Uganda has the second youngest population in the world, with around half of its 46 million people below the age of 15. The country also also one of the highest rates of depressive disorders in Africa (4.6%; Miller et al., 2020), while 2.9% live with anxiety disorders (WHO, 2017) and 1 in 4 (5,750,000) children below the age of 15 experience some form of psychosocial distress. (UNICEF 2021).
Many of these young adults are deprived of positive and supportive communities, reside in broken families, and need psychosocial support. Their circumstances deny them the opportunity to grow up in supportive, loving environments, and prevent them from becoming grounded, smart, and responsible young adults. Adverse effects on young adult’s social functioning inhibit their ability to make and maintain meaningful relationships, build resilience, succeed in school, dream beyond their circumstances and attain their life aspirations. We are addressing this one school and community at a time.
At our community art center (Theatre of Dreams) based in Masanafu, Bukulugi, we open doors for young people at the margins to access life transforming opportunities. In return, foster a safe, reflective space where participants engage in deep check-ins, visualization exercises, and mentorship that nurtures both personal resilience, peer-learning and connection, and professional ambition.
By empowering teachers and educators to integrate arts education both in and beyond the classroom, we equip young people with the skills, creativity, and support they need to heal, grow, and thrive. This approach enables us to reach last-mile schools and underserved communities across Uganda, ensuring that every young person has access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities that unlock their full potential.
Over the years, we've seen firsthand how arts education can profoundly transform young lives. We're dedicated to working with key partners to incorporate our approach, fostering collaboration, learning from others, and growing together to amplify our shared impact. Our mission is simple: to provide every young person with the chance to experience the life-changing power of artistic expression, unlocking their potential and paving the way for a brighter future.
Creative expression supports cognitive and fine motor skills development, which is essential for the healthy development among children and young people.
Engaging in arts and crafts within a safe and supportive environment helps young people to process their stress and heal from traumatic life experiences.
The beauty of art is that it has no boundaries or barriers; it’s a universal language that excites and liberates children and young people. Art creation brings joy to artists as well as viewers.
Which of your priority areas aligns with ours? We love to hear from you and explore if there is an opportunity to collaborate.
Which aspect of our priorities would you like to learn more about? We'd be happy to share more details with you.
Is providing access to quality education for children from vulnerable backgrounds one of your life’s wishes? Here’s an opportunity for you to purchase merchandise or artworks and, in return, help invest in the education of children in Uganda.
Sign up for newsletter
