Transformative Changes to Uganda’s Educational Requirements

At Bududa Vocational Academy (BVA), education is more than just a pathway out of poverty—it’s a foundation for empowerment, hope, and lasting change. This mission aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s Ministry of Education’s new 2025 curriculum guidelines, emphasizing more hands-on learning, practical testing, and an extended school calendar. While these changes are transformative, they also require a significant adaptation in how BVA operates.

As the only vocational school in Bududa District, these updates present exciting opportunities for our students to receive a more comprehensive education, ensuring they are equipped for the workforce and positioned to lead in their communities. However, the changes will also impact BVA’s budget and daily life in meaningful ways. Here’s an in-depth look at what’s coming in 2025 and how we’re preparing to rise to the challenge.

What Are the 2025 Changes?

The Ministry of Education’s updates to vocational training guidelines are designed to enhance the relevance and quality of education for students. Key shifts include:

1. Transition from Terms to Semesters

The academic calendar is transitioning from three terms to two semesters, increasing instructional days each year. While this change provides more time for deep learning and skills mastery, it also means higher operational costs for BVA.

2. Increased Focus on Practical Learning

The new curriculum places a greater emphasis on hands-on, practical learning. Students will engage in more on-campus workshops and off-campus training with local businesses. This experiential approach equips students with the skills to transition seamlessly into the workforce. However, the shift requires significant investment in materials for vocational programs and logistical support for off-site learning experiences.

3. Frequent Testing and Practical Assessments

Testing is becoming more rigorous, with module-based exams scheduled more frequently. These exams will now include practical assessments requiring students to demonstrate their skills. For example, motor mechanics students will need additional tools and materials to complete these exams, while bricklaying students will need supplies like sand, rebar, and cement.

The Budgetary Impact

These changes, while aligned with our mission, come at a cost. Here’s how they will affect BVA’s budget:

• Extended Calendar Costs: With students and staff on campus for more days each year, costs for meals, utilities, and housing will increase.

• Materials for Practical Learning: The hands-on curriculum demands more raw materials, from wood for carpentry projects to fabrics for tailoring. These costs will rise from $25,555.20 in 2024 to $41,901.95 in 2025, reflecting a 64% increase.

• Off-Site Training Expenses: Coordinating local student training placements involves transportation, safety measures, and additional materials.

• Testing Supplies: With practical exams replacing traditional written tests, the need for test-specific materials will further increase the financial strain.

Why These Changes Matter

While these updates increase our costs, they also deepen our impact. The new curriculum will ensure that BVA graduates are employable and competitive in a rapidly changing job market. For many of our students, this education is the difference between a life of struggle and a future filled with opportunity.

Take Joel, a motor mechanics student who compares BVA to a family rather than just a community. Joel dreams big—he plans to become an electrical engineer and return to help his school and community. The changes in 2025 will provide Joel and his peers with more robust training, giving them the tools to achieve their dreams and support the economic growth of Bududa.

How These Changes Affect Life at BVA

For Students

The extended academic calendar means students will spend more time at BVA, deepening their connection to the school and their peers. Practical learning will give students more confidence and a stronger sense of preparedness for real-world challenges.

For Staff

Teachers will need additional training to deliver the updated curriculum effectively. While this presents an opportunity for professional growth, it also requires resources for workshops and ongoing support.

For the Community

The new curriculum enhances BVA’s role as a pillar of the Bududa community. BVA will contribute to the region’s economic development by sourcing program materials locally. Partnerships with skilled, enthusiastic students will also benefit local businesses participating in off-site training.

How You Can Help

To meet these challenges, we’re inviting our supporters to join us in preparing for this pivotal year. In 2025, our budget for program supplies, teacher training, and operational costs will increase significantly to accommodate these changes. Your support will ensure that BVA can continue to provide life-changing education while adapting to these new requirements.

Here’s what your contribution can do:

• $125 matched becomes $250, covering room and board for one of our most vulnerable students.

• $150 matched becomes $300, providing tuition assistance for a student.

• $500 matched becomes $1,000, funding a full scholarship for a student for the year.

• $2,500 matched becomes $5,000, supporting a three-year vocational training program for a student.

Thanks to a $50,000 matching fund, your donation will be doubled, making your gift go twice as far in helping us meet these new demands.

Looking Ahead: Building Futures Together

Bududa Vocational Academy welcomes these changes because they represent growth, progress, and an even brighter future for our students and community. As we embrace these challenges, we know that our success depends on the continued support of our donors and partners.

By investing in BVA, you’re not just funding education—you’re building futures, strengthening communities, and creating a legacy of hope and opportunity.

Join us in making 2025 a year of transformation. Together, we can ensure that every student at BVA has the tools they need to succeed.

Water is life

Bududa Learning Center, in Uganda, Africa, was founded in 2008 and currently has close to 300 students and faculty on its campus daily.  This center has a weekly Vocational School and a Saturday School for orphaned and vulnerable children in the community. Bududa is a tiny village in eastern Uganda with minimal electricity and no plumbing. Students at the center and people in the community must walk very far to fetch water, which is often polluted. Walking to collect water is very time-consuming, keeps students away from school, and can even put them at risk, especially females. 

Something remarkable happened this past spring at Bududa Learning Center. Thanks to the Presbyterian Women Group at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, N.C., clean, running water was brought to BLC! Cisterns, pipes, pumps, and taps were all recently installed in the spring of 2024. What a fantastic gift and an incredible improvement to life at this school.

In a recent interview, Nindinja Paul, a staff member at BLC, said, “Words cannot describe how grateful we all are and how much better life is at the school now that we have accessible water.” Paul continued to explain the numerous benefits to the students and the staff.

Several obvious benefits to having water on campus are time saved, reduced classroom absenteeism, improved sanitation, and water for cleaning, cooking, and drinking. Safety is another benefit, particularly for females and younger students, who often become vulnerable when required to go out for water. 

