Building an Technology Room for School in Lake Bunyonyi Uganda

CHANGING LIVES USING TECHNOLOGY

Since 2019, I have been working with a small rural orphanage/school outside Lake Bunyonyi. The short story is that I fell in love with this school and the infectious positive outlook of the kids. I’ve wanted to go back ever since.

During the pandemic, I have made good progress to help improve the lives of children there. With the support of my family I started an organic chicken farm to help feed the orphans and excess eggs were sold in the community to fund infrastructure enhancement like adding windows and doors. More than half the school still doesn't have windows. I also helped them set up one solar panel system, a wifi network using 3G connection and sent over 3 tablets.

Over the years I have collected 5 older laptops, 2 tablets, and 2 phones from family and friends to increase education at the school via free online platforms like Khan Academy. The problem is that there is no area in the school to house this technology. We need to build a room, with some basic cooling systems, electricity, and wifi access to allow the kids to access the internet.

Many of the kids have never used any technology and I see a real opportunity to make an impact in their lives. I envision a future where I and whoever is willing to join me can remotely teach an online class via Zoom on a range of topics to the kids.

Have a look at the video to learn more about our plan. I’m running this campaign to raise funds to build a new technology room which includes the foundation, raw materials, labor, 10 desks and 20 chairs as well as big TV for Zoom calls and solar panels to create a sustainable electricity source. The room costs approx 3K USD assuming nothing goes over budget and another 1K USD for sufficient solar panels.

Any amount you can donate is appreciated. If you would rather donate an old laptop (not too old), tablet, or phone I would also greatly appreciate that.

Thanks,

Aalok

QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE

How much money is going to reach Uganda?

For every dollar, 4 cents goes to GoGetFunding (this platform) and 3-4cents goes to banking / transfer fees to Uganda. There is no further administrative cost as I'm donating my time to this cause. In short, at least 92 cents of your dollar will reach Ronald and the kids in Uganda.

How can I find out the progress after my donation?

I endeavour to be as transparent as possible and I am currently exploring the most efficient way(s) to provide updates - perhaps via a blog or through this GoGetFunding platform. In the time being, please email me at [email protected] if you would like an update.

Who am I (Aalok) and what’s mynvolvement?

I am a avid traveller, adventurer with a passion for education. I spent 2 weeks in Uganda in 2019 and fell in love with Lake Bunyonyi and its community.

Essentially, I'm the project manager- I'm helping to raise fund (donating my time), ensuring that the funds get to Ronald and the children, ensuring that the money is spent as intended (governance), overseeing the project timeline, providing updates to donors on the progress of the project, and finally, supporting Ronald on planning for the future of the school / orphanage. Apart from myself, my wife (Louann) is also volunteering her time to support this cause.

How do you ensure that the money gets to Ronald and is spent as intended?

This was one of my concerns as well. I've partnered with a local hotelier whom I met during my last trip. She has been helping me with engaging local contractors to get quotations etc. She's not affiliated with the school and like me, she has volunteered her time to help Ronald and the children as she loves Lake Bunyonyi.