The Story

Building Tomorrow Promotes Education in Uganda

Sep. 27, 2008 | By Elia Pfaff, DSJ Staff Reporter

In Sub-Saharan Africa there are roughly 41 million children without access to education. William and Mary students are trying to help to improve this situation. In the campus organization Building Tomorrow, students raise funds to support education and the construction of new schools in Kampala, Uganda.

The outgrowth of a 2004 fundraiser called Christmas in Kampala, which was directed by William and Mary alum George Srour (’05), Building Tomorrow has grown into an international non-profit organization.

�"Today Building Tomorrow has approximately 15 college chapters and works closely with Key Club International,” said the organization’s co-president, Virginia Newton (’10). Christmas in Kamplala �"was extremely successful, raising over $45,000 for school supplies, a Christmas dinner, and the construction of an entire school in Uganda,” said Newton.

This success, paired with Srour’s determination and a generous grant from the William E. Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose, led to the creation of Building Tomorrow. The organization continues to grow and set goals for the betterment of education in Sub-Saharan Africa.

�"Nationwide, Building Tomorrow hopes to add campus chapters, continue raising funds, and open ten new schools by 2010,” said Newton. At the College, fundraising for Building Tomorrow will take place during three major events: The Grassroots Soccer Tournament, Dance ‘til Tomorrow, and Bike to Uganda.

Proceeds from the soccer tournament, which is scheduled to take place Sunday Oct. 5, benefit both Building Tomorrow and Grassroots Soccer, an organization that raises HIV/AIDS awareness among at risk children in Africa.

It’s not too late to sign up for this shoeless soccer tournament. Building Tomorrow members will be in the Sadler Center from Tuesday, Sept. 30th to Friday, Oct. 3rd registering teams. Teams are made up of three to five people, and the cost is $10 per player.

Students interested in joining Building Tomorrow are welcome to attend meetings and consider membership. �"We can always utilize active and enthusiastic members,” said Newton.

For co-president Jessica Estienne (’11), the decision to join Building Tomorrow was an easy one. �"As a possible teacher one day, I am very interested in furthering opportunities for education. Building Tomorrow has had some great successes in this area, and a very promising future,” she said.

Interested students who are unable to make a weekly time commitment are still encouraged to help the organization. �"Simply showing up and supporting us is a huge help,” said Newton. Participation in the organization and its fundraisers is rewarding, Estienne insists. �"For every amount of money you raise, no matter how small, you are helping a kid go to school.”

In addition to providing education resources and opportunities for Ugandan children, Building Tomorrow rewards its members with powerful insight and experiences. Participation in the organization has �"made me realize that it is not as difficult as it seems to help out around the world,” said Newton. �"I’m taking a little bit of time out of my week, and [enjoying] our events. That is a small price to pay to help a child get an education that he would otherwise not have access to,” she added.

For more information about the organization, or for fundraising opportunities, visit the Building Tomorrow website: http://www.buildingtomorrow.org/.