For more than three decades, Literacy and Adult Basic Education (LABE) has worked to bridge the gap between home and school, supporting parents, caregivers, and communities to play an active role in children’s learning. Through its Home Learning Centres (HLCs), and with the generous support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, LABE promotes early childhood care and education, adult literacy, and parenting skills, empowering families to nurture learning from the earliest years.
The Challenge
In Lobule Subcounty, Koboko District, young children faced a critical barrier to early learning. The nearest school, Lurujo Primary, was two kilometers away, too far for children under six. Overcrowding at the school meant that younger children were often turned away. Without access to early childhood education, children stayed home, isolated from peers and play, missing the foundational experiences that shape a child’s development.
“Children learn through play, but this was not available in their homes,” recalls Driliga Sabir, 34, Secretary of the Miruta Home Learning Centre Management Committee.
LABE’s Response: The Whole-Family Approach
In 2017, LABE established the Miruta Home Learning Centre, a safe, playful, inclusive space where children under five could learn through songs, stories, counting, drawing, and play. From an initial enrolment of eight children, the centre today serves 70, a testament to the community’s trust in what LABE has built together with them.
But LABE’s investment did not stop with the children. True to the whole-family approach, which addresses the needs of both parents and children simultaneously, Miruta HLC became a hub for family transformation. Mothers gained time to engage in business and farming as childcare for children aged 0–3 was integrated into centre activities. Through Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs), families developed financial literacy and a culture of saving. Adult literacy sessions, supported by Radio Pacis and Arua One FM, gave parents new skills and a stronger voice in their communities.
Impact
Eight years since its founding, Miruta HLC stands as a model of what community-rooted, family-centred education can achieve. Over 70 children are now enrolled, building early literacy and social skills. Five young facilitators who began at Miruta HLC have now completed Primary Seven. Mothers have more time to engage in other income-generating ventures and economic agency to cater to their needs. Families save, invest, and manage their households with greater confidence. Evidently, what was once seen as a LABE project is now owned by the community itself.
“It is ours,” says Driliga, “because it is our children learning here, and we are the ones operating it.”
Looking Ahead
The work continues. Driliga notes the need for more training for parent educators and community sensitization to reach families who remain hesitant. LABE remains committed to expanding this model, deepening its reach, and sustaining the gains made possible through the support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
“It has not been an easy journey, but over these eight years, it has had a significant positive impact on our community. We are hopeful that this success will continue to grow, spreading to more areas and transforming the lives of even more children, families, and communities.”
— Driliga Sabir, Secretary, Miruta HLC Management Committee
