Bootstraps Education is an NGO, not-for-profit program, working in cooperation with Future for Refugee (www.futureforrefugee), and other NGOs teaching English, Math, and Computer Literacy. This school is provided free of charge to refugee children. The program is designed to help these students develop knowledge and skills which will enable them to be agents of their own change, as they move beyond basic subsistence, and beyond reliance on prostitution for basic necessities; to full employment and participation in society, when they come of age, whether that is in their host country, country of origin, or another country.
Learn MoreMost children in refugee camps throughout Uganda are not receiving any formal education. 81.9% of children (ages 7-12) are not enrolled in a school, and 85% of children (ages 13-17), are not enrolled in a school. Not being able to go to school was rated as a primary stressor of children, according to a Save the Children, Needs Assessment Report on Child Protection and Education, among Ugandan refugees. Too many refugee children have been forced into the red-light (prostitution), due to the lack of money for basic necessities. Most youth in the world’s refugee settlements, and those living as Urban Refugees, do not believe that a bright future is possible for them, due to vulnerabilities, poverty, trauma, and stigma.
Learn MoreBy current definitions in first-world educational systems, most of our students qualify as having special needs due to the level of physical and psychological trauma they have experienced and continue to experience, including forced migration, poverty, physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, and being unable to attend school, according to a UNESCO report. In order for these children to get an education, the school needs to be a safe haven in their community, with adult role models who are aware of their daily struggles. All of our instructors are multi-lingual Ugandan refugees who understand the importance of treating our students with compassion and respect.
Learn MoreBOOTSTRAPS EDUCATION:
Building a Brighter Future for Refugee Children
FALL 2020 NEWSLETTER
Bootstraps Education is an NGO (not for profit) program, working in cooperation with other NGOs. This school is provided free of charge, to teach English, Math, and Computer Literacy, to refugee children. The program is designed to help these students develop basic skills and knowledge, which will enable them to be agents of their own change, as they move from basic subsistence, and beyond reliance on prostitution for basic necessities; to full employment and participation in society, when they come of age, whether that is in their host country, country of origin, or another country.
83% of refugee children in some areas, (including Kampala, Uganda, where our first school is located,) are not receiving any formal schooling. Other NGOs in the area have expressed a desire to provide education for these children, but have not been able to do so, due to budgetary constraints. It is our hope that these other NGOs will be able to provide some of the funding towards education for these children, with Bootstraps Education as the actual school.
Most youth in Uganda's refugee camps do not believe a bright future is possible for them, due to continuing hunger (One meal of cornmeal porridge a day, is all that most of these children get to eat.), continuing extreme poverty, trauma, and lack of educational opportunities.
WHY DO THE STUDENTS IN THE PICTURE ABOVE LOOK SO HAPPY? They are happy because they love going to school to learn, to be safe, to get positive reinforcement, and to get fed 2 meals a day.
U.S. Contact: Marla McGhee,
93 Greymont Lane #208, Asheville, NC 28806 (704)496-0747
Uganda Contact: Irenge Mbwiriza
Semakeriko Road, Kampala, Uganda, 256-777-739-763
bootstrapsforeducation@gmail.com
WILL YOU PLEASE BE PART OF THE SOLUTION?
Our 2021 budget below will allow us to educate 80 students. (This is double our 2020 enrollment.)
One Time Donations
10 notebook-style computers* (10-inch screens) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Price TBD
*Note to Donors: If you wish to donate items, such as computers to the school, it is suggested to buy them from retailers in Kampala, as international shipping fees are extremely high.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN BECOMING PART OF THE SOLUTION!
Donation options appear on the next page.