Letter from the North American Director
Together with our Ugandan leadership team, staff, and Board of Directors, we have continued to strengthen and expand programs that equip students with practical skills, confidence, and hope for the future. From vocational training and academic education to nutrition and agriculture initiatives, each program reflects our commitment to holistic learning, education that empowers individuals and strengthens families and communities.
Looking Ahead: A Leadership Transition at BLC
From the Board of Directors of Bududa Learning Center
Over the past two decades, Barbara Wybar's leadership and heart have been central to Bududa Learning Center. From the earliest days in Bududa, to the vibrant community that exists today, Barbara's vision has created a lasting legacy of education, dignity, and opportunity. Because of her efforts and the partnership of countless supporters like you, BLC is not only standing, but thriving.
Nourishing Hope: How Daily Porridge and RUTF Are Transforming Nutrition at BLC
Thanks to daily porridge and RUTF, children at Bududa Learning Center are growing stronger, learning better, and living healthier lives. Our nurse and social worker report boosted immunity, improved focus in class, and greater strength to support their families at home—clear signs of the program’s powerful impact.
Investing in Education and the Environment That Supports It!
At Bududa Learning Center, we're investing not only in education but in the sustainable infrastructure—like solar power and erosion control—that ensures our campus remains a safe, resilient place for students to thrive. These initiatives are expressions of our core values: sustainability, safety and stewardship. When we invest in education and the environment, we don't just change lives, we change futures.
Bududa Learning Center’s 2024 Impact Report
This past year has been filled with milestones, challenges, and remarkable transformations in the lives of our students and the Bududa community. From our vocational training programs to our Children of Bududa sponsorship initiative and women’s microfinance programs, your support has made real, measurable impact.
Remembering Betty Bigala
Remembering Betty Bigala… We have lost our beloved, hardworking, popular, responsible, socially active, community-centered, welcoming, loyal, generous, selfless school secretary and friend. May her soul rest in peace.
Transformative Changes to Uganda’s Educational Requirements
As the only vocational school in Bududa District, these updates present exciting opportunities for our students to receive a more comprehensive education, ensuring they are equipped for the workforce and positioned to lead in their communities…
Water is life
Something remarkable happened this past spring at Bududa Learning Center. Thanks to the Presbyterian Women Group at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, N.C., clean, running water was brought to BLC! Cisterns, pipes, pumps, and taps were all recently installed in the spring of 2024. What a fantastic gift and an incredible improvement to life at this school.
BVA Agriculture: Opening Soon!
BVA Director, Robert and our new Agriculture staff member, Daniel, talk about our forward progress towards opening an Agriculture program!
Trade Show Offers an “Eye Opening” Experience for BVA Students
The Bududa Vocational Academy had the opportunity this summer to send 40 of its students to the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA)'s trade show in Mbale, which is located about 20 miles outside of Bududa. The UMA is a national trade show that showcases products and services from manufacturers, producers, and service providers across Uganda and the world.
Building Community Resilience: A Story of Unity and Empowerment
What started as a project to protect our campus became a powerful symbol of community resilience. It was a reunion of sorts, as past and present members of the Bududa Vocational Academy (BVA) community came together. Graduates who had once considered our campus home returned to join forces with current students. This collaborative effort was a testament to the strength of our community.
Celebrating Progress: How the COB Nutrition Initiative is Transforming Lives
Thanks to your unwavering support, we are making remarkable strides in combating malnutrition and transforming the lives of vulnerable children in our community…
2023 Annual Report
We're thrilled to share with you the heartbeat of our impact over the past year in the Bududa Learning Center's Annual Report.
Donor Spotlight: Weezy Alcott
Weezy, a long-time supporter, recently traveled to BLC. While there, we asked her some questions to understand why she loves BLC and see the program through her eyes.
A Day in Bududa
Upon reaching the Bududa Learning Center office, my day unfolds in a vibrant tapestry of interactions and responsibilities. The first and foremost ritual is to greet our dedicated accountant, Paul Nindya, and our indispensable COO, Robert Kotaki…
Impact Story: Wandukwa Emmanuel
Wandukwa Emmanuel (“Emma”) grew up in the Bududa and has recently achieved some of the highest marks in the country in Bricklaying examination. Below is an excerpt from our interview with Emma as we congratulate him on his great great success!
Crossing Continents: The Extraordinary Voyage to The Bududa Learning Center
Imagine embarking on a journey that spans continents, taking you from the heart of the United States to the heart of Africa. That’s exactly what it takes to reach to Bududa, often called the “Forgotten District.”
A Day in Bududa
The simplicity and beauty of the landscape and our community in Bududa have significantly impacted me. I see the simplicity of their lives as humility, a value I respect…
The Power of BVA's Core Classes in Student Success
We believe that education is not just about vocational skills; it is about empowering students with a well-rounded foundation for success. That's why we place great importance on our core classes, which equip our students with essential knowledge and skills beyond their chosen vocational programs…