Grace Place and Kids Read have been working together for a very long time. Kids Read had already made an incredible contribution by providing a water well, handwashing station, water filters, garden towers and capital to the Grace Place community before we even arrived. This was no small feat and positively impacted the lives of the people living at Grace Place. Before the well, accessing daily water was a struggle; they only had reliable tap access for two hours each day. When the tap turned off, the nearest alternative water source was a 20-minute walk away from a polluted body of water. The well truly changed everything by providing access to clean water and serving as a step toward the health and stability of the Grace Place community.

 

Access to water is vital, but the next challenge is food... And that is where we come in.

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Our journey began long before we touched down in Uganda. Planning kicked off six months prior in December, and it was rather painstaking. We had a GoFundMe campaign to finance the Walipini Impact Build, and while the community rallied admirably, Kids Read generously covered the remaining expenses, ensuring our dream could become a reality. We had ongoing discussions between the Walipini Impact team, the Kids Read team, and our local partners at Grace Place. Together, we created a budget, design, and educational plan for our arrival.

 

When we arrived in Uganda, we were eager to begin. On the first day we stepped foot on the Grace Place property, we discovered that our meticulous preparation was, in many ways, just foundational. Things rarely go as planned. Instead of finding materials ready on site, our first day turned into an unexpected adventure as we drove to a local arborist to chop down our own bamboo trees! This experience showed us that being adaptable, brave, and open to change is really important for our success.

 

Despite the need for reevaluation and the community's unwavering spirit, we found the courage to press on, and the first Walipini Impact Build was completed. We are immensely proud and confident that it will stand strong for many years. We are eagerly anticipating our return to Grace Place to witness our Walipini's Impact.

 

The building's design was a direct response to the local conditions. We built a foot-and-a-half-high whitewashed brick brace to reflect light; this was crucial for Uganda's intense summer heat. When you pressed your hand to the whitewashed brick, it felt cold to the touch even if it had been sitting in the sun all day! Above this, a small wall of intertwined bamboo and robust bug netting was an essential addition. They prevented the threat of insects, goats, and other pests, including children. Finally, we utilized UV-resistant plastic sheeting for the roof; this was by far the most vital material because it protected the crops during Uganda's wet season and prevented dehydration from the direct sunlight in the summer.

 

Our primary structural material was bamboo, inspired by structures in the Philippines, where we had seen the bamboo's versatility firsthand. However, Ugandan bamboo proved to be a different beast entirely; it was tough, sturdy, and far taller than Filipino bamboo.

 

We buried each bamboo pole 3 feet deep, with a coating of oil to prevent decay and ensure a solid foundation. All of the other materials performed perfectly. We sourced local bricks from a nearby mason and combined them with some concrete. While the concrete was powderier than the types you find in the States, it was just as effective.

 

Looking ahead, we now recognize the importance of having a firm understanding of each area's primary building resource. In Uganda, it is eucalyptus, so in the future, we will incorporate eucalyptus into our builds and designs.

 

Beyond the structure itself, on this impact trip, we were able to address other agricultural challenges. Previously, Kids Read had provided Grace Place with Garden Towers; these are burlap sacks filled with soil and punctured holes for the seeds. Initially, these had succeeded, but then, when the hot season came around and the second planting was about to take place, they failed as the heat dried them up. Our Walipini provides shade to maintain the moisture in these Garden Towers.

 

Just as importantly, we were also able to work closely with many of the gardeners. Steve is a pastor, leader of the Garden Tower team, and an agriculturalist. We helped educate him on vital soil management techniques. We taught him that since their existing soil was heavily clay-based, compaction would surely occur when it dried. We shared about composting to preserve the health of the soil and treated it to alter the clay and promote aeration. We also emphasized the importance of separating non-biodegradable from biodegradable waste, as in Uganda, there is no trash service, so they typically pile all their trash in one place and simply light it on fire to get rid of it.

 

This trip was a profound testament to the dedication of the Grace Place community: Pastor Drake, his wife, their family, and the countless other individuals who contributed tirelessly day in and day out. We cannot stress enough how invaluable their support was, as it made up the backbone of this project. Without their efforts, neither the thought of the Walipini nor the greater vision would be taking root in Uganda. Our biggest takeaway from this experience is crystal clear: achieving a community goal truly requires everyone, as it benefits the ripple effect and everyone involved. We are already eagerly looking forward to our return.