Additionally, some of the disciplines at Bududa Vocational School need daily water for their courses of study- such as bricklaying and hairdressing. The Children of Bududa Saturday School also frequently uses water for activities like painting and making clay.

Moreover, Staffer Paul shared how this gift of water has helped the nearby community. One of the taps with a pump was installed on part of the campus adjacent to the public road. The pump remains unlocked until 8:00 p.m., and locals are welcome to come get water.

The Presbyterian Women have given Bududa Learning Center such a blessing! Many parts of the world take clean, running water for granted, but not the people of Bududa. Staffer Paul concluded the interview by saying, " We are just so happy—water is life!”

Here is a slideshow of more photos!

BVA Agriculture: Opening Soon!

BVA Director, Robert and our new Agriculture staff member, Daniel, talk about our forward progress towards opening an Agriculture program!

Extension Worker Matseka Daniel grew up in Bududa. He attended primary and secondary school in Bududa and obtained a Diploma in Animal Production Management. Daniel has also taken courses on agriculture and vegetable production. Currently, he is enrolled in a program to receive his Diploma in Teacher Instruction. Once completed we hope to promote him to an instructor in the department. 

Most of the plot is planted with tomatoes, cabbage, and bananas. These foods will be harvested and used to feed students and teachers at BVA and COB. A portion of the food will also be sold in the market as revenue for the school. The next phase of planting will include a demonstration plot that will contain several diverse trees that offer shade, elephant grass to feed livestock, cassava, squash, sweet potatoes, and green peppers. 

They have built a shed for a male and female cow for livestock housing and will be adding a goat shed. These will be located on the main campus on newly acquired property. Later, everything will be moved across the river, to the land in the slideshow. This will require additional security measures and a worker/guard that stay over on the land, so we are not ready to have things there quite yet.

See a photo slideshow below:

We cannot thank The Pincus Family Foundation enough for their support of this program launch!

Trade Show Offers an “Eye Opening” Experience for BVA Students

The Bududa Vocational Academy had the opportunity this summer to send 40 of its students to the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA)'s trade show in Mbale, which is located about 20 miles outside of Bududa. The UMA is a national trade show that showcases products and services from manufacturers, producers, and service providers across Uganda and the world. The fair is an opportunity for businesses to meet potential customers and business partners, and to promote their products or services.  As our students prepare to transition into the workforce following their vocational studies it is critically important that they gain exposure to current industry trends, technologies, and practices. This hands-on experience helps students understand the practical applications of their training. In this environment students can connect with professionals, potential employers, and peers. Building a network can lead to internships, job opportunities, and collaborations.

In Mbale, the UMA offered not only an industry trade show but also a consumer trade show, where products from different industries were displayed.  Our students were able to observe current fashion designs, construction materials, a wide array of hair products and engage in conversation with companies that where showcasing the various products.  BVA student, Okaso Emmanuel, has been studying Motor Vehicle Mechanic at BVA and shared that going to the trade show provided him with additional knowledge and practical reinforcement of what his teachers had been teaching in the classroom. Emmanuel also said that trade show members spoke to students about how to start their own business after school and how to network with potential clients. Learning entrepreneur skills is an important part of BVA's curriculum as we work to equip students with opportunities for self-employment.

Another BVA student, Anyango Lillian Teddy, who is studying tailoring explained that the trade show helped her learn about different fashion designs, how to make beautiful paper beads, how start a business with a small amount of capital, how to take advantage of potential employment opportunities, and how to enhance brand recognition. According to Lillian, the trade show was an “eye opener to the world of work!”

We know that Overall, participation in this trade show significantly enhances vocational students' educational experience and career prospects for years to come.

Building Community Resilience: A Story of Unity and Empowerment

At Bududa Learning Center (BLC), we are constantly reminded of the unique challenges we face in our pursuit of education and community development. The lush landscapes surrounding our campus in Bududa, Uganda, bring life and vitality, but they also present us with distinct obstacles, such as heavy rains, mudslides, and erosion issues.

A few months ago, the relentless downpours caused us to face a significant challenge. The erosion threat was not just a minor inconvenience; it had the potential to disrupt our operations and compromise the safety of our buildings and campus. Recognizing the urgency, we decided to take action and protect our campus by constructing a low wall around parts of it.

Here are some photos of the problem:

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What started as a project to protect our campus became a powerful symbol of community resilience. It was a reunion of sorts, as past and present members of the Bududa Vocational Academy (BVA) community came together. Graduates who had once considered our campus home returned to join forces with current students. This collaborative effort was a testament to the strength of our community. Our very own BCP Department Head Moses Maseleje managed the project and current BCP students were able to obtain hands on practical skills work on campus that is a required element of their coursework.

As shovels were dug into the earth and bricks were laid in place, a sense of unity and purpose filled the air. It was a powerful sight to witness generations of Bududans, both young and old, working side by side with a shared goal in mind: safeguarding our campus and ensuring its resilience in the face of nature's challenges.

It turns out that this project was about more than just building a physical barrier—it was about building community resilience. It proved that your impact is real, and your investments are in Bududa's future, its people's empowerment, and its community's strength.

With each brick laid, with each drop of sweat shed, BVA students and graduates were not just building a wall. They were building a sense of belonging, a sense of ownership, and a sense of pride in our community. This project was a symbol of our collective strength and our ability to overcome challenges when we unite.

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As we look to the future, we carry the lessons learned from this experience—the importance of collaboration, the power of unity, and the resilience of the human spirit. Together, we will continue to build a brighter, stronger future for Bududa, one brick at a time.

Celebrating Progress: How the COB Nutrition Initiative is Transforming Lives

We are thrilled to share some exciting updates from our Nutrition Initiative at Bududa Learning Center (BLC). Check out our post introducing the initiative here if you missed it!) Thanks to your unwavering support, we are making remarkable strides in combating malnutrition and transforming the lives of vulnerable children in our community.

