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#BuyAbrick for a resource centre for deprived children in Kibuli Schools

The 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation (4040) has been at the frontline of providing literacy solutions to children in underserved communities in Kibuli. Through their campaign #BuyAbrick, the foundation is gearing up to establish a literacy resource centre, a dream that has been five years in the making.

#BuyAbrick for Angaza Resource Centre

Over the past five years, through their Angaza Programme, 4040 has strived to fence off children from poor families from dropping out of school and absenteeism due to the circumstances they live in.

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The Foundation has sought to mitigate the illiteracy levels indicated in the UNICEF report from 2019 which states that due to poverty, 52 per cent of children are unable to read and write, 95 per cent lack books in the home and 89 per cent lack educational toys and games or somewhere to study in their homes.

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The Foundation extends literacy programmes to these communities with the aim of improving learning outcomes for children. It is currently in partnership with Quentin and Merowa Junior Schools and previously, Boston Junior School and Makindye Community Nursery and Primary School.

The Angaza Programme provides learning aids such as story books and games and every Friday, 4040 volunteers meet the children for sessions that promote literacy.

Life skills such as self-awareness, community agency and resourcefulness are foundational in the Programme to shape the children to favourably compete with their counterparts in ‘good’ schools.

To scale the work and boost impact among the children, 4040 set out to create the Angaza Resource Centre.

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“The first of many, the centre will complement activities of the Angaza Programme by enabling different schools to borrow textbooks and learning materials and offer space for children to read, play, interact with their peers and take computer lessons,” Gloria Mbabazi, Head of the Angaza

The modern architectural structure will champion a learner-centred education by upskilling teachers for learner-centred education, resource-making, inclusivity and leadership.

Through various crowdfunding campaigns, the Foundation has collected Shs136 million out of the Shs176 million necessary to construct the centre.

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Similar campaigns have enabled the Foundation to provide facilities for over 300 children by constructing two dormitories at Happy Times Junior School in Luweero and Elohim in Bombo.

Through the current #BuyAbrick campaign, it seeks to raise the remaining Shs40 million to raise resources and procure materials.

“With just 10K, you could help us buy a couple of children's story books, for 20K a few puzzles, and for 50K get us some textbooks. We have reached this far because of the generosity of people like you. Together, we can do it again,” Esther Kalenzi, Team Lead, 4040.

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Interested and willing individuals, organisations and groups of people can also donate gently used items such as computers, children’s story books, textbooks, games, educational charts, projectors and printers.

Donations can be made via Mobile Money and contact numbers (for in-kind donations): MTN 0776 840 407 or AIRTEL 0757 140407 or MOMO 643158. You can also donate through DFCU Bank under Account number 01083551658354. All are registered under the name Forty Days over Forty Smiles Foundation, or use the online via Global Giving at bit.ly/donate4040.

Email: info@fortydaysoverfortysmiles.org

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