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Why education is so important in Africa

We built and run 3 of our own schools. The Kids Pioneers Primary School, which provides primary education for 400 children. On Nkosi Island, a small island in the middle of the great Lake Victoria. And in Alebtong, we run a school that is attended by many refugee children.

Why we built three schools in Uganda

With a holistic approach to education that emphasises culture and sport as well as maths and physics, Kids of Africa has built a school for around four hundred and fifty pupils. At the same time, with the help of donors and friends, public schools have been built in two other locations in Uganda to ensure that access to education is guaranteed for the communities.

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Going to school is the best way out of poverty

Education is important. But it is not everything. For us, the focus is on people and their practical life skills. We lay the foundations for this from an early age. Reading, maths, imagination, but also sport, art, music and an understanding of nature. Holistic and child-centred. That is the most sustainable.

Later on, vocational training is particularly important. Good manual skills are more important to us than diplomas. We promote talent, vocational training, self-confidence, critical thinking and taking responsibility.

Education costs, but no education costs even more

We also work outside our village to combat the consequences of a lack of education. Because no man is an island. That’s why outreach is a matter of course for us.

Many schools in Uganda have been closed since the pandemic. Families lost jobs and savings. Vicious circles of poverty created hunger, hardship, violence and disease. They prevented thousands from starting school.

This is exactly where our scholarship programme comes in. We give those affected access to education. Children in need of help whose course in life would be poorly set without this support.

There are currently over a thousand educational scholarships. Each one enables children to attend school and strengthens them, their families and society. That’s why donations for educational scholarships and school sponsorships are the starting point. A lot can be achieved in this area with little effort.

But there is more to it than that. Schools are also communities and drivers of socio-economic development. This is where jobs, friendships and more are created. This is where parents, children and pupils come together.

Our school projects

Today, we support over 60 schools across the country with around 1000 educational scholarships. In addition, we now successfully run various schools. All our schools are proud of their good reputation. Our students do well in their final exams. They are popular with employers. That’s why more and more families – including those who can pay school fees – are sending their children to us. Because success is contagious.

That is the secret of sustainability. It shows how small projects sometimes make big waves. For example, when the school fees that our schools earn are used to create further scholarships for those in need. It is a sustainable commitment to education, development and the power of better ideas.

Kids Pioneers Primary School

The Kids Pioneers Primary School offers lessons at primary school level for 400 pupils. A larger sports facility for our talented athletes is being planned. Because we grow through sport.

School on Nkosi Island

In 2015, we built a school on Nkosi Island, a small island in the middle of the great Lake Victoria. The only one on the island with a large population. The school is more than just a school. It also offers protection, community and sports facilities.

The school in Alebtong

We run a school in Alebtong, northern Uganda, which is attended by many refugee children. More than one million African refugees live in Uganda. Many of them can neither read nor write. For them, schools create prospects for a better future in Africa.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Do you have any questions?
We have the answers.

How are the expenses for advertising and fundraising paid?

All advertising and fundraising expenses are paid privately by the founder of Kids of Africa, Burkhard Varnholt – as his own donation to the project, so to speak.

How can I donate for Kids of Africa?

Fill in the form on our website and transfer the amount you have chosen. We offer the following payment methods:

  • Credit card
  • Twint
  • Postfinance
  • Bank transfer
Will I receive a donation receipt for my donation?

If you wish, we will be happy to issue you with a donation receipt. In this case, please select “Yes, I would like a donation receipt for my tax return” on the form.

How high is the share of administrative costs in total expenditure?

The organisation is unconditionally committed to its purpose. Every single donation flows directly into the project and thus reaches the children in some form. The administrative costs are kept to a minimum. No salaries or fees are paid to the members. The work involved in marketing, communication and fundraising is also often donated in kind.

Kids of Africa guarantees that one hundred per cent of every franc donated reaches our many protégés.

Because we believe in each of them! Thank you for your help!

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Kids of Africa - Association
Schiffbaustrasse 12
8005 Zurich
Switzerland

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Address in Switzerland

Kids of Africa - Association
Schiffbaustrasse 12
8005 Zurich
Switzerland

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