One key indicator of severe malnutrition is the measurement of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). This simple yet crucial tool helps us identify children at risk and determine the level of intervention needed. A MUAC measurement in the green range indicates that the child is not malnourished and is in good health, with an average arm circumference. A yellow MUAC rating suggests that the child may be at risk of malnutrition and requires close monitoring and nutritional support. Children with a red MUAC rating are identified as severely malnourished and are in urgent need of intervention to prevent further deterioration of their health.

Our dedicated BLC nurse, trained in WHO guidelines, has been diligently conducting assessments and monitoring the progress of our Children of Bududa (COB) participants. In our initial assessment back in February, we identified nine COB students with yellow or red MUAC ratings, indicating varying degrees of malnutrition. Moving forward to our recent assessment in April, we are thrilled to report significant progress. In February, we had seven children rated as yellow and two as red. However, in April, we now have only four children in the yellow category, with no red ratings. Even more inspiring is the fact that five children have graduated into the green category, signifying improved nutritional status.

The numbers speak volumes, but the impact goes beyond statistics. Consider the transformation in the lives of these children as they gain weight, their energy levels increase, and they regain their zest for life. One child who started categorized with a yellow MUAC score stayed there - however, she gained almost 3 lbs, 5% of her original weight! The debilitating effects of malnutrition No longer burden them; they now have the opportunity to thrive and pursue their dreams with renewed vigor. This is the real impact of your support.

This progress is a testament to the effectiveness of our Nutrition Initiative and the power of collective action. It is a testament to the generosity of supporters like you who believe in our mission and invest in the well-being of our community's most vulnerable members.

As we celebrate these achievements, we are reminded of the profound difference your support is making in the lives of these children. Together, we are rewriting their stories, replacing despair with hope, and paving the way for a brighter future.

Thank you for standing with us on this journey. Your continued support enables us to expand our reach, touch more lives, and create lasting change in Bududa and beyond.

2023 Annual Report

We're thrilled to share with you the heartbeat of our impact over the past year in the Bududa Learning Center's Annual Report.

This report encapsulates the milestones, stories, and collaborative efforts that have fueled our mission to break the cycle of generational poverty through education and empowerment.

Your unwavering support and belief in our cause have made all these accomplishments possible, and we invite you to delve into the transformative journey we've undertaken together. Thank you for being a vital part of the Bududa Learning Center family.

Click Here to see the full report

Donor Spotlight: Weezy Alcott

Weezy, a long-time supporter, recently traveled to BLC. While there, we asked her some questions to understand why she loves BLC and see the program through her eyes.

Q: How did you first learn about Bududa Learning Center, and what inspired you to get involved? 

A: About seven years ago, Barbara Wybar had been spending time in Beaufort, SC, where I live, and after talking with her, I became interested in helping. 

Q: Can you share a bit about your personal connection to education and empowerment and how that aligns with BLC's mission? 

A: As a child, I lived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with my father for three years. He was very involved with creating programs for the country to have continued success after the US had pulled out. I learned a great deal about the needs of the country and Africa as we were doing volunteer work. When my daughter was old enough, we went on mission trips to Ethiopia twice. The trips were productive, but we couldn't develop relationships with the programs to continue being involved directly. Having met Barbara and learned about BLC, I felt I would be able to make a small difference. I was eager to focus on one program where I saw the results of education and empowerment for individuals and communities. 

Q: BLC runs various programs. Do you have a favorite program, and if so, what about it resonates with you? 

A: They are all amazing, and I have spent time in each area. Over time, these students start assisting their families with moving from generational poverty to being able to support themselves. There are no schools in the area that provide a variety like BLC. The Children of Bududa Saturday program is my favorite. This is my 3rd trip to BLC and besides my love of children, I have seen that when they start in the COB program the statistics show they continue on with choosing a focus and their education. 

Q: In your opinion, what role does education play in addressing global challenges, and how does BLC contribute to that vision? 

A: Education is the pathway to success and fulfillment. The more you learn, the more doors will open for you. Maya Angelou 

The global challenge is how to assist countries in becoming sustainable and independent of other sources. I have heard students in the sewing or tailoring program say they have been able to make clothes for their families and sell clothing they have made. The students are able to assist not only their families but their communities. 

Q: We understand you've been supporting BLC for some time. What keeps you engaged, and what achievements or moments have you found most rewarding?

A: I would be hard-pressed to identify the moments as there are so many. The beauty of the people and the country is always a draw. Every trip I've made to BLC, I have seen the progress in the programs and the impact BLC has for students and the community. On this trip, a student I met three years ago is now employed in a tailoring shop. She stated it was so wonderful to work and assist her family. She was full of joy, showing us her accomplishment! 

Q: As a donor, what impact do you hope your contributions will have on the Bududa community in the long run? 

A: Children of Bududa creates early intervention for vulnerable children who often wouldn't have a chance for opportunities otherwise. Not only do the children attend on Saturday, but the school fee for them is included in our sponsorship program. At school during the week, they are also guaranteed lunch. I feel the education of one starting at a young age will impact the family and the community in the long run. One student said, "I was very appreciative of the many ways I was supported and would not have been able to come this far otherwise."

Q: What advice do you have for someone considering supporting BLC?

 A: All support is needed, and a little goes a long way. For me, the most rewarding has been sponsoring a child and seeing the progress with my own eyes. This mission trip is not for everyone, but the communication between staff and sponsor allows a relationship to build, and you see the impact you are making for the child. You can look at videos, send small gifts and letters with volunteers coming to Bududa, and receive letters from your sponsored child. I would suggest donating to the BLC if you aren't able to fully commit, as it is devastating to the child to be unsponsored. The breakdown of where your donation would go is listed on the website, along with many other details about the BLC

8. Can you recall a specific story or interaction that reinforced your belief in the power of vocational education to transform lives? 

