The Critical Need for Schools - Rural Uganda: Transforming Lives Through Education
Michael Ryer • September 10, 2024
In rural areas of Uganda, thousands of children grow up without access to schools, depriving them of the right to education and the opportunities it brings. For many children, the nearest school is over 10 or even 20 miles away, making daily attendance an impossible task. As a result, these children miss out on the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty. One such community is Burpong Village, where Missionpoint is working tirelessly to raise $200,000 to build a school that will serve over 300 children.
The Importance of Childhood Education
Education is a fundamental human right that transforms lives and communities. It is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, fostering economic development, and promoting equality. Yet, in many parts of Uganda, children remain deprived of access to even basic primary education. Several global reports and studies emphasize the immense impact that childhood education can have.
1. Breaking the Cycle of Poverty:
According to the United Nations, education plays a vital role in lifting communities out of poverty. Children who attend school are more likely to secure better-paying jobs and contribute to their country’s economic growth. In Uganda, the World Bank notes that poverty remains a significant barrier to education, with over 21% of children of primary school age not attending school .
2. Empowering Girls Through Education:
For girls, education is particularly critical. Studies show that when girls have access to education, they are less likely to marry early and more likely to contribute to their family’s income. UNICEF reports that girls' education in rural Uganda is often hindered by long distances to schools, gender-based violence, and a lack of resources. Educating girls results in healthier families and empowers future generations.
3. Developing Essential Life Skills:
Education goes beyond reading and writing. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills that are essential for navigating life's challenges. In Uganda, where young people make up a significant proportion of the population, providing children with these skills is crucial for the country’s future stability and growth .
The State of Education in Rural Uganda
Uganda has made strides in increasing access to education, especially through the Universal Primary Education (UPE) policy implemented in 1997. However, there are still vast disparities between urban and rural areas. In Burpong Village, for example, there is no school within a 20-mile radius. Children must either stay home or embark on dangerous journeys to far-off schools, risking their safety in the process.
The lack of infrastructure is a common issue in Uganda’s rural areas. According to the Ugandan Ministry of Education, many rural regions lack basic educational facilities, trained teachers, and essential supplies like textbooks and desks. As a result, children are denied the opportunity to learn in safe, supportive environments that foster their growth.
Missionpoint's Initiative: Building a School in Burpong Village
To address this urgent need, Missionpoint is embarking on a transformative project to build a school in Burpong Village. The $200,000 fundraising goal will enable us to construct a school equipped with classrooms, sanitation facilities, and the necessary educational resources to provide high-quality education to over 300 children.
Why Burpong?
Burpong Village epitomizes the educational challenges that rural Uganda faces. Despite being home to hundreds of children, there are no nearby schools, and families struggle to provide their children with any form of education. The school we plan to build will be the first of its kind in the area, providing children with a safe space to learn, play, and grow.
The Impact of Your Support
By supporting the Burpong School initiative, you are directly contributing to the future of over 300 children who otherwise would not have access to education. These children will gain the skills and knowledge they need to create better futures for themselves and their families. Your donations will help build classrooms, provide learning materials, and ensure that trained teachers are available to deliver quality education.
Beyond Basic Education
Our vision for the Burpong School goes beyond basic education. We plan to integrate life skills training, health education, and community development programs. These initiatives will not only benefit the students but also uplift the entire Burpong community by empowering them with knowledge and skills that can improve their livelihoods.
How Education Changes Lives
Educating children in Uganda’s rural areas can have long-lasting ripple effects. Research has shown that children who complete primary and secondary education have higher incomes, better health, and improved quality of life. They are also more likely to send their children to school, creating a generational shift toward education and prosperity.
Moreover, schools can serve as community hubs, offering services such as health education, vocational training, and adult literacy programs. Building a school in Burpong Village will provide much more than academic knowledge—it will serve as a catalyst for social and economic transformation.
How You Can Help
We invite you to join us in this life-changing mission. Whether you can contribute financially, spread the word about the campaign, or become a volunteer, your support is invaluable. Every dollar brings us closer to the goal of $200,000, and every step forward helps provide the children of Burpong with the education they deserve.
Visit our campaign page to donate or learn more about how you can get involved. With your help, we can turn the dream of education into a reality for hundreds of children in Burpong Village.

Conclusion: Education Is the Future
The importance of building schools in Uganda’s rural areas cannot be overstated. Access to education is not just a right; it is the foundation for a better future. By providing children in Burpong Village with the opportunity to learn, we are giving them the tools they need to succeed and thrive. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of these children and their community.
