_ WHO WE ARE

Nile Explorer Bus

Since 2021,Open Space Centre with support from the U.S Department of State is implementing the Nile Explorer project (Mobile Programming Platform) that is designed to introduce innovative educational activities to young learners and their teachers in underserved communities across Uganda.

The Nile Explorer’s slogan ‘Putting dreams in Motion’ is aimed at not only showing young people the possibilities of education but also open their minds to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math's information, technology and the possibilities they can bring.

The project also features a health component that is aimed at increasing young people’s awareness to issues of HIV, School-Related Gender-Based Violence, Menstrual management and has recently included a Civic engagement component that looks at fostering knowledge ,skills and attitudes in democracy, human rights and active citizenship. The overall objective of the program is to contribute to the reduction of school dropouts among children and youth from schools in underserved communities and also create a future youth leaders and problem solvers in Uganda.

_ PARTNERS

American Spaces

American Spaces are vibrant, active places that offer interactive, engaging programs to capture the interest of visitors. The Office of American Spaces is committed to assisting American Spaces in offering a full calendar of excellent programs. The American spaces promote interaction among local communities and the United States in support of foreign policy.

For more information, visit https://americanspaces.state.gov/

About Open Spaces

Open Space Centre is a not-for-profit youth development agency that works to create dynamic spaces and opportunities for young people to fulfil their development and civic potential.

Founded in 2009, the organisation has grown into a leading youth-led and focused agency, with grounded experience in community youth organizing and mobilization as well as convening debate and dialogue platforms at all levels.

For more information, visit https://openspaceyouth.org/

About YALI

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is the U.S. government’s signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. Nearly 1 in 3 Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60 percent of Africa’s total population is below the age of 35.

YALI was launched in 2010 to support young African leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across sub-Saharan Africa.

For more information, visit https://yali.state.gov/

About USAID

USAID is the world's premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID's work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience.

For more information, visit https://www.usaid.gov/uganda

About PEPFAR

U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history, enabled by strong bipartisan support across nine U.S. congresses and three presidential administrations, and through the American people’s generosity.

PEPFAR shows the power of what is possible through compassionate, cost-effective, accountable, and transparent American foreign assistance.

For more information, visit https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/pepfar-global-aids/pepfar

About Grassroot Soccer

Grassroot Soccer is an adolescent health organization that leverages the power of soccer to educate, inspire, and mobilize at-risk youth in developing countries to overcome their greatest health challenges, live healthier, more productive lives, and be agents for change in their communities.

For more information, visit https://grassrootsoccer.org/

About Peace Corps

The Peace Corps is a service opportunity for motivated changemakers to immerse themselves in a community abroad, working side by side with local leaders to tackle the most pressing challenges of our generation.

For more information, visit https://www.peacecorps.gov/

_ THE TEAM

The Nile explorer bus is run by a team of;

1. Project Lead -

Wakibu Bunnya, co-founder, 10 years’ experience in youth Development work.

2. Asst Program Officer -

Joel Tamale Baliruno, Head of Programs Open Space Center with over 7 years’ experience in Project management for youth leadership and mentorship work.

3. Driver -

Moses Wafula

4. Stem Trainer -

Ssozi Arthur is a certified Electrical engineer from Kyambogo University. He works with Open Space Centre as a Project assistant as well as the STEM trainer for the Nile Explorer Project. He is a member of the Institute of Electrical Electronic Engineers.

5. Health and Rights Trainer -

Rehema is a certified Public Health Professional, Sexual Reproductive health and rights trainer and mental Health advocate. She works as a Programs Officer at Open Space Center and the Health and Rights trainer for the Nile Explorer Bus Project. She is passionate about community health and has deep rooted knowledge on health issues including sexual and reproductive health particularly HIV, Menstrual health management as well as communicable diseases such as malaria, Tuberculosis etc. from experience working on health projects for young people. She is committed to advancing health for young people in all aspects and working to boost young people’s meaningful engagement in social and economic development.

6. Communications Officer -

Elizabeth Zipporah Akol Is an NGO communications strategist with expertise of over five years, gaining experience in Public relations, communications, digital marketing and media relations working with Open Space Centre. On the Nile Explorer Bus ,she is the career guidance facilitator and also doubles as the Communications Officer of the project.