On the 12th of June 2018 there was a special celebration in Bujuuko (along Mityana Road) at a location which is soon to be opened as an educational facility.
The celebration marked the successful completion of the first phase in the construction of the new International High school (Empower International Academy), and saying farewell to Rick Taves, project team leader for Engineering Ministries International (EMI), the construction company running the establishment.
A prayer of blessing for Rick Taves and his wife.
During the celebration, the spirit of oneness and unity was in the atmosphere as testimonies from those who were there from the inception was shared and many burst out in joy and some tears of gratefulness.
Ricky who during his speech expressed how privileged he felt about the building of the international school said that this structure is not just a building but rather building lives for generations to come.
Rick Taves receives a gift at the function.
“The people (of Uganda) are wonderful. I enjoy learning different cultures and different ideas. I enjoyed it very much. We’re a little sad that we have to go home,” said Rick Taves to Ug Gospel Life during a brief interaction after he gave us a tour of the facility. Together with his wife, they have been in Uganda for approximately two years.
Rick told us that there are a few more phases of construction, however, with the successful completion of phase one, some students can enroll for studies by 2019.
We further learned that the project is a collaborative effort between Music For Life (MFL), a non-profit organization and Empower African Children.
Music For Life is the official fundraising charity of the African Children’s Choir (ACC) and works in seven African countries including Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, among others. It is no wonder that alumni and current members of the famous African Children’s choir were in attendance and performed for us. There was also cake-cutting and giving of gifts to celebrate Rick Taves and other people who have been instrumental in this undertaking.
Students supported by Empower African Children giving a vocal performance during the celebration.
Empower African Children on the other hand, was founded by Alexis Hefley and Donna Malouf in September 2006 to enable orphaned and vulnerable children achieve their full potential by providing scholarships that deliver a transformative education, global connections and prepare students for a lifetime of influence.
The collaboration between MFL and Empower African Children made it possible for the construction of the High school to commence in April 2017.
Speaking on why they decided to build an international school that follows the Cambridge curriculum, and not the Ugandan curriculum, Luninze Robert the Student Support Manager at Music For Life told us, “Over time, we have realized that the world is growing globally and the internet is used so much. What we are doing is…. exposing children to the education system out there – so that they are not restricted just to the local education because opportunities are wider as they cover the Cambridge International curriculum.”
He further told Ug Gospel Life that they intend to start small, with about 50 children crossing from Primary school to Empower International Academy – the high school, and then gradually increase the number and also open it up to the community.
” As I said, it is an international school but with a charity perspective and it’s a Christian school. I can’t tell you (right now) how much it will be, but it will be subsidized and accommodative. A Ugandan will be able to afford it.”
As to why they settled for having the school specifically in Bujuuko (along Mityana Road), Ug Gospel Life was informed that, this was owing to the fact that children need a place where they can concentrate. Located on a hill, the Empower International Academy will give students the quiet they need, thus the perfect ambiance for studying. Also, the areas surrounding what will be Empower International Academy is breathtaking, and green.
We await the grand official opening ceremony of Empower International Academy.
Ug Gospel Life 