A: I met Sharon on my visit three years ago. She was an outgoing and enthusiastic young woman in the tailoring program. This year, I visited the store where she is employed and saw a grown woman supporting herself and feeling successful! This story truly shows the reach and benefits of the program! 

Q: Beyond financial support, are there other ways you've been involved with BLC? 

A: Beyond financial support, I've joined Barbara Wybar, the founder, and Court Young, the North American Director, who also pours her energy and heart into the growth and success of BLC. The effort Court puts into moving the program forward with technology and global solutions to the issues BLC faces is incredible. This has been an invaluable experience as I've learned about empowering Ugandans to be self-sufficient as opposed to creating dependency. I have also gathered a lot of knowledge about running a non-profit and setting goals. 

Q: Lastly, how do you envision the future of BLC, and what role do you see donors playing in that future? 

A: My hope for BLC is that it will continue to grow and flourish. I've seen the donor base increase and hope it continues so BLC can help generations of students.

A Day in Bududa

Part 2 - Read Part 1

Upon reaching the Bududa Learning Center office, my day unfolds in a vibrant tapestry of interactions and responsibilities. The first and foremost ritual is to greet our dedicated accountant, Paul Nindya, and our indispensable COO, Robert Kotaki. Robert's been with us since 2007, starting as the bricklaying teacher. It's funny how life weaves these stories!

Speaking of stories, let me rewind a bit. In 2007, during a crucial period for our school, we had a retired American headmaster, Eric Goldman, working at BLC. He spotted our hero in the making—Robert Kotaki. Eric couldn't stop singing praises about Robert's skills, work ethic, and how he genuinely cared for the students. Fast forward to today, and Robert's still our go-to guy.

Once we're done with the friendly hellos, it's time to dive into the world of emails. The school's internet is our lifeline, connecting us with tasks, people, and daily plans. It's a bustling day, from tackling assignments to meeting district officials, visiting the kids in our Children of Bududa program, and chatting with students and grads.

In the role of 'Coordinator,' a title resonant with my Quaker values, I collaborate with key players both in North America and on-site. Sheila Havard coordinates the Children of Bududa Sponsorship Program (COB), Court Young serves as the Executive Director and grant writer, and Rachel Tanner steers the ship alongside our dedicated staff and faculty in Bududa.

Our collective efforts revolve around deciphering the trajectory of Bududa Learning Center. How many students can we expect in 2024, and how can we accommodate them? What strategies will we implement for the COB program if crops fail again?

The heart of my love for this work lies in the people—the incredible individuals I've come to know and love. In this diverse tapestry of life, the contrasts are stark—rich versus poor, urban versus rural, abundance versus scarcity. Yet, in this mix, I've discovered a profound simplicity and joy in their pursuit of success for their children.

Do these disparities keep me coming back? Perhaps. What I am sure of is that I am on a continual journey of learning—a journey into another way of life. The simplicity I've come to love is not a lack but a different kind of abundance, and I find myself yearning to infuse more of this simplicity into my own life.

Impact Story: Wandukwa Emmanuel

Wandukwa Emmanuel (“Emma”) grew up in the Bududa community and has recently achieved some of the highest marks in the country on his examination for Bricklaying and Concrete Practice. Below is an excerpt from our interview with Emma as we congratulate him on his great success!

Barbara Wybar: Emma, Congratulations! I'm wondering if you might tell me a little bit about yourself.

Emma: I attended Bududa Secondary School from the year 2016 - 2022. I completed my A level exams, but did get good results and I lost hope, but I heard that Bududa Learning Center was offering sponsorship programs for students and I applied.

BW: And are you enjoying the brick laying courses?

Emma: This is the best education, the best skill that I have attained…this institution has given me hope to even aim higher in this course that I'm doing. My dream is to become a civil engineer.

BW: Which teacher [at BVA] do you think had the biggest impact on you?
Emma:  I would say all, but right now let me say, teacher Moses, he has been a very good teacher to me. He advised me on what to do and where to do it at the right time. He has given me more than I expected. That's how I moved on.

BW: Did BVA or any of your teachers teach you the value of success?

Emma: Yes. They did, most of the time in our lessons, we not only write things in the books but we also have a time to talk about success and how to be successful in life.

BW: If you were asked by somebody on the street to describe the Bududa Vocational Academy, how would you describe it?

Emma: I can describe it like this. It is a school, the only school in Bududa that offers skills for jobs, it's not like the other institutions outside. It's fair and everything that is in the school is capable of bringing out somebody who is responsible and has the potential to work outside in the community. 

BW: Excellent, I am sure you're going to succeed!

Crossing Continents: The Extraordinary Voyage to The Bududa Learning Center

Imagine embarking on a journey that spans continents, taking you from the heart of the United States to the heart of Africa. That's exactly what it takes to reach Bududa, often called the "Forgotten District."

Our adventure begins with not one, not two, but three international flights. It's a whirlwind of airports, customs, and time zones as we make our way to Entebbe, Uganda, a city nestled on the shores of the stunning Lake Victoria.

From Entebbe, we hit the road, setting our sights on Bududa, a place shadowed by the majestic Mount Elgon, Africa's oldest and widest volcano at a staggering 20 million years old. Now, you might think that an eight-hour drive to Bududa is nothing but grueling, but it's quite the opposite. It's a symphony of life, where bicycles, cars, matatus, fearless motorcyclists, and locals on foot all share the same bustling road.

Amidst the adventure, we experience a topsy-turvy world where breakfast feels like dinner, and we resort to yoga in airplane aisles and rest stops to fight off sore backs and necks. We brave the bumpy, dusty roads from Mbale to Bududa, knowing that our destination is worth every twist and turn.

As we draw closer to the Bududa Learning Center, the weariness of travel fades. We're here for a purpose. We're here to join the incredible staff at the Bududa Learning Center, who tirelessly work to provide vocational skills for students to build sustainable futures. They also offer unwavering support to orphaned and vulnerable children, making a profound impact on their lives.

