Americans are familiar with a grade school structure consisting of preschool or pre-K education, elementary school, middle or junior high school, and high school. Grade school systems elsewhere in the world may have a similar structure, but different terminology, attendance policies, and examination types. It’s worth understanding how basic education works in other countries, particularly […]
All conscientious parents want their children to attend good schools. When they have the opportunity to choose where their child completes primary or secondary education—as is the case in Uganda—a little parental homework can go a long way toward boosting student success. Here are some key characteristics Ugandan parents should look for in order to […]
Many Americans are accustomed to having four seasons in the year, and plenty of us look forward to spring for relief from harsh winter weather. However, in tropical countries near the equator—like Indonesia, Brazil, and Uganda—there are only wet and dry seasons, and large portions of these countries experience two of each per year. For […]
Although many Americans have heard little about it, the 1980s and 1990s in Uganda were devastating periods in the country’s history, which has lasting effects today. They were marked by a combination of crises that left millions of children orphaned, traumatized, and impoverished. Here are some important things to know about these crises. Crises in […]
Having readily available clean water for drinking and hygiene is essential for the health and well-being of people in any community. But whereas residents of wealthy nations typically have only to turn on a tap to use this resource, there are major challenges around the lack of clean water in Africa in sub-Saharan countries like […]
In January 2022, Ugandan schools reopened after over a year and a half, the longest lockdown in the entire world. It soon became evident that, as had been the case after lockdowns even in wealthy nations, students had fallen behind in their education. But in Uganda, the pandemic only exacerbated previous interruptions in learning caused […]
Although you’re doubtless familiar with the new emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in US schools and youth programming, you might be wondering how other countries are faring in this regard. Unsurprisingly, the nations that stand to benefit most from robust STEM industries often struggle the most to implement education programs to […]
In the Christmas Nativity story, some distinguished men—likely astrologists or astronomers—traveled for miles using the light of a “star” (later known as the Star of Bethlehem or the Christmas star) to locate the infant savior Jesus and bring him gifts. Although the actual source of the light is unknown, some astronomers believe it may have […]
Each winter, Americans search for the best holiday deals on Christmas gifts like tech toys, appliances, and household goods. Yet education is the best gift you can give in Uganda, whose rates of secondary school completion were just 62% in 2018 and have likely worsened after the world’s longest pandemic lockdown. Currently, the government is […]
Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 to offer philanthropic balance to the consumerist American tradition of Black Friday, which kicks off the holiday shopping season. If you participate in this tradition of giving, congratulations: you are making the holidays more meaningful for yourself and the communities you support. Still, it can be challenging to decide […]
Every year, on the fourth Thursday in November, Americans everywhere gather to share plentiful and even extravagant feasts with friends and family. Afterward, people loosen their belts and resolve to undo the damage of saturated fats, sugars, and over-processed carbohydrates with more exercise and healthier foods. That’s because despite being among the most obese populations […]
In many countries, religious conflicts are almost inseparable from complex political ones; religious conflict in Africa is no exception, and Uganda is a major example of this. Christianity is the dominant religion in Uganda, with 82% of citizens identifying as Roman Catholic, Anglican, or Pentecostal Christian. About 14% of the population is Muslim; most are […]
The nation of Uganda has endured various violent political conflicts since it became independent from the UK in 1962. The longest of these was the Ugandan Bush War in Northern Uganda, also called the Ugandan Civil War and the Luwero War. Today, survivors of this decades-long war are still battling mental health disorders related to […]
Mason and Morgan Satterfield are heading back to Uganda! After taking some time in the states to welcome their baby, Zeke, they are officially transitioning back to the place their hearts call home. For those who do not know, Mason has served with Simone’s Kids since 2012 and Morgan since 2014. They are so excited […]
In the US, Europe, and other high-income parts of the world, students are returning to school as a predictable matter of course. Yet in many low-income countries, and particularly in sub-Saharan African countries like Uganda, going back to school is far from a given for millions of primary and secondary school students. Here’s a look […]