project uganda

our first school

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

In May 2006, Building Tomorrow opened their first school, Meeting Point Kampala, to almost one thousand children in Kampala, and it's been a huge success. 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 is slated for completion in January 2008. The school will serve 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 its 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

Here's the very latest on Project Uganda. Please check here frequently as our plans continue to develop!

September 2008: Making cross-cultural connections
March 2008: Construction of new school in progress
August 2007: Location in Wakiso District selected
April 2007: Funding reaches 100% for new school
May 2006: Project and partnership announced

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 a Central 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.

Learn more about Uganda...

help us build it!

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