Building a Bwoga Elementary Library – Bel (Our Causes)

The construction of the library began in August 2021, led by a team of local members which was one of our causes. The construction is expected to reach completion in July 2023. Once the building is complete. The library will be equipped with relevant books, technology, and local staff, including a trained librarian who can lead early-learning programs.

The staff will also be a resource for after-school and summer programs for Bwoga children including being mentors and organizing reading challenges, computer literacy activities, and other skill-building activities. The library will have open-access hours for children to use computers, rent books, and access mentors and other resources. Moreover, Bwoga Elementary Library – BEL’s programming will include initiatives to provide Bwoga children with access to scholarships. And entrance exam materials to enable them to further their education in secondary school, technical colleges, or universities.

Some of Our Causes. Bwaga Elementary Library Under Construction

Bwoga Elementary Library

An Impression of the Library Once Complete.

Our Causes

View of a Partially Finished Library from a Distance

Bwoga Elementary Library Holiday Reading Program

Bwoga Elementary Library launched Holiday Reading Program in April 2022 and has conducted two reading programs so far. The 4-week program, whose curriculum is developed in cooperation with the local elementary school, aims to promote reading and reading comprehension among Bwoga children. In a typical meeting, children spend half of the time engaged in reading, and the other half engaged in activities related to character-building and environmental education. The sessions are led by a local schoolteacher and high school or college student volunteers.

Daily Activities at BEL Community

Bwoga Elementary Library Projects

A lesson about community students.

Bwoga Elementary Library

Gathering to pray to start the day.

Some of the beneficiaries of the Bwoga Elementary Library scholarship fund stand with BEL community leaders in front of the library.

BEL Scholarship fund

Bwoga Elementary Library started a scholarship fund in January 2022 for students who have academic potential but are in great financial need. As of Nov. 2022, BEL has invested $3600 in scholarships, sponsoring 12 students (7 girls and 5 boys). The education completion rate in Bwoga is low, much lower than the national average.

For example, less than one percent of families in Bwoga have a child who has completed post secondary education. The main reasons for this low rate of school completion are poverty and a lack of supportive learning environments or infrastructure.

beneficiaries of the scholarship
Our Causes

The Bwoga Elementary Library scholarship covers tuition and school supplies (about $400 per student per academic year).

Scholarship recipients are chosen based on certain criteria including gender and the extent of financial need. Many families in Bwoga are poor. So, in the future BEL hopes to expand scholarship opportunities to more Bwoga children.