LIGHT ACADEMY

Kabakyala, Uganda

Setting Captives Free in Uganda

In 2005, God opened a door for Set Free Ministries to visit Uganda to conduct spiritual warfare training for pastors. In a turn of events that was completely unexpected, 42 orphaned children showed up to the training. It was the free porridge promised to all attendees that drew the starving children to the site. When asked why the children weren’t in school, it was explained that few orphaned children attend school unless they are sponsored. A handshake agreement shortly ensued and Set Free committed to paying for a teacher to provide an education for these 42 children through a partnership with a local church. This God-moment was the start of an amazing new ministry of making disciples in Uganda nearly 15 years ago.
Today, there are over 4,500 vulnerable children enrolled in 14 Set Free Ministries-supported Christian primary schools (K-7th grade) in Uganda!

Location

Kabakyala, Uganda

Investment

$5,600,000

Impact

2,000 students each year

Why Light Academy

Due to HIV/AIDS, war, and poverty, the median age of Ugandans is 16; resulting in a nation of vulnerable children. There is a battle for their souls. Education is the field where this fight will be won for and by Jesus Christ. Realizing this, SFM has moved to further disciple the 4,500+ children within our Christian schools. They must not be abandoned after 7th grade. There are a limited number of high schools (most are secular or Muslim). Light Academy will approach everything from a Biblical worldview with a laser focus on developing passionate Disciples of Christ. Quality Christian education and vocational training are essential weapons in this battle. Together, we can achieve a Christ-centered sustainable future for our children!

Will you help set children free?

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Project Overview

Phase 1- Land Acquisition

This initial phase of the project consisted of securing 65.5 acres of land for the project that includes Light Academy High School, Trade School and Training Farm. This phase also covered purchase of an office building, architectural drawings, site surveys and topographical surveys.

BUDGET: $112,490

STATUS: COMPLETE

Phase 2- 2020 Opening

This phase provides the necessary structures for a successful launch of the academy with a maximum student population of 200 for the 2020 school year. Structures include classrooms/dorms, administration/staff housing, temporary kitchen, latrines/bathing, guard house & fencing, water systems and basic furnishings for each building.

Building			Cost
2 Room 2-Level Staff/Volunteer Housing			$115,000
Toilet or Shower Building (3 needed)			$15,000 (each)
4 Room 2-Level Science Lab/Classroom			$270,000
3 Room, 2-Level Standard Classroom			$138,000
2-Room Vehicle Taring Classroom			$68,000

BUDGET: $954,965

STATUS: COMPLETE

Phase 3- Doubling CAPACITY

This phase will double student capacity to 400 students for the 2021 school year. This stage will add a medical facility, administration building, library and playground area. It also includes major investments in dormitories, classrooms, staff housing, latrines/ bathing, furniture, fencing & water storage/collection.

Building			Cost
2 Room 2 Level Staff/Volunteer Housing			$115,000
Toilet or Shower Building (5 needed)			$15,000 (each)
Vocational Administration Building			$39,000
Sick Bay/Library 2-Level Building			$97,000
4 Room 2-Level Standard Classroom			$202,000
4 Room 2-Level Dormitory (2 needed)			$270,000 (each)
3 Room Guard/Maintenance Housing			$19,000

BUDGET: $1,248,673

STATUS: IN PROGRESS

(Jan 2021 Completion Date)

Phase 4- Admin Expansion

As the student population grows with each phase (to 600 for 2022), new needs arise beside additional dormitories, latrines/showers, classrooms, etc… Increasing capacity necessitates that an auditorium providing space for chapel services, dining and all campus meetings be added during this phase.

Building			Cost
Management Staff Housing			$56,000
Toilet or Shower Building			$15,000
High School/Meeting Room 2 Level Building			$99,000
Chapel/Dinning Hall/Kitchen Building			$425,000
4 Room 2-Level Standard Classroom			$202,000
4 Room JR Staff Housing			$89,000
4 Room 2 Level Science/Lab Classroom			$270,000

BUDGET: $1,178,825

STATUS: PLANNED

(Jan 2022 Completion Date)

Phase 5- Rapid Growth

This phase expands population capacity to 800 students in 2023 by adding new housing for both students and staff as well as needed support structures. A four classroom facility is added to provide vocational training opportunities for the neighboring community. Water storage/collection capacity is also increased in preparation for the upcoming phases.

Building			Cost
2 Room 2 Level Staff/Volunteer Housing			$115,000
Toilet or Shower Building (2 needed)			$15,000 (each)
4 Room Community Large Classroom			$147,000
4 Room 2 Level Dormitory (2 needed)			$270,000 (each)
4 Room 2 Level Standard Classroom			$202,000
3 Room Guard/Maintenance Housing			$19,000

BUDGET: $1,232,179

STATUS: PLANNED

(Jan 2023 Completion Date)

Phase 6- 1,000 Students

During this phase, Light Academy will reach 1,000 students in 2024. New staff housing, classrooms, and latrines/bathing will continue to expand the academy’s ability to serve and impact five times more children than it was able to at launch.

Building			Cost
2 Room 2 Level Staff/Volunteer Housing			$115,000
4 Room 2 Level Standard Classroom			$202,000

BUDGET: $446,117

STATUS: PLANNED

(Jan 2024 Completion Date)

Phase 7- Academy Completion

During the final stage of construction plan brings Light Academy to a maximum capacity of 1,200 High School students with an additional 800 learning a trade in the Vocational Training Center!

Building			Cost
Management Staff Housing			$56,000
Toilet or Shower Building (2 needed)			$15,000 (each)
4 Room 2 Level Standard Classroom			$202,000

BUDGET: $411,602

STATUS: PLANNED

(Jan 2025 Completion Date)

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