User:CeceliaRodriguez/sandbox

Soft Power Education -

Activities:

SPE is a British charity and non-governmental organization in Uganda. The organization has five projects covering two districts each with their own developmental goals. SPE is involved with the funding and running of two preschools, Buwenda Preschool and Kyabirwa Preschool, for 180 orphans and children living in poverty. The preschools teach kids the basics of being, social skills and basic English. The organization focuses on providing an education in a stress-free environment. SPE was originally founded because of the UPE Laws passed in Uganda, on the basis of new primary schools for children. Among those primary schools include St. John Bosco Primary School, a private, community-run primary school serving about 125 students in P1 through P6, in Biiso, and St. Joseph Busingiro Primary, a public school serving over 1000 students. Both of these schools are located in Buliisa district, a rural area near Murchison Falls National Park. The program is located in Kyabirwa village. Children from partner primary schools from across Jinja District visit throughout the academic year. During these visits, children attend hands-on learning sessions using equipment they do not have access to in school. The People & Parks program works with building a sustainable environment for the people living in the communities bordering Murchison Falls Conservation Area. SPE focuses on the value of environmental education and creating alternative livelihoods. SPE’s staff trains community members to develop and maintain eco-friendly projects such as bee keeping, goat rearing, and tree planting rather than just relying on the resources found in the parks. SPE believes that all children, regardless of their race, religion, sex or disability, are entitled to an education. SPE’s SEN program aims to overcome common barriers that children with disabilities face and work to provide kids the opportunity to live a productive life.
 * Preschool Program
 * School Infrastructure
 * Amagezi Education Center (AEC)
 * People & Parks
 * Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Visitors and Volunteers:

To assist with the programs, SPE relies on volunteers worldwide. The United Kingdom has the highest number of volunteers, including both independent travelers and various university and school groups. The primary task of a volunteer is to contribute a skill to the local community. Many volunteers continue to fundraise when they return home. That money raised is then used to fund Ugandan staff, such as construction foremen, Amagezi Education Center tutors, and program managers. SPE provides volunteer opportunities, ranging from one day service to more long term stays, for people to live and work abroad in Uganda whilst offering the following experiences:
 * Living in the local community
 * Experiencing new cultures
 * Working alongside Ugandans