Vurra Secondary School in Arua is expanding to keep pace with a rapidly growing student population, adding classrooms and dormitories along the way.Founded by the Church in 1981 and now government-aided, Vurra faces a challenge familiar to many growing institutions: rising enrollment amid limited resources. To bridge the gap, the school partnered with Equity Bank Uganda in 2024, securing a Shs 120m credit facility, and helping it complete a Shs 280m, 120-bed boys’ dormitory.“We opened an account with Equity in late 2024, and by January, we were granted a savings facility to put up the dormitory,” says David Dima, the head teacher.The new facility has eased pressure on the school’s existing accommodation, particularly for boys. But as enrollment grows, the school is now turning its attention to providing equal accommodation for girls.“The completed dormitory currently accommodates 120 students and has eased pressure on our existing facilities,” Dima says. “Now, we want to build a matching dormitory for the girls, with completion targeted for February next year so that incoming S.5 students in March 2027 can be accommodated.”The executive leadership of the bank and the VURRA SS school administration pose for a photo after a strategic engagement in Arua districtEnrollment is projected to reach 900 students next year, with the school’s long-term target set at 1,200 learners. Without additional classrooms and accommodation, Dima says, the school could be forced to turn away qualified students.The school is also acquiring additional land for future development and exploring flexible financing to purchase a school bus. The bus would improve transport and help the institution attract students from surrounding communities.Beyond infrastructure, school leaders are developing financial support packages for teachers and non-teaching staff who are not on the government payroll.Equity Bank Uganda managing director Gift Shoko says schools should not have to put expansion plans on hold because of financing constraints. “In terms of the structure you want, you don’t have to wait,” Shoko says. “It can be put up immediately so that work starts now, where you only start paying after the block is complete and operational.”For Vurra, the goal is sustainable growth without compromising financial stability. Its experience demonstrates how strategic financing and the right partnerships can help rural schools turn pressing infrastructure needs into long-term opportunities for more learners.The post Equity bank backs Vurra Secondary School appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.