We’re providing access to quality education in rural Uganda
In Uganda, over 50% of the population is under 18. We believe education is the key to breaking cycles of poverty and solving community challenges. That's why we invest in children from the most rural villages, empowering them with the tools they need to succeed. Through our model primary school and education programs, we're working with local leaders to empower kids to reach their full potential.
Our Model School
Global Leaders Primary Day & Boarding School
Far Away Friends is dedicated to closing the education gap and providing children in rural communities with the same quality of education as their urban counterparts. In 2016, we opened Global Leaders Primary School (GLP) in the Amolatar region of Uganda, and since then, we are providing direct access to high quality education for 500 students per year from pre-k through 7th grade with the help of over 30 local teachers and school support staff. This also includes access to safe housing, daily meals, and mentorship. We are proud to report that 100% of our Primary 7 students have passed their Primary Leaving Exams in the top two highest divisions since 2018, a testament to the high quality of education we provide at GLP.
In Uganda, access to technology in educational settings is severely limited. It is estimated that less than 10% of schools are equipped with functioning computer labs, despite there being over 15 million school-going children. As a result, an estimated 50% of individuals entering Ugandan universities have never interacted with or do not know how to operate a computer.
This stark technology gap underscores the critical importance and transformative potential of our education technology initiatives at Global Leaders Primary School. By establishing the Global Access Computer Lab, in partnership with Team4Tech and The BABA Foundation (London), we are taking significant steps to empower students from as young as 4th grade with vital technology skills, paving the way for their future success and bridging the digital divide in the region.
Digital Literacy + Technology
School Meals Program
At Far Away Friends, we recognize that proper nutrition is fundamental to learning. Our comprehensive school meals program provides breakfast and lunch for day scholars and three nourishing meals daily to boarding students at Global Leaders Primary. In Uganda, where up to 30% of children suffer from malnutrition, consistent access to food dramatically enhances students' health, focus, and academic performance. As our most vital and costly educational initiative, these meals play a crucial role in ensuring our students can thrive. We invite you to become an Advocate for Education by committing $30 a month, covering the monthly meal costs for one child and making a transformative impact in their life!
100,000
500
STUDENTS ATTENDING GLOBAL LEADERS PRIMARY SCHOOL
MEALS SERVED TO BOTH OUR DAY & BOARDING STUDENTS EACH YEAR
100%
PERCENT OF PRIMARY 7 GRADUATES PASSING PLE EXAM
Distance Learning through COVID
COVID-19 temporarily closed our doors in March of 2020 and sent our students back to their homes. However, thanks to our community of Advocates and supporters like you, we were able to keep all of our Teachers employed and continue to provide our students with 1:1 tutoring and home visits during their time away from school. Check out our blog to read more about how we’ve pivoted our work through the pandemic.
How you can support Global Leaders Primary School
Become an Advocate for $30/month
Our Advocates for Education support student meals, teacher salaries, classroom supplies and more each month starting at $30/mo
Sponsor a Construction Project $5,000
Empower a local infrastructure project at Global Leaders such as new toilets, handwashing stations, or classroom renovations starting at a $5,000. All construction projects empower local workers.
Champion for Children Classroom Sponsor
Leave a lasting legacy of impact by becoming a Champion for Children Classroom Sponsor. For $15,000 you can “adopt” a classroom and follow their journey! A legacy plaque will be added with your family name!