Our journey to Bududa is more than a physical voyage; it's a journey of the heart and spirit. It's a testament to the power of education and the transformative impact it has on individuals and entire communities. It's a reminder of the incredible work being done at the Bududa Learning Center and the privilege of being part of this journey toward empowerment.

My Trip Thus Far

The Uganda part of my journey began in Entebbe (read more about how we get to Bududa here). Where, as usual, I'm collected by two of my favorite people, Robert, our COO, and Rashid, our masterful driver. What a pleasure to see their smiling faces.

We did the errands: phone-sim card, money exchange, groceries, and fabric purchases in Kampala. Then, we got back in the car and on our way east to Bududa, on the main highway from Kampala to Kenya. It is two lanes, and for two hours, we are stuck in what they call "jams." I find

it fascinating to see the vibrancy of Africa on the move: hundreds of motorcycles (pici-picis) weaving in the traffic or columns of uniformed school children walking home from school on the side of the road.

We arrived at the Guest House. Justine, our guest house director, was here to meet me, as well as the neighbors, to help carry the bags up the hill to the house. There is no road to the house. There was lots of excitement, and once all was settled, our night watchman arrived to watch over the house for the night. Imagine arriving in Bududa on the night of the full moon. It is as if the stars have aligned. I could hardly believe the beauty the moonlight cast on the valley below.

My first day at Bududa Learning Center is Saturday, the day that Saturday School meets for our Children of Bududa program. It is a joy to see their smiling faces. All warmly greeted me, particularly our joyous, effervescing cook, Lois.

In the car, sitting next to our COO, Robert, I hear the stories related to BLC, the Vocational Training Center, students, COB participants, and the property. The best news was that a student in the bricklaying program has taken one of his exams, for which we trained him, and his results have come in; on the theory paper, he got top marks.

How about that! Imagine our mighty little school in remote rural Uganda, which has just exceeded its expectations by enrolling more students (200) than expected in 2023, has one of the best-performing students in the country in bricklaying!!!

All of us here are proud of his accomplishment - and, of course, it is rewarding for our teachers to know the work they do is having such a significant impact on the lives of our students.

I can't wait to update you on the remainder of the trip - we're holding a Zoom-style update meeting on December 7th at 7:00 PM EST. Let us know you're coming so we can send you the link.

A Day in Bududa

Part 1

The simplicity and beauty of the landscape and our community in Bududa have significantly impacted me. I see the simplicity of their lives as humility, a value I respect, being a part of a Quaker Meeting In Philadelphia.

There is no electricity, other than a bit of solar, and no running water at my small house in Bududa. I wake with the sun and bathe with a basin of water. Which I fill from a 20-liter jerry can.

Our house director, Kalenda Justine, comes early, always with a smile. She prepares breakfast. It might be only me, but it might be as many as sixteen. Breakfast is always the same: an omelet and fried bread. It is my favorite meal of the day, probably because it resembles food familiar to me. Tea, toast, and eggs. We all sit down together with Justine and plan for the day.

In North America, I do not have a house director, someone to cook and clean or do my laundry. The idea alone makes me uncomfortable. However, this is one way that, while in Uganda, we respect the customs and help spur the economy.

Quite often, when I wake, I hear some folks have arrived at the house and are sitting on the porch, waiting to see me. They have come early to request help (school fees or health issues ). Sometimes, I know them, and sometimes not.

Founder, Barbara Wybar, between BLC cook Robina and cleaner Evelyn

Once dressed, I meet them and listen and usually ask them to come down to Bududa Learning Center to see what we can do there. It isn't easy because the need is so great. We simply cannot provide for everyone or for all issues. It has taken work to determine how, as an organization, we can commit to helping the community combat the poverty that plagues their daily lives.

After breakfast, I walk down to school via a footpath that takes me to the main road, a dirt road. Depending on the day, I sometimes meet a traffic jam of barefoot locals carrying whole branches of bananas, called matooke, on their heads or men herding cows, goats, or pigs along the road to market. There is a vibrancy in the air.

At school, a security guard greets me. Then, I check in at the headmaster's office and greet our secretary, Betty, and other staff members. Most have been with us since we started in 2008. Some are new, as we have opened new disciplines since 2008.

It is exciting for me to be in this milieu and feel a part of something so different from what I am familiar with in North America. Besides, seeing our school thriving and many of our graduates succeeding with their own businesses is rewarding. "Skills for Jobs" is what we are doing, and it is working.

…read part 2

The Power of BVA's Core Classes in Student Success

At Bududa Vocational Academy (BVA), we believe that education is not just about vocational skills; it is about empowering students with a well-rounded foundation for success. That's why we place great importance on our core classes, which equip our students with essential knowledge and skills beyond their chosen vocational programs. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of BVA's core classes and how they contribute to the overall success of our students.

Comprehensive Skill Set: BVA's core classes, including English, Swahili, Entrepreneurship, and computers, are carefully designed to provide students with a comprehensive skill set that extends beyond their vocational training. Proficiency in English and Swahili languages enhances communication abilities, enabling our students to effectively express themselves, collaborate with others, and navigate various professional environments. The Entrepreneurship course equips students with valuable business knowledge, financial literacy, and problem-solving skills, empowering them to pursue entrepreneurial ventures and explore opportunities for economic growth. The computer course equips students with digital literacy skills, which are increasingly crucial in today's technology-driven world.

Expanded Career Opportunities: By offering core classes alongside vocational programs, BLC ensures that students are well-prepared for a diverse range of career opportunities. Proficiency in English opens doors to employment in industries such as tourism, hospitality, customer service, and administration, where effective communication skills are highly valued. The Entrepreneurship course instills a mindset of innovation, enabling students to identify gaps in the market and explore self-employment options. The computer course equips students with essential digital skills sought after in various sectors, from data entry and office administration to digital marketing and graphic design. This holistic approach enhances students' employability and broadens their career prospects.

