Connecting Classrooms through Creativity
In late 2008, BULA developed a youth art exchange between schools in Uganda and the United States. This exchange, entitled Connecting Classrooms through Creativity, has been very successful and exciting for all students (and teachers!) involved. Each student is able to share his/her life, id
eas and perceptions in the most creative way with students across the world. The artwork is displayed on the walls of schools in Uganda and on those schools participating in the US.
This also serves as a fundraising campaign. Beyond the cultural exchange, the students in America are actively supporting the cause. With each piece of artwork, a donation of $1 is requested. The concept behind this is to demonstrate how every little effort can make a difference to someone else, even across the world. Imagine if every child gave $1 to help build a school for those that didn't have one?
Washington and Lee University Elrod Fellowship
In 2006, Board member, Stacy Mcloughlin Taylor, recognized the need for a long term volunteer presence to provide stability for the Children's Home and the school. Through a great deal of coordination and determination, Stacy started the Elrod Fellowship program at W&L to send a graduate to Uganda.
The fellowship took a turn in the summer of 2008 when Walker, Melissa andAndie discussed revamping the fellowship to better serve the community. Thus was born the full year fellowship program working at St. Kizito Primary School. The selected fellow was to implement an After School Program to further enhance the education received there. In addition, the program would have additional components involving fundraising and the development of his/her own project for the village.
The fellow was selected in early 2009 and the incredible recipient, Mackenzie Brown, demonstrated great passion for development issues and a willingness to immerse herself fully into Uganda. Mackenzie is in Uganda now serving as a teacher's aid and running the after school program. Read her blog at: http://www.mackenzieinuganda.blogspot.com
BULA And Teachers
BULA has been committed to not only providing structural improvements to St. Kizito, but also to providing material and real support to the actual instruction of class.
In the fall of 2008, BULA assembled a group of retired and passionate 
teachers to assist in this aspect. Monthly, this group meets and develops lesson plans to be used in after school program that will supplement the education received during the day. Few materials and rigid exams make the classroom work strict. This after school program will be a way for students to apply what they learn, develop their English skills and have fun! A graduate of Washington and Lee University who is the recipient of a Fellowship Program designed by BULA will implement this program.
The group remains committed to the project as the fellow begins the program. Over time, we hope to enhance the program further maximizing the anticipated benefits, creating a fun way for the students to expand their knowledge, comprehension and language skills, and their imagination.