Following our stated goals, Quench and Connect will focus on projects that combine the needs for clean water with educational enrichment at schools. We aim to maximize the impact of our efforts by drawing on the linked benefits of clean water access and education of children in developing nations. Our intent is to provide funding, international support, and counsel from specialists, to village schools to improve the health of the children, increase and ensure their classroom attendance, and enrich the teaching environment at the school. In the context of global efforts that currently aid developing nations, this approach is novel.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” --- Margaret Mead
Uganda is a stable republic with nearly 37,000,000 citizens, located in central east Africa. Much of Uganda, principally in the south, is tropical with two rainy seasons that provide two good growing periods during the year. The major developed cities are also in the south, including Kampala, the capital, with nearly 2,000,000 inhabitants. The majority of the population (80%) is rural. Lake Victoria is on the eastern border of Uganda and the source of the Nile River emanates from Lake Victoria. Uganda gained independence from the British colonists in 1962, and then, after 20 ensuing years of political unrest, the current President, Museveni Yoweri, took power to become the first nationally elected President in 1986. He has instituted many political reforms that have benefited the nation, and has made strides to settle tribal and ethnic unrest. Overall, the political situation in Uganda is peaceful, even in the north, and rebel insurgents have left the country. Uganda has been recognized internationally as a member of the United Nations Security Council. Uganda is stable and thriving, and there is clear progress toward modernization and economic growth. Deliberate efforts are being made to develop education, the arts, and other aspects of a free society. The Minister of Education is working to implement a program of universal secondary education in Uganda, with a goal to provide 11 years of education for all Ugandans in the next 15 years. Thus far, of ~3200 secondary schools in Uganda, more than 2000 are private (established by individuals), out-numbering government schools. Many of these private schools are located in rural areas, lacking clean water and electricity. Yet, the quality of education in the private schools by far surpasses that provided in the government-run schools.