Personal and Professional Development: BVA's core classes go beyond the acquisition of technical knowledge; they also foster personal and professional development. English and Swahili classes improve students' confidence, public speaking abilities, and critical thinking skills, enabling them to articulate their thoughts, ideas, and opinions effectively. The Entrepreneurship course encourages students to think creatively, solve problems, and develop a strong work ethic. The computer course enhances students' technological proficiency, boosting their adaptability and capacity to navigate the digital world. These personal and professional development aspects nurture well-rounded individuals who are not only skilled in their chosen vocations but also possess the qualities needed to thrive in various aspects of life.

At Bududa Learning Center, our core classes serve as the backbone of our educational programs, ensuring that our students receive a comprehensive education that extends beyond vocational training. By equipping them with language proficiency, entrepreneurship skills, and digital literacy, we provide them with a solid foundation for success in both their chosen careers and personal lives. Through this holistic approach, we empower our students to excel in a dynamic and competitive world, enabling them to contribute positively to their communities and shape a brighter future for themselves and future generations.

2022 Impact Report

2022 was a year of rebuilding. We were thrilled to reopen Bududa Learning Center in January after government regulations around the COVID-19 pandemic caused us, and all area schools, to close our doors for the safety of our students and staff.

While so much stayed the same during the shutdown - so much changed. While we were able to continue supporting our faculty during the shutdown - the same was not true for other community members; over 66% of people in the region report that their income is still less than when covid hit. The waitlist for our Children of Bududa program grew, and our Vocational Academy enrollment was slow to start. Luckily, with our ability to provide additional financial support to students, we returned to our pre-covid numbers by the end of the year.

In this report, you'll find more information about how 2022 went for us at Bududa Learning Center. I ask that you remember one thing as you read: The impact of providing vocational training to one student is just the beginning. Our program graduates are using the benefits of their education and skills to help their families. Not only that, but the program will continue to allow young people who otherwise wouldn't be able to support themselves to thrive and be role models in their community for generations to come.

We're so grateful to you and everyone that helped make Bududa Learning Center a solid and safe place for children and young adults to thrive.

Read the report here

-Barbara Wybar

December 2021 Letter from our Founder

Dear friends and family, wonderful donors, and supporters of our work in Bududa, Back home again, I ponder on the experience of my latest stay in Bududa and am overwhelmed by the enormous gratitude of all the faculty and staff at Bududa Learning Center as well as all the orphans we support and their families. This gratitude is due to the fact that we continued paying all salaries throughout the pandemic and provided regular food donations to the orphans and needy children. Uganda suffered one of the most severe lockdowns of any country in the world. Essentially, they had no school for two years. There were curfews and there was no transportation. Most private schools in Bududa were unable to pay salaries and so our staff were most appreciative of our Board’s decision to do this.
 
Our school is growing and achieving new heights. It is taking a little time to get the enrollment numbers up to where we were before the lockdown, but it is coming. I think now, a month and a half after we opened up on January 10th, 2022, we have the same number of students, 161, as we had before the pandemic started. It brings a smile to my face to walk to school in the early morning and see our graduate students at work on building sites or at work outside on a stoop with their sewing machines. I do believe we are making a difference.
 
The Children of Bududa Sponsorship Program also seems to be thriving. We do not see a huge number of students at the Saturday program as we have over thirty who are going to outside boarding schools and cannot come on Saturdays. The usual attendance seems to be between 35 and 40 students. Many students came to me with letters for their sponsors or letters for me to say thank-you for the help during the lockdown. There is still a legacy from this severe lockdown - people are poorer than ever and there is greater need than ever. The guesthouse where I stay seemed to have a constant stream of visitors. All needed something but mostly they needed help paying school fees. Happily, we were able to help the majority, but we still have a long list of families who would like to have a child in the program. To admit new recruits, we need to find more sponsors.
 
This time we had three volunteers and they all gave in their own way and shared their talents at  our  vocational school and with the orphans. I love to introduce Bududa and the way of life there to our volunteers. I think this is part of our mission. We go there to help the people of Bududa. To walk hand in hand with them as we attempt to provide something so desperately needed, a vocational school in their very own district. In so doing, it becomes clear to me that in some cases we are helping the volunteers as much as we are helping the locals. We as volunteers learn so much about another way of life, another set of values, another perspective on life. Mary Louise, Weezy, as we called her, said it best when she wrote about her visit. “I will look forward to going back and learning more, as we seem to always learn more than we teach and receive more than we give. “
 
There are so many stories to tell and I have already recounted many of them, but here is a story I have never told: One morning, as I was walking to school with Court Young, one of our visitors, we met an old woman on the path. As a whole, I had observed that local people looked healthy and strong. However, some older women looked extremely lean and sad. Here was one of them right in front of us. On the spur of the moment, I opened my wallet and pulled out a bill to give her something in case she would not be eating that day. Of course, she said thank-you in her language but she did more than that. She stopped and stopped me and put her hand on my head and said a prayer for me in her language. I knew it was a prayer because I heard “Jesu” and she had her eyes closed. I was touched but Court was in awe of what had suddenly happened in front of her eyes. Obviously, it meant a lot to this caring woman and I came away feeling blessed but really I was just sorry I had not pulled out a bigger bill. I looked for her every morning after that, but I never saw her again.
 
A few observations following my 19 years of visits to Bududa: the population of Bududa has grown. The change was visible and even the back valleys where there are no roads, were teaming with young people. * Many people, but not a majority, have some electricity in their homes for light bulbs. * Most people have cell phones and everybody would like to have a smart phone but few people have them. * The population is visibly young and to my eyes they are lean and strong and healthy in appearance. * There are a few older people one meets who appear lean, dejected and poor and are probably hungry and suffering.
           
Let me end with a letter I received from our guesthouse gardener.

