About the Organization
Nelson Mandela said that "education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." Teach the Children is a non-profit organization working to empower and enlighten the children of Uganda through increasing their access to books and education. We are working to establish a culture of reading, literacy, and learning, to bring hope and vision to the children of Uganda through building libraries in schools and communities, establishing reading groups and programs, and providing training for teachers and parents regarding the importance of literacy and education for their children.
Why Focus on Literacy?
Literacy-the ability to read and write-is the basis for all other education, and a key part of any country’s development, the lack of which leads to cycles of poverty that continue from generation to generation. Where there is literacy, there is opportunity. Where there is not literacy, there is an inability to think beyond one’s current circumstances and conditions; to imagine something better, or to understand the world as it is, or how it could be. Advancing and supporting literacy in Uganda is key to eradicating poverty, addressing gender inequality, and creating sustainable development in the country. Without literacy skills, children will struggle to take part in the world around them, and fail to reach their full potential.
The Ugandan Minister of State for the Elderly and Disabilities, Sulaiman Madada, said that the "use of libraries and the services that libraries offer leads to individual lifelong learning, the ability to better one's income and quality of life resulting in overall national development."
About the Founders
Dickson Senkunda was born and raised in Uganda. Although he came from a better financial background than most children in the country, and he attended private schools, the schools he attended were not equipped with books for leisure reading. Dickson later moved to the United States and obtained both a Bachelors and Masters degree. Growing up in an impoverished third world country, this was something he never thought would be possible for him. There are thousands of other children like him, waiting for an opportunity to become something bigger and better than their current circumstances allow.
Heather Senkunda has a Bachelors Degree in Education and a Masters in Business Administration. Throughout her life she has had a passion for non-profit work, and been involved with numerous projects and organizations. Dickson and Heather currently reside in Seattle, Washington with their two daughters.