Technology Without Borders

Preliminary exploration at orphanage Bubbebere

About the Project

As part of our board trip to Uganda, we visited an orphanage in the village of Bubbebere, which is supported by the Child Care Initiative e.V. association. A school, financed by the Hubert and Renate Schwarz Foundation, is integrated into the orphanage. In addition to the implementation of a WASH workshop with the pupils, several project ideas were developed in a preliminary exploration, whereby the focus will be on eliminating the waste problem by building a waste incinerator and recycling plastic waste. Contact with the orphanage was established via Rotarian Anne Klinge. After a slightly adventurous journey to Bubbebere, we were warmly welcomed at the orphanage by the director Lydia Mibembe and the children. During our stay, we held a WASH workshop with our now highly coordinated team for around 200 pupils in grades 1 to 7. In addition to the orphanage children, other children from the neighbouring villages also attend the school. Our local members Hiram Mwanga (RG Ndejje) and Edith Mulamu (RG Kampala) as well as our Ghanaians Nurudeen Ayebeogo Akamaah and Sylvester Duoh inspired the pupils by not only presenting their part excellently, but also by encouraging the pupils to join in, clap and move. This was followed by interviews with four pupils, who were appointed WASH Ambassadors, and photos. After the workshop, we conducted an exploration of the orphanage together with Lydia. We looked at the toilets, the water supply, a solar system and the computer room, among other things. Water Without Borders, Engineers Without Borders and the Rotary Club Nürnberger Land have already supported the establishment and expansion of the orphanage with projects. Many new project ideas emerged during the tour, which we recorded, discussed and prioritised together with Lydia. We see a particular need in the area of waste, as the waste is incinerated on the orphanage grounds. Consequently, the plan is to build a waste incinerator for burning residual waste. The plastic waste is to be separated and sold to local recycling companies. In addition, rubbish bins are to be installed, and pupils are to be trained in the proper separation of waste. Other possible projects include equipping the orphanage with new computers, including IT training for the teachers, as well as regenerating a well and improving the water source drainage system.