From Roar Week to Reality: Lakewood High School and the Barrett Foundation Transform Early Childhood Education in Uganda
This year marks a monumental achievement in our mission to provide access to quality education to children in rural Uganda! Thanks to the incredible efforts of Lakewood High School students during Roar Week in January 2024, $21,000 was raised in just 5 days to construct the Global Leaders Nursery School. This project now stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity, featuring three spacious classrooms, a staff office, an outdoor lunch gazebo, tiled and climate-controlled classrooms, new toilets, TVs in each room, play materials, desks, and even a trampoline!
Our new trampoline is bringing lots of JOY to our pre-primary & lower primary students!
But the story doesn’t end there. Inspired by the work of Far Away Friends and the power of global partnerships, the ES and KE Barrett Foundation generously contributed an additional $14,000 to fully outfit the preschool. This support ensures that every child in the nursery school has the resources they need to thrive in their early childhood journey.
The Impact of Early Childhood Education
Research consistently shows that early childhood education (ECE) has a profound impact on a child's life. Studies indicate that children who attend preschool are more likely to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which lay the foundation for lifelong learning.
In Uganda, the benefits of preschool are equally significant. According to data from UNICEF, children who participate in early childhood education are 50% more likely to transition successfully into primary school. However, access to quality preschool education remains limited, especially in rural areas like our region of Amolatar District.
The construction of our preschool was completed with the support of local engineers and construction teams with the intent of keeping funds flowing locally and empowering local small businesses with our work!
Kizza, (22) whose sister graduated from our school, was one of the local construction workers who supported this project. We are so proud of you, Kizza!
Meeting a Vital Need in Our Village
The Global Leaders Nursery School is now the only stand-alone pre-primary center in Adagani village, making it a highly sought-after institution. Parents are eager to enroll their children, recognizing the immense value of early education. With the support of the Barrett Foundation and the dedication of Lakewood High School students, we are able to provide a safe, nurturing, and resource-rich environment that will set these children on a path to success.
Our classrooms are beginning to come together! We are so grateful for the support of the ES and KE Barrett Foundation who are helping to outfit our classrooms for our pre-primary students!
Why This Matters
By providing a strong start their education as early as possible, we are not just investing in futures for children in this village — we are investing in the future of our entire global community. The impact of quality early childhood education extends far beyond the classroom. It strengthens families, boosts local economies, and contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty.
We are deeply grateful to Lakewood High School, the Barrett Foundation, and all of our supporters for making this dream a reality! Together, we are proving that global partnerships can create lasting change, one classroom at a time.
Each classroom in our Nursery School now has whiteboards thanks to the ES & KE Barrett Foundation, keeping our classrooms free from chalk dust around our littlest learners!
Join the movement:
If you are inspired by this story, consider joining us in our mission. Become an Advocate for Education at $30/month to help us continue providing quality education and meals to all our students. Your support can change futures!
