Firefly Uganda e.V.

About us

Firefly Uganda - Association for the Promotion of Education on the Ssese Islands, Uganda e.V. is a non-profit association registered in 2016 that supports the establishment and operation of the" Banda Island Primary School ". We work closely with our local partner organization Firefly Uganda.

Health, education and sustainability for Africa is our goal.

Firefly Uganda is tackling global environmental issues, while working hand in hand with the local communities of the Ssese Islands region of Uganda. We provide sustainable infrastructure and basic healthcare, while also teaching at the local school. No longer can we sit back and focus on just one of the many problems facing this region and the world. Healthcare, education, conservation, and sustainability are all part of the cycle of life, and connecting them in one project is the only way that any part of the whole can be successful. We promise transparency, honesty and effectiveness.

Project areas:
• Education
• Healthcare
• Community
• Environment

Projects:
• Sanyu Junior School: Sanyu Junior School is a primary school located just a short walk from our volunteer camp. In Luganda, the language of the region, "Sanyu" means "happy", and a happy learning environment is what we promote. The school is one of our permanent projects on Bugaba, and its needs are constantly changing. Currently, we provide a volunteer English and Mathematics teacher to supplement the three local teachers, swimming lessons, and fun games between classes. We aim to provide a creative educational experience that promotes academic appreciation, curiosity, and critical thinking. We are also currently working on building two brand new classroom buildings, and a new work room to store tools and teach trade skills.
• The Volunteer Camp: Our volunteer camp is currently under construction at our brand new location. As it stands, we have one safari tent, and a large camp tent to accommodate one volunteer, a hot water shower and flushing toilet, a small kitchen, and solar energy that supplies the whole site with electricity and WiFi.
• Water Purification System: After perfecting our water purification system on Banda Island, we are working on installing an identical unit here on Bugaba. Water will be pumped from a well near the beach, to a purification tank several meters uphill. The system will be located halfway between our camp and Emily's Orphanage, with pipes running to both locations. Then, we will all be able to enjoy clean, drinkable, high pressured water straight from the taps. Eventually, the system will be running on solar energy alone, with pipes running past the orphanage and to the school.
• The Kids' Camp: Not only is our camp home to volunteers and founders, but a wild bunch of children, ages 9-16, as well. The kids come to live with us for a variety of different reasons, including medical problems, abandonment, or unsuitable home conditions. Our kids act as though they’re brothers and sisters, and have regular chores and responsibilities around the camp. We aim to give every child who comes to live with us a comfortable and stable life, while preserving their childhood, culture and heritage. They have full integration into the village, school, and nearby orphanage, maintain regular contact with their families, and cook traditional meals.
• mily’s Orphanage is a huge reason why we moved to Bugaba in the first place. The orphanage is home to roughly 60 children of all different ages, who came to Emily for several different reasons. They live like one big family, and all work together to take care of one another. Although Emily has done an excellent job maintaining the space and looking after the children, they need space to grow, as well as amenities and resources to service their growing population. We currently provide food support each month, and are working with them to figure out how we can help in other ways. We hope to provide them with as many resources as we can, as well as a strong support network for years to come.
Future Projects:
• Install a purified running water system for the village
• Install a composting toilet system for the village
• Install a micro solar power station for the village
• Introduce solar-powered boats to the region
• Introduce a floating medical service to the region

Matthieu Tiltmann is the Chairman of Firefly Uganda e.V..

For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.