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Our team will then branch out to rural areas surrounding the city, where healthcare access is limited. We've chosen this time frame to avoid the rainy season and make travel easier for both our volunteers and the local communities we'll serve. The exact locations within Bujumbura and the surrounding regions will be finalized closer to the event date. We're working closely with local authorities to identify the areas of greatest need. Services Offered At the Medical Camp Burundi, we're bringing a wide range of essential healthcare services to underserved communities. Our team of volunteer doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals will provide general check-ups, vaccinations, and basic treatments for common illnesses. We'll also offer specialized services like dental care, eye exams, and women's health screenings. Mental health support will be a key component of our camp, with counselors available to provide much-needed psychological care. 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By working with local community leaders and health officials, we're ensuring that our services reach those who need them most. Our goal is to make a lasting impact on these communities' health and well-being. How You Can Support Medical Outreach Your support can make a world of difference in the lives of those we serve. Here's how you can get involved and contribute to our Medical Camp Burundi. Volunteer Opportunities We're looking for passionate individuals to join our team and make a real impact at the Medical Camp Burundi . If you're a healthcare professional, your skills are invaluable. We need doctors, nurses, dentists, optometrists, and mental health professionals. Your expertise will directly improve the health of hundreds of people. Non-medical volunteers are just as crucial. We need help with logistics, translation, health education, and community outreach. Your support will ensure the smooth running of the camp and help us connect with the local communities. 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These items can significantly improve quality of life for many in the communities we serve. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our goal of providing essential healthcare to those who need it most. Your support can literally save lives. The Impact of Compassionate Care The power of compassionate care goes beyond immediate medical treatment. Let's explore the lasting impact our Medical Camp Burundi can have on individuals and communities. Stories from Past Camps Our previous medical camps have left lasting impressions on both the communities we've served and our volunteers. These stories showcase the real impact of our work. Take Maria, a young mother from a rural village. She'd been struggling with an undiagnosed condition for years. At our camp, she finally received proper care and medication. Now, she's healthy and able to care for her family. Then there's John, a volunteer nurse from the US. He was deeply moved by the gratitude of the people he helped. The experience changed his perspective on healthcare and inspired him to continue volunteering. We also met Amina, a local teenager who attended our health education workshop. She's now spreading the knowledge she gained to her peers, becoming a health advocate in her community. These stories remind us why we do what we do. They show that with compassionate care, we can change lives one person at a time. Long-term Benefits for Communities The impact of our Medical Camp Burundi extends far beyond the days we're there. We're creating long-lasting positive changes in the communities we serve. By providing immediate healthcare, we're preventing minor issues from becoming major health crises. This reduces the burden on local healthcare systems and improves overall community health. Our health education workshops empower people with knowledge about preventive care. This leads to healthier lifestyle choices and better management of chronic conditions in the long run. We also work to build capacity within local healthcare systems. By partnering with local health workers and sharing knowledge, we help strengthen the community's ability to address health issues independently. Lastly, our camps often spark interest in healthcare careers among local youth. This can lead to more healthcare professionals serving their own communities in the future, creating a sustainable cycle of improved health care. Through these efforts, we're not just providing temporary relief, but contributing to lasting change in Burundi's healthcare landscape.
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Our team will then branch out to rural areas surrounding the city, where healthcare access is limited. We've chosen this time frame to avoid the rainy season and make travel easier for both our volunteers and the local communities we'll serve. The exact locations within Bujumbura and the surrounding regions will be finalized closer to the event date. We're working closely with local authorities to identify the areas of greatest need. Services Offered At the Medical Camp Burundi, we're bringing a wide range of essential healthcare services to underserved communities. Our team of volunteer doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals will provide general check-ups, vaccinations, and basic treatments for common illnesses. We'll also offer specialized services like dental care, eye exams, and women's health screenings. Mental health support will be a key component of our camp, with counselors available to provide much-needed psychological care. Additionally, we'll be running health education workshops to empower communities with knowledge about preventive care and healthy living practices. Lastly, we'll distribute essential medications and medical supplies to those who need them most, ensuring that the impact of our camp extends beyond the duration of our stay. Targeted Communities Our Medical Camp Burundi aims to reach the most vulnerable and underserved populations in and around Bujumbura. We're focusing on rural communities where access to healthcare is severely limited. These areas often lack basic medical facilities and struggle with issues like malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and preventable illnesses. We're also targeting urban slums in Bujumbura, where overcrowding and poor sanitation lead to numerous health challenges. Special attention will be given to children, pregnant women, and the elderly, who are often the most affected by lack of healthcare access. By working with local community leaders and health officials, we're ensuring that our services reach those who need them most. Our goal is to make a lasting impact on these communities' health and well-being. How You Can Support Medical Outreach Your support can make a world of