Strong Roots – Pearl Kindergarten Kampala

In Uganda, early childhood education is not part of the free state system. For families in the low-income neighbourhoods of Namuwongo and Kisugu in Kampala, a good kindergarten place is usually out of reach – especially for single and working mothers.

Together with our Ugandan partner Anchored Bridges Initiatives (ABI) we support the set-up of the Pearl Kindergarten Kampala: a non-profit, Montessori-inspired kindergarten guided by “Help me to do it myself” – with bilingual education (German/English), nature-based learning and a binding child-protection policy, aligned with Uganda’s national early childhood development framework.

What the project does

• 60 children aged three to six from low-income families receive a fee-free place throughout the funded period – at least 50% girls and at least five places for children with disabilities.
• Every child gets a warm meal with fruit every day.
• Six local educators are trained in Montessori basics, child protection, hygiene and first aid.
• Rented premises with three group rooms and a kitchen are furnished for young children; a neighbouring church parish provides the outdoor play area free of charge. There is no construction work.
• Operations are secured for the first five months after opening. After that, a socially graded fee structure sustains the kindergarten without shutting out the poorest families.

The Pearl Kindergarten is the first stage of the education campus ABI is planning in Kampala – from early childhood to vocational training.

Our partner

ABI was founded in 2017 as Ability Beyond the Iris by Ugandans committed to equal opportunities for marginalised people. In 2026 it renamed itself Anchored Bridges Initiatives, reflecting its growth from disability-focused work to holistic community development. Bantu e.V. and ABI have worked together since 2021.

How you can help

Bantu e.V. contributes €1,390 of its own funds to this project. Every donation with the reference “Pearl Kita” helps us raise it.