Brian and Alexis in the Field

This spring, Brian and Alexis will be visiting GlobalGiving projects in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Ethiopia to learn more about the work that GlobalGiving projects are doing. We will be seeing firsthand how the funds that you have contributed are making an impact in these communities, and we want to show you the difference your donations have made. Along the way, we will be exploring all that East Africa has to offer. We invite you to join us on our two-month adventure by following our blog!

May 22, 2009

Project FOCUS: Art for Development in Uganda: Project Number 1669

Location: Lyantonde, Uganda

For Julius, a 7^th grader in Lyantonde, Uganda, the visit by Project FOCUS to his school marked the first time he had ever done arts and crafts. This was made possible by the generosity of GlobalGiving donors. Before Project FOCUS got involved at Prince Primary School, like most schools in Uganda, art consisted of copying drawings from the board. Project FOCUS redefined art for those students. The art therapy class, which took place twice a week for two hours, taught stenciling, sewing, knitting, and most importantly, creativity. The additional benefits of this project were surprisingly numerous: attendance improved among students participating, students began to teach their friends the skills they learned, and according to the headmaster, “students are more inquisitive” and confident.

The art project focused on preserving traditional oral culture. Students asked parents and grandparents to tell them stories that had been passed down for generations. Students then shared these stories with their classmates. Annet, another 7^th grader, told a story in class about a monkey, which, because of this assignment, she heard for the first time from her mother. For the 60 students that benefited from this class, it was, in the words of the head master, “as if they were reviving their culture.”

Simultaneously, Project FOCUS implemented art projects in three communities and one local hospital. The artwork produced these communities and the 60 students in Lyantonde have recently been brought to the United States and will soon be exhibited throughout the country. The artwork being displayed paints a broad portrait of life in rural Uganda—AIDS, water shortages, poverty, and resiliency. We will be posting exhibition dates and locations here, so stay tuned!

The Project FOCUS model is unique because not only did participants benefit from the outlet the art provided, but, as one woman said, they are glad to have the opportunity to share their story with the American people. Additionally, the funds raised through the exhibitions and donations will be used to fund development projects chosen by each of the communities. Prince Primary School will use the funds to undergo major renovations.

After visiting the school, we strongly believe a new school is needed, and soon. Currently 240 students study in classrooms with tin roofs (that make it nearly impossible to learn when it rains), no window panes, and nothing more than a 4-foot sheet metal divider between classes. The new school building will have classrooms appropriate for learning (real walls and a quiet roof), a vocational school, and much needed sanitary toilets. More importantly, the headmaster explained that the new school will attract more qualified teachers and wider variety of students. Finally, the school will better serve vulnerable children by offering boarding. This project is soon to be posted on GlobalGiving, so keep an eye out!

We heard several times that the new school project starts and ends with the students. The need for the new school building was made the most clearly by the students themselves. While Bonny said he enjoyed the art project, especially stenciling, he said that his favorite part was knowing that his art would help to build his new school.

To learn more about this project and how you can help, please visit: www.globalgiving.com/1669.

2 years ago