difference in the lives of those we serve. Here's how you can get involved and contribute to our Medical Camp Burundi. Volunteer Opportunities We're looking for passionate individuals to join our team and make a real impact at the Medical Camp Burundi . If you're a healthcare professional, your skills are invaluable. We need doctors, nurses, dentists, optometrists, and mental health professionals. Your expertise will directly improve the health of hundreds of people. Non-medical volunteers are just as crucial. We need help with logistics, translation, health education, and community outreach. Your support will ensure the smooth running of the camp and help us connect with the local communities. Volunteering isn't just about giving - it's also about personal growth. You'll gain unique experiences, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you've made a real difference in people's lives. Donations and Supplies Needed Can't join us in person? You can still play a vital role in our Medical Camp Burundi through donations and supplies. Financial contributions are always welcome. Your money will go towards purchasing medical equipment, medications, and supplies. It will also help cover logistical costs like transportation and accommodation for our volunteer team. We also need donations of medical supplies. Things like bandages, syringes, gloves, and basic medications are always in high demand. Even small contributions can make a big difference. Non-medical items are needed too. We're looking for donations of hygiene products, reading glasses, and educational materials. These items can significantly improve quality of life for many in the communities we serve. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our goal of providing essential healthcare to those who need it most. Your support can literally save lives. The Impact of Compassionate Care The power of compassionate care goes beyond immediate medical treatment. Let's explore the lasting impact our Medical Camp Burundi can have on individuals and communities. Stories from Past Camps Our previous medical camps have left lasting impressions on both the communities we've served and our volunteers. These stories showcase the real impact of our work. Take Maria, a young mother from a rural village. She'd been struggling with an undiagnosed condition for years. At our camp, she finally received proper care and medication. Now, she's healthy and able to care for her family. Then there's John, a volunteer nurse from the US. He was deeply moved by the gratitude of the people he helped. The experience changed his perspective on healthcare and inspired him to continue volunteering. We also met Amina, a local teenager who attended our health education workshop. She's now spreading the knowledge she gained to her peers, becoming a health advocate in her community. These stories remind us why we do what we do. They show that with compassionate care, we can change lives one person at a time. Long-term Benefits for Communities The impact of our Medical Camp Burundi extends far beyond the days we're there. We're creating long-lasting positive changes in the communities we serve. By providing immediate healthcare, we're preventing minor issues from becoming major health crises. This reduces the burden on local healthcare systems and improves overall community health. Our health education workshops empower people with knowledge about preventive care. This leads to healthier lifestyle choices and better management of chronic conditions in the long run. We also work to build capacity within local healthcare systems. By partnering with local health workers and sharing knowledge, we help strengthen the community's ability to address health issues independently. Lastly, our camps often spark interest in healthcare careers among local youth. This can lead to more healthcare professionals serving their own communities in the future, creating a sustainable cycle of improved health care. Through these efforts, we're not just providing temporary relief, but contributing to lasting change in Burundi's healthcare landscape.
Blake Johnes had not seen his daughter in three years.
A Permanent Endowment to Serve Children, Families, and the Gospel—Forever In a world where needs never stop, we must build solutions that never run dry. That’s the heart behind the John LaNoue Sr. Forever Fund , a permanent endowment hosted by HighGround Advisors and stewarded by Amigos Internacionales . This fund protects its principal forever and uses investment income to fuel long-term impact through water, education, health, and Gospel-centered outreach. This is more than a donation. It’s a legacy. And it’s needed now more than ever.
One Surgery. One Child. A Lifetime Transformed 15% of Ugandan children will require surgical care before age 18. Only a fraction ever receive it . Rural children are hit hardest : over 80% of cases are in remote villages. Almost half of surgical needs remain unmet . Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is common. These children suffer feeding challenges, risk of aspiration, chronic ear infections, and speech delay . Malnutrition is rampant : up to 68% of infants with CL/P in Uganda are undernourished; many remain ineligible for surgery due to frail health Untreated consequences : ongoing pain, family isolation, lifelong stigma, lost chances, and even school dropout . Yet the solution exists. Simple, safe surgery can restore wholeness. But time, resources, and access—especially in remote regions—are missing.
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In the hills of Buhweju District in southwestern Uganda, the world had grown dim for 39-year-old John Paul Taremwa. Blinded in one eye by disease, and slowly losing vision in the other due to a cataract, John Paul lived on the edge of complete darkness. Each day became more difficult—navigating uneven paths, depending on others, feeling the slow erosion of dignity that comes when something as basic and vital as sight begins to slip away. At Amigos Internacionales, we believe that no one should have to live that way. Ours mission has never been about numbers or events—it’s about people like John Paul. We exist to restore hope through healing, to meet both physical and spiritual needs in places the world often forgets.
In a remote village in southwestern Uganda, a woman named Joy once faced the devastating possibility of permanent blindness. Last year, driven by deteriorating vision and rising desperation, she traveled many kilometers on foot to reach a government hospital in hopes of receiving cataract surgery. But the cost— 3,000,000 Ugandan shillings (approximately $800 USD )—was impossibly high. She returned home defeated. “I decided to forget about my left eye,” Joy shared. “And I prayed my right eye wouldn’t die.”
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