Our impact

83% improvement in behaviour and concentration of children in class
100% of teachers stated a reduction in absenteeism
74% of children said they want to come to school because of the playground
98% of teachers stated an increase in enrolment
85% of children stating they have learnt new skills
96% of community members saw a positive change in the community

Play and Playground programme

The benefits of installing a community-centred playground and running our play programme are far reaching. The children learn new skills and gain the benefits of having a specific child-friendly space dedicated to them within the community. By implementing our play and playground programme we are able to:

Improve social skills
Improve physical skills
Improve teaching practice
Improve emotional wellbeing
Improve cognitive skills
Improve school readiness
Decrease anti-social behaviour
Improve school attendance
Improve school enrolment

Vocational training

Our programmes are designed to have widespread impact, which means the benefits go beyond just the children playing on the playground. Through our vocational training programme for disadvantaged young people we have seen improvements in:

Levels of employment
Confidence
Self-worth

Impact reports

Download our Impact report to see the latest statistics

Uganda Impact report 2017
Refugee Impact report 2016
Impact Report 2015-16

Case studies

Hear from a selection of East African Playgrounds beneficiaries about how the programme has impacted their lives and the difference it has made. From making friends, to learning new skills and feeling happier, all of these things can happen through our programme.Read more

Evidence based

Children go through tremendous development in a variety of areas during childhood. Their growth is enhanced by stimulation from their environment, for example through play.Read more

Monitoring and evaluation

East African Playgrounds has an extensive monitoring and evaluation system which we use to measure our impact in communities. Our outputs are based on East African Playgrounds theory of change. Assessments are taken at baseline, immediately following implementation and post-programme implementation (after 6-12 months).Read more

Latest

Southampton RAG: Gorilla Trek

Southampton RAG's Gorilla Trek with East African Playgrounds

Plymouth RAG: Gorilla Trek

Plymouth RAG's Gorilla Trek with East African Playgrounds

Newcastle RAG: Gorilla Trek

Newcastle RAG's Gorilla Trek with East African Playgrounds

Middlesex RAG: Gorilla Trek

Middlesex RAG's Gorilla Trek with East African Playgrounds

Who we are

Costs and fundraising

This incredible volunteering experience is just a fraction of the cost of most. Just because it is low cost does not mean it is low quality. We are able to provide our volunteering project at a reasonable price because we don't know have large overheads or work with third party providers who need to make profit. We aim to be transparent and accountable with where the money we receive goes.

The Gorilla Trek

The Gorilla Trek is the ultimate African adventure allowing you to explore, discover and develop the incredible country of Uganda. As an ethical, affordable trip, it’s what you need to have the summer of a lifetime. Apply now! Don't miss out on your place

Costs and fundraising

Find out the costs and the fundraising targets for The Gorilla Trek. You will also find out a clear breakdown of the cost so you can know where every penny you raise or pay goes to.

Employability

East African Playgrounds is providing young Ugandans with an alternative to unemployment– an apprenticeship scheme through our playground building programmes. Former street children and other disadvantaged young people, identified through our partner organisation SALVE International work in a paid capacity with East African Playgrounds for up to twelve months.

Why play?

Play is the universal language of a child. Play is incredibly important for children’s learning, wellbeing and for healthy brain development – the UN includes the right to play in its Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most complete statement of children’s rights ever produced.

Our story

East African Playgrounds was founded by two university students in 2009, with the aim of providing playgrounds to the children of East Africa. This is the story of how a little idea turned into a big impact!

Work with us

East African Playgrounds has an office in Leicester, UK and an office and two workshops in Jinja, Uganda. As an employer, it is paramount that we provide a caring, fun and productive working environment where everyone can succeed. If we have any job vacancies they will be posted on this page.

How to apply

To ensure the best experience for our communities and volunteers, we can only select a limited number of volunteers to come to Uganda. When applying to the Uganda Volunteer Project, remember we are not judging you on travel or volunteering experience we are looking for passionate and committed volunteers who will make the most of the experience.

Life in Uganda

Uganda is a beautiful, green country with the mighty River Nile running through the middle and with a warm, welcoming culture that many fall in love with from the moment they arrive. Uganda has repeatedly been nominated as one of the top 10 countries to travel to and most beautiful countries in the world over that last few years. The reason for its popularity is not just its breath-taking landscape, incredible wildlife and friendly people. But due to how safe, and traveller friendly Uganda is.