Initiative to build Ugandan school has immediate impact amidst COVID

Throughout our lives, we have moments we feel define our worth. Sometimes they’re small. (A tiny voice pronouncing, “I learned that from you, Mommy.”) Sometimes they’re big. (A highly recognized achievement award) And I believe they’re all notable stepping stones along our path through life. One of these moments hit me yesterday when I received a video message from a group of men in Uganda.?

Last month we began building a school in Rubona, a small village that sits at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. My husband, Patrick, and I wanted to do what we could to help break the cycle of poverty in the small, very young and overpopulated country. This was a dream 14+ years in the making, so seeing it come to life feels like a small miracle. But what I realized over the past few weeks was about much more than the impact the school will have for local children. Rather, for the first time, I’m seeing the impact it’s having present day.

At an average income of less than $2.00 a day, Ugandans are used to living with little. They are, out of pure necessity, survivors. And now, it’s harder than ever. In an effort to maintain the spread of COVID-19 in a country with a severe vaccine shortage, the government instituted strict rules for businesses and limited travel to only emergency vehicles and tourists. In essence, while it was incredibly difficult for people to find work before, it’s nearly impossible now. But in a small way, we’re able to help.

Building a school is no small feat. We needed workers. Since construction started in mid June, we hired more than 70 Ugandans to do everything from making the bricks, transporting the materials and now constructing the structure. While many are local, others walked from Kasese — a 35-mile hike under the hot African sun. The work, they tell us, is worth it. Some live on site in a structure they built at the beginning of the project. It’s not much, but they have shelter and food from our on-site cooks.?

When I remember (which isn’t often enough), I send them video messages. I thank them for their dedication to the project. I remind them their hard work will help provide a better future for the children of the village. And I let them know I look forward to when I can celebrate everything they’ve accomplished in person someday. It’s a short video with big meaning. Yesterday, they sent one in return.?

In a beautiful language I don’t understand, the job site engineer, standing amidst the builders, thanked us for providing them the opportunity to work on this project. He said they love what they are doing and look forward to finishing it to perfection. While I don’t speak Rukonjo, the message came through loud and clear. We are, today, making a difference. And that video served as a personal stepping stone that will continue to fuel my passion to complete this work. I hope you’ll join me.

While we anticipated the project (construction of five classrooms, a kitchen, dining hall, administrative building, library, teacher’s lounge and bathrooms) would cost an estimated $50,000, the pandemic also hit us hard. While we achieved our fundraising goal, our cost of goods rose dramatically over the last month. We now need an additional $20,000 in order to keep these men working and the project on track. If this work speaks to you, we invite you to help in whatever way you can. Donations of all sizes help us maintain progress and support Ugandan workers.?

Learn more about Building for Bridget, a 501(c)(3), and this project at www.buildingforbridget.org or follow us at https://www.facebook.com/building4bridget .?

Want to see the progress to date? Check out this short video. Watch until the end. ;)