Dear Barbara,
Thank you for everything you have done to make life more pleasant in my family. We also appreciate your help during Covid 19 Lockdown.   We got food, soap, money and others; thanks for helping us in that way.
I wish you a blessed 2023 and hope that you will be well and happy.
Sincerely, Wamakiya Robert, Gardener.

( Since Robert is an employee of Bududa Learning Center he was paid throughout the lockdown, and his son is in the Children of Bududa Sponsorship Program so he received food weekly.)

With Great Appreciation & A Smile on my Face,

Barbara Wybar aka Bubby

September 2022 Letter from our founder

It has been too long since I communicated. The last time I sent out a message to all of you, it was to say that the people of Bududa were suffering with high inflation. We all know inflation is currently a worldwide problem and it is not hard to understand that the effects of high inflation affect the poor and very poor populations drastically. The prices of everything have gone up and the food prices, in particular, are causing people to suffer severely because they cannot afford to purchase food. When I shared that message with you all in June, a wonderful couple in Ontario offered $5,000 as a matching gift if we could match that sum in three months. It took approximately 48 hours to match the $5,000 and more support came in after that. The money has been sent to Bududa and BLC have been distributing food every two weeks to all the families in our orphans’ program. We have enough funds to be able to do this until mid-October.
    It goes without saying that all the recipients are more than grateful, and it is making a huge difference in their lives. In addition, our North American Board decided to extend our food distribution to the 35 people who work for us at Bududa Learning Center. I think this is appropriate because I know that most of our staff are lowly paid; staff salaries are something we will be reviewing for 2023. In the interim, we are helping with free food for all staff for the next three months, which will cost $2,280.
     Below is an example of an email I received from our computer teacher, but he is just one of many saying thank-you. I am including it as it is addressed to the team. The team is all of you who contribute. We are making a difference in these lives and I cannot do it without you.
 
Dear Barbara and the Team,
Thank you so much for your generous food supply support that was granted to us last week, this food supply came at this time of trial as everything in Uganda raised the price most especially food, fuel, and among others. I and my family are very grateful and very happy for food given to us.
Your support is not underestimated because that is where I get everything in life and I depend on 100% so your support is greatly appreciated and may good Lord bless who ever is giving a hand in raising funds to Bududa Learning Center, I shouldn’t forget to say thank you for the continuing salary paid in time. I count my self-lucky for this opportunity given to work with BLC.
On special note again THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT and please don’t get tired.
God Bless Your Heart.
Isaac Namisi
Computer Teacher
BVA, BLC  
 
     We’ve continued to hear more news about suffering in Uganda. Times are tough, with prices remaining so high that people cannot afford to buy food and other essentials. The news I am getting from Uganda is:

• The economy is unstable.

• Everything is expensive.

• Students are not reporting back to their private schools as they have no money.  

• Local children, reporting to government schools, have to pay.

• Minister of Finance in Uganda is saying that “the country is bankrupt”, but there are reports that Uganda still runs an International Airline at a loss.

     Our local news is that Bududa Vocational Academy is running as usual. The enrollment seems to be stable. The faculty have all reported.
     Some of BVA’s issues and expenses going forward include: 

1. To buy new computers for the school as our old ones are breaking down. (Mostly they have come from generous donations from North American individuals or schools or companies who are upgrading.) The approximate cost for 12 new ones in Uganda is $8,802 USD.

2. Acquire new batteries for our solar power as the existing ones are needing replacement. The approximate cost for 12 batteries is $7,545.

3. Review all salaries paid at Bududa Learning Center before 2023, and develop a plan to upgrade salaries to a national average (if there is such a thing).

     Our orphans program seems to also be running as usual. We have a new teacher, Nafuna Rebecca, and she is reported to be young and dynamic and comes with excellent references from the local district.
     A story I heard about one of our orphans who has made good touched my heart.
     Mutika Ester was an orphan in our program in 2007 when I had moved to Uganda as a full time resident. She was at a private school, paid for by her sponsor. When she graduated she wanted to go to nursing school. Her sponsor kindly offered to pay and she graduated from nursing school and got a job at a clinic in a nearby village to Bududa. She was happy to have a job and they loved her but she was terribly paid.
     Recently, the chairman of our local board in Uganda, Father Paul Buyela, who runs his own school in an adjacent district, was looking for a nurse to work for him at his institution. Ester was referred and now, she has a good job with Father Paul and he is happy and so is she.
 
     I will be returning to Uganda on October 11th and plan to stay for a month. There are a number of others who will be coming at the same time. One from Britain, one from Philly and a few from NC and maybe SC. We will report on our stay from Bududa.
     I want to take this opportunity to introduce a friend of mine, Court Young, from Charlotte, NC. It is our hope that, in the near future, Court will join our North America team, the North American Board and me, providing operational assistance running the Bududa Learning Center. Court is a young, bright, dynamic lawyer by training, she previously served as the Outreach Director for Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, a BLC partner, and currently works as a consultant for a non-profit that provides global emergency relief assistance grants. Court will be joining me in Bududa this fall, which will be her 6th trip to Bududa and we look forward to communicating with you during that time.
     So, this is the news, and by no means all of it, but some of it. Sorry for the delay. Summer got in the way.
     Help us if you can and we will see that almost 100% of your donation goes to Bududa. There are very few expenses in North America. If you are inclined, go to our website, Bududa.org,  and press donate. The people of Bududa, particularly those associated with Bududa Learning Center will be so grateful.
     With much love, and a smile on my face,
          Barbara

April 2023 - Letter from our Founder

I returned to the USA on March 9th and immediately fell sick with a nasty infection much like Covid and thus am delayed in sending you this update. It should have been a chance to get lots of work done but that did not happen.

As usual, I loved my time in Bududa. I love the people I work with and many of them have been friends for sixteen years. The school is thriving! I heard that yesterday we had 187 students in attendance. That is 27 more student than we have ever had. Our goal was 200 students enrolled by the end of the year, it looks like we may reach that goal by end of the term.

