project uganda

our first school

Global Playground recognizes how desperately the people of East Africa need resources to devote to education. As its first project, Global Playground built a school in Wakiso, part of the Greater Kampala Region of Uganda. Global Playground is working closely with Building Tomorrow, an organization with local personnel who are able to monitor implementation of the project.

In May 2006, Building Tomorrow opened its first school, Meeting Point Kampala, to almost one thousand children in Kampala. It costs $32,000 to build a school in Uganda, including the land, materials, labor, and permits. As of April 2007, Global Playground had raised the full amount to fund the project, and in September 2007, construction began on a school in the village of Buwasa. Construction was completed and the school opened to students in December 2008. The school serves 325 children in Buwasa and five other neighboring villages.

Learn more about Building Tomorrow...


the state of education

The world’s school-age population is increasing most rapidly in Africa, and yet these developing nations are least able to provide for the educational needs of their people. School-age children in sub-Saharan Africa have lower rates of attendance than children in almost every other region of the world.

On average, children only attend 3.5 years of school, six years less than in developed countries. Moreover, in over half of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa, more than 10% of students repeat at least one grade of primary school. Unfortunately, the spread of HIV/AIDS and poor government funding for education further complicate the matter.

Rural areas of Uganda, including Wakiso, also have limited access to education. Less than 50% of children under 18 years old are within a reasonable distance to attend a local school; and with only a few roads and electrical lines, the infrastructure is lacking for the Ugandan government to open enough schools to meet the need.

sources: United Nations Children's Fund and Building Tomorrow


project updates

videos

  • My School - Building Tomorrow Academy of Buwasa School Tour

the pearl of africa

During his visit to the lush mountains west of Lake Victoria in the early 20th century, Winston Churchill proclaimed that Uganda was "by far, the pearl of Africa." And to this day, ecotourism to the beautiful national parks make it one of the most sought-after destinations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Uganda is an East African nation of 28 million people with a rich and vibrant culture. After decades of violence and civil war, the new government is committed to improving the lives of its people.

Signs of the rebound are already apparent; the new-found popularity of Uganda's ecotourism, successful exports of coffee and rice, and thoughtful attention from both local and international humanitarian efforts hold great promise for its future.

View the fact sheet (PDF)

Learn more about Uganda...

help us build it!

We're ready for that challenge and this is where we need your help!

Give to Global Playground...