Do Good Lab believes that people in developing countries know how to solve their own problems. Sometimes, all they need is a little boost. That’s where Do Good Lab enters the picture, offering a way for community-led solutions to support sustainable development instead of traditional charity. In addition to our focus on health and agriculture, Do Good Lab is committed to advancing community development through education. We believe education is a key component in overcoming poverty and helping to improve the quality of life in entire communities. This month, we’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with Arise and Shine Uganda (AASU) and expand our reach into a new part of the world.
Meet Sharon, the founder of Arise and Shine Uganda
As one of twelve children growing up, Sharon’s parents were unable to support her and all of her siblings. She was forced to find help at a local children’s home. While there, she met two Canadian missionaries who sponsored her schooling – all the way through her college education at Makerere University. With the leadership skills she honed, Sharon launched a program to give back to her community. Founding AASU with the help of the Women on a Mission volunteer team, Sharon’s organization provides opportunities for a brighter future to others in her native village. AASU focuses on quality education as a means of creating sustainable community development in Jinja, Uganda. Educating children and keeping them in school as long as possible is a main goal of the program.
The project
To date, AASU has started a primary school. They also provide income generating classes and HIV/AIDS awareness classes for adults so that parents can keep their kids in school. AASU is requesting funding from Do Good Lab to construct pit latrines at the primary school. Approximately $4760 in funding, to be raised by the end of 2013, is needed to complete this project to enhance educational facilities.
The rationale
In Uganda, only 55% of children complete a full course of primary education, as recorded by UNESCO. HIV/AIDS is a major stressor in the Jinja community, which impacts the children’s ability to attend school and finish their education. Studies show that young people who have completed primary education are less than half as likely to contract HIV as those with little or no schooling. Plus, educated parents have healthier children.
Get involved!
If you believe in the power of education and local solutions to sustainable development, join us in supporting Arise and Shine Uganda! What can you do? Share your thoughts and stay in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter @dogoodlab. Coming up this fall, join us in celebrating all of our project partners at our Do Good Lab Gala, November 15th at SOMArts in San Francisco, California.
Written by Laurel Kellner
Images courtesy of AASU
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Uganda Do Good Lab project partner education
sustainable development community development
Posted by Aezed Raza on Friday, September 13th, 2013 at 10:23 am.