my Ph.D. You’re kindness and encouragement always eased my mind when I was stressing. Having you and Miriam as my supervisors has been instrumental in not only my success but in making this one of the greatest experiences of my life. I would like to thank my committee members who also made this such an enjoyable experience. Dr. Maureen Wilson, you have been a part of my journey from the beginning and I appreciate the positivity you bring and the perspectives you offer. Dr. Amal Madibo, it has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to have you on my committee, but also to have the opportunity to guest lecture in your class. I appreciate all the encouragement and enthusiasm you have shown me. Dr. Chui-Ling Tam, thank you for your ideas in both my candidacy exam and thesis defense which challenged my ideas, in the most positive ways, they were thought provoking and allowed me to view my research from an different perspective. Finally, my external examiner, Dr. Bruce Frayne, unfortunately we never met in person but I hope that one day we will so we can exchange ideas and I can shake your hand. I really appreciate your professionalism and honesty in my defense, you pushed me to think beyond my ideas and assumptions which truly benefitted this final thesis. It is imperative to acknowledge, and thank, those who really made this research a reality. Leslie Weighill, Founder of The Real Uganda, there are no words to express my profound appreciation of your kindness and openness to allow me to carry out this work. You are a truly inspiring woman and I whole-heartedly believe in the work you are doing. I look forward to returning to Uganda and talking about life while sharing a meal at the pork joint. I would also like to thank the project founders who welcomed me, but also inspired me: Valence, Betty, Nansubuga, Paul & Liz. Your passion and efforts inspire all those around you to become a better iii person and build a better community. To all the teachers who participated in this research I cannot thank you enough for all your honesty, and generosity with your time. And to the women in these communities who spent time with me, invited me into their homes and showed me the power of women and the value of friendship and community, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To the volunteers who joined me for chicken & chips, walks to the market and allowed me to tag along on their volunteer experiences I appreciate your honesty and time even when you were having an overwhelming day. To all the residents of Mukono District thank you for making me so welcome in your communities. Finally, Dr. Frederick Tumwine, Head of the Geography Department at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, you were essential in making this research a reality and I appreciate all your guidance and ongoing friendship. I am so appreciative of the support, and friendship, I have experienced here in the Geography Department at UofC. Catherine, Paulina, Linda & Brenda I would not have survived were you not here to support (and save) me. I was also fortunate enough to have brilliant colleagues who have become good friends. Ryan, thank you for pushing beyond the academics and getting me involved in GeoGSA, it was a great experience and allowed our friendship to flourish. Tatenda, I have enjoyed every one of our ‘office debates’ and cannot thank you enough for how you have influenced the way I think about Development, as well as other distractions such as food, American & African politics, relationships, documentaries... the list goes on! I have been blessed with the most amazing family which has allowed all of this to happen. Mum & Dad your support and encouragement has been unwavering. Mum you’ve always told me I could, and should, do anything I want, and that I should explore the world. It is because of you I have the courage to explore amazing countries like Uganda, and to pursue my passions in life. Dad you have pushed me to challenge myself, and inspired me to pursue my academic dreams... and now I have a Ph.D. I have also been lucky enough to have the most amazing big sister a girl could ever ask for – Dee, you are my rock. I have idolised you since I was little and seeing all your success makes me strive to be better. Not just in my career endeavors, but to be a better person. You are the kindest and strongest woman I know. Frank and Dakota thank you for being the best brother-in-law and niece ever, I love you both so much. Finally, when I came to Calgary it was for my Ph.D., the most unexpected bonus was meeting Marcus, the love of my life. Marcus you have enriched my life beyond my wildest dreams. You have supported me, and challenged me, when needed throughout my Ph.D. You iv have also shown me there’s so much more to life, that Jamaican time is a good thing, to enjoy the little moments we share together, as well as the big ones. You make me laugh and smile every day. Thank you for your patience waiting for me to finish this, now it’s time to start our next adventure together! v Dedication This book is dedicated to the fifty million children who remain out of school today. Education is not only a right but a gift. I wish for all of you the opportunity to learn, live and love. I promise to never stop fighting for your education. vi Table of Contents Abstract............................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgments...............................................................................................................iii Dedication.......................................................................................................................... vi Table of Contents.............................................................................................................. vii List of Tables ...................................................................................................................