Africa ELI considers the education of girls and young women the single most effective solution to ending endemic civil strife in Uganda. Our Key Projects Include Scholarship Distribution and Practical Skill Building.
Current Projects
Wellbeing Club
Africa ELI is partnering with the University of California San Diego (UCSD), Department of Education to co-design and co-implement the Well-being Club program through the leadership of Prof Amy Bintliff. This program uses a practical and afrocentric co-designed well-being curriculum and pedagogy that is based on a 4W well-being Model. The Well-being program empowers a student-centered pedagogy. Through understanding Self, students are empowered with the knowledge to respond, cope and build resilience resulting from negative well-being spheres of influence. The Well-being Program has been piloted twice in 2021. 25 Africa ELI beneficiaries were engaged through artistic learning, communication circles and mindful activities which improved voicing of youth challenges, the students’ communication improved as well as their team working, confidence and self esteem and leadership The full implementation of this student-based pedagogy and curriculum is under implementation at Excel International while working with students, teachers, well-being facilitators and mentors. Unlocking students’ potential starts by investing in the individual emotional-wellbeing of every learner.
Literacy Program
According to the 2019/2020 Uganda National Housing Survey by UBOS, the male literacy rate is higher than females by 10%. This data shows that there is more effort to support female learners in literacy. Africa ELI provides literacy support for Early graders by providing access to reading resources. We believe that when a child learns to read at an early age, they read to learn during their primary and secondary levels. Our literacy program therefore, target early learners in both nursery and primary schools especially including refugee learners. We collaborate with schools to support children’s reading, writing and comprehension skills through literacy clubs. We use the read aloud genre to support their cognitive abilities and critical thinking. We also run a community library which is accessible for children and their parents to support children’s reading competences.
Africa ELI Academic Achievers’ Funding (AAAF)
Africa ELI Academic Achievers Funding (AAAF) is an academic funding for secondary scholars which provides fully funded scholarships, bursaries (half-tuition) and special funding for basic school supplies to selected Africa ELI beneficiaries. AAAF funding is designed as a collaborative contribution by Africa ELI, student beneficiaries, their parents and partner schools to enable a conducive learning environment for the beneficiaries to thrive.
Additional Programming
Africa ELI offers a variety of additional programming aimed at increasing retention, reducing at-risk behaviors, and preparing students for post-secondary experiences. Activities are open to all students studying in locations where Africa ELI scholars are enrolled. Program availability is based upon funding. Programs include:
Tutoring
Academic tutoring is available for all of our students.
Sports
Supports school teams with supplies, First-aid items, and playing fees.
International Visitation
Increases awareness about the world and different cultures; offers access to broad teaching and learning styles.
Holiday Retreats
Provides tutoring and extra lessons during term breaks.
Note: Due to the ongoing crisis in South Sudan and the escalation of violence since 2016 in Yei, we have been forced to temporarily suspend some of our programs. Suspended programs include:
Health Outreach
Raises awareness of good health and hygiene through volunteering at local hospitals, clinics, and PHCUs.
Green Club
Promotes care for the environment through activities such as planting trees.
Sewing Lessons
Builds skills for entrepreneurial work in tailoring, fashion design, and clothing repair.
Radio Debates
Builds confidence and improves communication and English-speaking skills.
Leadership Development Workshops
Provides students and teachers with opportunities to learn about gender equity, meeting management, and leadership styles.
GEM Club Training of Trainers
Emphasize the importance of education for all through allying girls and boys (Girls Education Movement).
Journalism Club
Provides access to journalists for improved writing and communication skills.
Career Days
Introduces various jobs and provides guidance in career selection.