While I was there, the school was inspected by the Ministry of Education in Uganda. The inspectors conducted a site visit and gave us high marks, which enables the center to remain an accredited examination center. The inspectors were impressed by our facilities and skilled staff. One of them admitted to being “wowed” by all of our functioning computers. I do not think he had seen another school with such facilities.

We have a new principal, Paul Wasolo, and that seems to be going well. One staff member said he was “approachable and a leader.” What I think is important is that he is a Bagisu, the same tribe as everyone in the village and speaks their language.

Our big news is that for the first time ever we have hired a professional grant writer, Rachel Tanner. We think she is terrific! She will work half time for us focusing on identifying and applying for grants. We secured funding for her position from an outside body so that BLC's operational budget will not be impacted.

Once we had hired Rachel, she requested that we get letters of approval from two graduates in each department. Until I read these letters, I really did not realize what an incredible impact we are having in the community. Some of them are truly heart-warming, filled with gratitude for BVA. The one I remember best was from a tailoring graduate a few years back - she now has her own tailoring shop, many customers and is employing other women in the community. She was so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend a vocational school locally and is now able to not only support her own family financially, but also pay the school fees for her siblings.

Knowing that we have a grant writer, we realized that our current website needed work and so we found a young man, Simon Rogers, CEO of A Little Better Company, to help us with our website and we think he’s outstanding. Stay tuned as we hope to launch a new website in the coming month.

The most exciting news is that our greatest supporter, Court Young, who does more than anyone to further our program in Bududa paid us the honor of bringing her family to Bududa for a week and they were action packed days indeed. They fell in love with Bududa, the students and staff of BLC, and of course, everybody at our school loved having them, and showed their joy in so many ways.

There are so many stories to tell but I must end now and tell more next time!

Celebrating 200 Students

Our organization has pursued a goal for years: to reach a milestone of serving 200 students in a single term. This goal holds immense importance to us as it symbolizes our dedication to expanding educational opportunities and profoundly impacting the lives of individuals within our community. However, our journey toward this milestone faced an unexpected roadblock when the Covid-19 pandemic forced us to close our doors temporarily.

As the pandemic unfolded, our community experienced economic challenges, resulting in a slow return of student enrollment. 67% of our community faced a decrease or total loss of income during this challenging period. Despite the hardships, we are overjoyed to announce that we have finally accomplished our long-standing goal.

Initially slated for achievement by the year's end, we have surpassed our expectations today. We hold a profound responsibility to our students to provide the highest quality education possible. The quality of education they receive is always at the forefront of our minds.

This achievement is a testament to the perseverance and resilience of our board of directors, our dedicated Ugandan staff, and, most importantly, the students themselves. It celebrates their thirst for knowledge, commitment to personal growth, and unwavering determination to succeed.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have participated in this journey, including our supporters, community partners, and volunteers. Without your unwavering support, this milestone would not have been possible. Together, we have created a nurturing environment that fosters educational excellence and empowers students to unlock their full potential.

We look forward to the future with renewed determination as we celebrate this remarkable milestone. We remain committed to expanding our impact, creating even more educational opportunities, and ensuring every student receives the support they need to thrive.

This achievement is not the end but rather the beginning of a new chapter in our journey. We are inspired by what we have accomplished, and it only strengthens our resolve to continue making a positive difference in the lives of our students and community.

Once again, we express our profound appreciation to everyone who has played a role in this achievement. Together, let us embark on the next phase of our mission, knowing that by providing quality education, we are shaping a brighter future for all.

The Importance of Our Ugandan Advisory Board

At Bududa Learning Center (BLC), we believe in the power of empowering communities from within. One key factor that sets us apart is our commitment to local control of the program and the invaluable role played by the Ugandan Advisory Board. Today we will explore the significance of local authority, the functions of the Advisory Board, and how their involvement ensures the success and sustainability of our programs.

Empowering Ownership: By placing local control at the heart of our organization, BLC strives to empower the Bududa community to take charge of their development. We firmly believe that sustainable change comes from within, and fostering local ownership allows us to address the unique needs and challenges faced by the community. It enables us to tailor our programs to the cultural, social, and economic context of Bududa, ensuring relevance and long-term impact.

Ugandan Advisory Board: The Ugandan Advisory Board, composed of local leaders and parents of former students, plays a pivotal role in guiding BLC's direction and decision-making processes. This diverse group brings their deep understanding of the community's needs, perspectives, and aspirations to the table. Their invaluable insights and expertise help shape the organization's strategic vision, ensuring that our programs remain responsive and effective.

Local Context and Cultural Relevance: The Advisory Board's involvement ensures our programs are rooted in the local context and culture. They help us navigate cultural sensitivities, customs, and norms, which are essential in creating an inclusive learning environment. By understanding and respecting the community's values and traditions, BLC can foster trust, engagement, and a sense of belonging among the students and their families.

Collaborative Decision-making: The Advisory Board actively participates in collective decision-making processes, offering a platform for community voices to be heard. They provide guidance on curriculum development, program expansion, and resource allocation, ensuring that the organization's initiatives align with the community's priorities. This participatory approach strengthens community engagement and promotes accountability and transparency.

Sustainable Growth and Community Support: The involvement of the Advisory Board enhances the sustainability of BLC's programs. As community representatives, they mobilize local support, promote awareness, and facilitate community partnerships. This collaborative effort ensures that the community is invested in the success of BLC, creating a solid foundation for sustainable growth and impact.

The emphasis on local control and the active engagement of the Ugandan Advisory Board lies at the core of Bududa Learning Center's approach to community development. By empowering the community to take ownership and actively participate in decision-making, BLC fosters a sense of pride, ownership, and responsibility among the Bududa community. Through this collaborative approach, we can ensure the sustainability and relevance of our programs, empowering individuals and transforming lives in Bududa, Uganda. Together, we strive for a brighter future, driven by the strength and determination of the local community.