Skip Navigation

Build a School

Key IssuesKopege School

Kenya is ranked 144 out of 177 countries in the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) human development index and a shocking 52% of its population lives below the poverty line. Uganda is ranked 156 with 38% living in poverty. Both countries are crippled by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Poor education, poor health and unemployment all combine to create a cycle of poverty. Education is the key to breaking this cycle. 

The introduction of free primary education in both countries some years ago resulted in massive increases in enrolment. However, as this was not matched by an increase in resources, the majority of poor children in Kenya and Uganda still cannot access a decent education. Children who are lucky enough not to be sent out to work attend overcrowded, poorly managed schools with teacher shortages, absenteeism, poor teaching and a lack of learning materials. This results in 3 out of 4 pupils dropping out before completing primary school and only 20% achieving recommended competency levels in literacy and numeracy. Given such performance levels, many parents do not see the point of sending children to school.

What We Do

We believe that quality education will only be achieved when parents are involved. Build Africa works with parents, children, teachers and government education staff to identify the key problems each school faces and prepare a 3 year 'School Development Plan'. We then work with the school, the parents and government staff to implement the plan and transform the school by:

  • improving infrastructure;
  • continuing to increase parental involvement;
  • improving standards of teaching and learning;
  • strengthening school management; and
  • increasing gender and HIV/AIDS awareness.

By working together, the schools have seen a dramatic rise in attendance and in those going on to secondary school, increasing their chances of a brighter future.

Replicable and Sustainable Models 

Our aim is not just to support the schools, but to develop a model which can continue working without us and which can be replicated by other schools all over Uganda and Kenya.