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New Build Uganda 2006, Maaya, Uganda, July/August 2006.

During July and August 2006 a group of six British young adults travelled to Mubende District, Uganda. Their purpose was to assist with the building of teachers' housing, water tanks and a new school classroom at Maaya Primary School, in remote rural Uganda. Prior to travelling, each member of the team joined in fundraising for the project. Major contributions were received from the Local Authority Building Control, Peter Brett Associates, Totnes Rotary Club, Disc Manufacturing Services and The Old Totnesians. Over £ 16,000 was raised to purchase building materials. Since building work started, more donations have arrived, so we are on target to raise the £20,000 needed to complete the work.

All the team have now returned to the UK and all thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. During the building work, the UK team was joined by a team of Ugandan builders, seven Norwood girls from Gulu, Northern Uganda, and ten others from Kampala. The project was also strongly supported by the local population - parents with children attending the school came to assist. On top of this the children were keen to get involved during breaks and after school! Local councillors and the District Education Officer worked hard to provide 15% of the building materials.

Not all the buildings were completed during the four weeks when the UK team were in Uganda. However the local volunteers have continued the work. Four of the teachers' houses and the classroom are now virtually complete, at a cost well within budget. As the new term starts, teachers and pupils are very excited by the new school buildings.

Thankyou to all our supporters. Owing to the success of the project and the enthusiasm of all of the volunteers, plans for New Build Uganda 2007 are already being discussed!
For further information about this project, future New Build Uganda projects, or to make a donation, contact Mark Errington, Devon Development Education, The Global Centre, Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David's Hill, Exeter, EX4 3RG. www.globalcentredevon.org.uk/thenewbuild Registered Charity no: 1102233