The Kigezi Education Fund(KEF) is ICOB’s flagship project.
Empowering Through Education
The Kigezi Education Fund (KEF) was initiated in 2004 as the International Community of Banyakigezi’s (ICOB) beacon project. Primarily sustained by funds amassed during our annual conventions in Canada, the UK, and the USA, our core aim has been to champion technical and vocational education. This is rooted in our vision to cultivate skills that would make Kigezi attractive to investors and empower the local youth, especially those who couldn’t complete their primary and secondary education.
Our projects have consistently yielded encouraging results:
Enhanced ICT literacy among students, which has in turn ensured over 95% of them find immediate employment or successfully venture into self-employment.
Broad community outreach, with our centers acting as hubs for local residents to acquire ICT skills.
Increased enrollment numbers in institutions like the Kizinga Technical School.
Securing significant third-party funding for our projects, amplifying our reach and impact.
ICT Centre at Kihanga Senior Secondary School, Mparo, Rukiga District
ICOB will be funding an advanced ICT Center here, pledging 75% of the total cost, capping at US$ 30,000.
We’re collaborating with the Kihanga Alumni Association and community partners for this venture.
The innitiative aims to address the severe shortage of computers and other essential ICT equipment, significantly impacting the educational experience of the school’s about 1000 students. Read the full article on ICOB’s vision of the ICT Hub at Kihanga Secondary School.
Until June 30, 2023, we’ve proudly supported five transformative projects across Kigezi, spanning Kabale, Kanungu, Kisoro, and Rukungiri districts. Here’s a brief overview:
Rukungiri Technical Institute
- Located in Rukungiri District.
- Launched our first Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Center in 2008.
- Our US$20,000 funding facilitated the establishment of a robust local area network.
- Collaboration with the Uganda Government brought ICT teachers onboard.
- Secured an impressive US$4 million funding from the African Development Bank for extensive upgrades.
Nyakatare Technical Institute
- Located in Kanungu.
- In 2009, we embarked on an Electrical Installation Program.
- KEF’s funding of US$25,000 facilitated a workshop and procured vital equipment.
- This initiative attracted US$5million from partners like the African Development Bank and South Korea.
Kizinga Technical School
- Located in Kizinga, Kabale District.
- Our most recent project in 2017 saw the establishment of an ICT Center with KEF’s funding of US$26,000.
- Saw the learner population jump from 100 students.
Uganda Martyrs Polytechnical Institute
- Located in Rukungiri District.
- By 2013, KEF contributed US$30,000 towards another ICT center.
- Collaborative efforts with Kabale Catholic Diocese saw the Institute become a focal educational point not just for Kigezi, but for students from Rwanda, Congo, and broader Uganda.
Muhabura Vocational Training Centre
- Located in Kisoro District.
- Our 2012 endeavor saw US$7,000 allocated to jumpstart the ICT Center at MVTC.
- Collaborative efforts led to the acquisition of essential hardware and furniture.
Kisoro district and Rubanda district will be beneficiaries of the next ICT centre funded by the international community of banyakigezi (ICOB)
Banyakigezi Language Academy
ICOB’s collaboration with Kabale University continues with the creation of the Karwemera Archive, expanding into a comprehensive Kigezi Archive. This tribute to Mzee Karwemera involves digitizing 24 published books, 30 diaries, 30 exercise books, and 140 files. The University of Michigan has graciously offered a backup digital archive, and ICOB’s contribution to this initiative is $11,000.
Karwemera Archives
ICOB’s collaboration with Kabale University continues with the creation of the Karwemera Archive, expanding into a comprehensive Kigezi Archive. This tribute to Mzee Karwemera involves digitizing 24 published books, 30 diaries, 30 exercise books, and 140 files. The University of Michigan has graciously offered a backup digital archive, and ICOB’s contribution to this initiative is $11,000.
These archives will be expended to include other works from Kigezi writers and historians.
Every contribution to the Kigezi Education Fund represents more than just a monetary donation. It symbolizes faith in a brighter future for the Kigezi region.
As a donor, below is your impact.
You Influence Change
Your support directly empowers the youth of Kigezi, equipping them with modern-day skills and tools that are pivotal for success in today's digital world.
You Foster Sustainable Development
With each investment, we not only educate but also improve community infrastructure, making Kigezi a magnet for investors and businesses.
You Gain Recognition
All our donors are acknowledged in our programs, publications, and on our digital platforms, showcasing your commitment to quality education and community upliftment.
You Build Partnerships
ICOB ensures that you are kept abreast of all developments, inviting you to witness firsthand the changes your contributions are making on the ground.
Joining hands with ICOB means being a part of a transformative journey, where every dollar creates ripple effects of positive change across Kigezi in particular and Uganda as a whole.