I&M Bank Uganda’s Operations Department and Customer Experience Department on Wednesday, 23 October 2024, donated domestic items to the Uganda School for the Deaf in Ntinda, Kampala.

The donations included 30 mattresses, 100 mosquito nets, as well as snacks and drinks.

I&M Bank Head of Operations, Duncan George Karugaba, led the team that spent sometime engaging with the staff and students.

The exercise is part of the ongoing I&M Bank’s departmental Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, on top of the bank’s CSR agenda, highlighting the bank’s commitment to making an impact in the communities where they operate.

I&M Bank CEO, Robin Bairstow, revealed that other departments of the bank are set to follow suit in supporting communities around them.

“We’re excited to see all departments getting involved and giving back to various communities. By working together, we can truly make a difference in people’s lives,” Bairstow said, adding that, “This contribution is meant to support the well-being of the students. Quality rest is important for learning, and we hope this donation helps create a positive environment for the learners.”

Ms. Juliet Mary Tumuhairwe, the headteacher of the school, expressed gratitude to I&M Bank, on behalf of the school administration and the students. She noted that while the school is government-aided, they rely more on donations to be able to meet the needs of the students.

“We believe this donation will benefit our students and improve their comfort. We appreciate I&M Bank’s gesture, and the positive impact they are making in our community,” Tumuhairwe said.

“The work we do here is not easy, but despite the challenges we face, we strive to teach these students to the best of our abilities. We teach just like in any other school, the only difference is the mode of communication; we use sign language,” she added.

Established in 1959 by Mrs. Julia Lule, the Uganda School for the Deaf is the first of its kind in Uganda. The school was originally part of Mengo Primary School, but later moved to various locations, before finding its own home in Ntinda in 1987.

With over 200 pupils from preschool to Primary 7, the school aims to meet the educational and developmental needs of Deaf children in Uganda and beyond.

Additionally, the school offers a weekly sign language program for preschool Deaf children and their parents, supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary staff.