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Karibu / Welcome: Learn About Speakers for Africa 

Who We Are

Speakers for Africa, Inc. is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 93-1552982) strengthening schools and communities in Uganda. We believe every child deserves dignity, opportunity, and a safe place to learn.

Our model is built on equality—half of our board is based in the United States and half in Uganda, ensuring shared leadership and community-driven decisions.

Since 1997, our founders have witnessed the challenges facing vulnerable children. Today, we work directly with local schools and leaders to deliver sustainable solutions that empower the next generation.

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Meet the Team

Learn more about our organization,
our mission, vision and values. 

Meet the team. We have eight board members— four in the US, 4 in Uganda and 4 officers. 

Learn about its founders and their 27 years helping Uganda 

Group enjoys a meal at a restaurant in Uganda

Our Ugandan Team with visitors, Amy Franklin and Jake from Colorado in August 2025 (From left clockwise: Micheal Reuter, Jake and Amy Franklin, Tasha Mirembe, Simone (our driver), Gracious Taremwa and Kareem Katuramu with his son, Moses).

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Our Values

icons of our values, mission and strategy
  • Transparency – We show exactly how donations are used, building trust through real-time updates.

  • Equality – Every child, regardless of circumstance, deserves dignity and opportunity.

  • Community – We work hand in hand with local leaders, families, and schools.

  • Sustainability – Our projects use lasting, practical solutions that continue to serve future generations.

  • Respect – We honor Uganda’s culture, traditions, and communities in every step of our work.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Books, computer tablets, scholastic materials, desks

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We build safe, reliable pit latrines with handwashing stations while promoting WASH education. 
We also provide feminine hygiene products to
young ladies. 

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Empowering youth through sports programs and student body leadership. 

Our Impact at a Glance

✨ Together, we’re transforming education, health, and opportunity for children in Uganda.

We build safe schools, provide essential resources, and create opportunities for children who deserve a brighter future.

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Rainwater Collection Sytem with water tankl

Exodus School Clean Water and Rainwater Collection Project

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School Infrastructure

Classroom repair, roofing, cement flooring, walls and basic infrastructure projects. 

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Computers and Tablets

Computer Tablets & Supplies Delivered to classrooms

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Assisted 1,533+ Kids 
Across Three Schoo

Uganda Youth Aid School, Nshaara Primary School and Exodus Primary School

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Sanitation

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) 

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School Lunch

Providing seeds and lunches to schools since 2020. 

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Pit Latrine (School Bathrooms)

Built latrines for Church of God  (Rwakobo), Nshaara Primary School and Exodus Primary School. 

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Soccer Teams

Soccer teams for boys and girls

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School Athletics

Empowering boys and girls through teamwork, leadership, and healthy competition.

🗣️ What Does “Speakers for Africa” Mean?

We believe Africa's strongest voices are its own people. Our mission is not to speak for Ugandans, but to empower students, families, and communities with the tools and opportunities to create lasting change.

By investing in local leadership and education, we help communities tell their own stories and build their own future.

Who Inspired Our Name

Our name was inspired by Bradina Nakwanyoba, a single mother from the Katwe community in Kampala, Uganda. She supported her family by singing through a small speaker and microphone mounted on a bicycle.

After hearing her story, we realized that lasting change begins by amplifying the voices of the people living it. That belief became the foundation of Speakers for Africa.

This version is about 50% shorter, making it much more effective for a website while preserving the organization's story and mission.

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Our Mission and Vision Continued

Speakers for Africa removes barriers to education for vulnerable children in Uganda by improving school infrastructure, expanding access to learning resources, and supporting sustainable community-led programs.

Working alongside trusted local partners, we invest in projects that create lasting impact—from classrooms, sanitation, and school lunches to athletics, scholarships, and educational materials. Every donation is used with transparency and accountability, so supporters can see the difference they're making.

Together, we're building brighter futures—one student, one school, and one community at a time.

Who We Are

Penny and Peyton with Rwakobo HM and students

Watch this video to see the
Ugandan school kitchen transformation.

Our Project Approach

Speakers for Africa follows a community-driven approach to every project. We take the time to listen, scout locations, and work directly with local leaders to understand the specific needs of each school.

 

Every initiative begins with a detailed needs assessment and feasibility study to ensure the project is practical, sustainable, and delivers long-term impact.

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Our Vision, Values, Goals and Objectives

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1

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower vulnerable children in Uganda through education, health, and community-driven initiatives — creating safe spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive.

2

Goals

  1. Empower Education – Provide vulnerable children in Uganda with safe, supportive, and fully equipped learning environments.

  2. Promote Health & Sanitation – Improve hygiene and nutrition in schools through sustainable projects like pit latrines, food programs, and clean water access.

  3. Foster Equality & Dignity – Ensure every child—especially orphans and vulnerable youth—has the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive with dignity.

  4. Strengthen Communities – Partner with local leaders, families, and schools to build long-term solutions that create lasting impact.

  5. Ensure Transparency – Provide clear reporting and real-time updates so supporters know exactly how their contributions make a difference.

3

Objectives

📚 Mobilize Resources for Education-Gather support and establish meaningful educational opportunities for vulnerable children.​

 

🏫 Create Safe Learning Environments – Ensure that every child is safe, healthy, and protected at school with reliable facilities in which to learn.

⚽ Promote Leadership Through Sports – Facilitate leadership, teamwork, and personal growth through sports activities and healthy competition.

🌱 Support Sustainable Community Initiatives – Partner with communities to apply sustainable technologies that enhance learning, health, and personal development.

Penny Randell with class

OUR HISTORY

Speakers for Africa has spent years developing effective strategies to help vulnerable youth reach the classroom and beyond through a number of programs.

Watch your donations at work. Check out projects completed in 2025.

Children at a rural education charity building in Uganda.

Meet Our Board Members

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Peyton Thomas

Executive Director

(USA & Uganda)

Gracious Taremwa

Gracious Taremwa

Regional Director

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Tasha Mirembe

Administrator and Team Leader

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Lee Pulliam

Treasurer

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Penny Randell

Administrator and Co-Founder

(USA & Uganda)

KK Katumba

Karime Katuramu

Communications Director
(Uganda)

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Moses Walusimbi

Membership  Outreach

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Chad Johnston, MD

Medical Director 

Speakers for Africa Projects Life Cycle

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Speakers for Africa organization structure

1—3 Year Strategic Roadmap

1—3 Year Strategic Roadmap

Strategic road map of Speakers for Africa

Frequently asked questions

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Watch an interview with Joquiz and Peyton Thomas on NextFm Radio

 GET  INVOLVED

A safe and durable platform for Ugandan students to become stronger Speakers for Africa. 

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Want to get involved but don't know how to start? Contact us. 

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Want to get involved? Read more about our Brighter Futures Program and how you can make a lasting change in students' lives in Uganda.

 Become a  MEMBER

Become an Impact Partner by giving monthly at a level you choose, and know you are continually helping transform lives.

Sign up to become a monthly member today. 

 MODERN TRANSPARENCY

Modern tools let us show donors, in real time, exactly how and where their contributions are used, ensuring clear accountability and visible impact.

See your impact as it happens

  • Vimeo
  • Youtube
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Speakers for Africa Penny and Peyton Working

Peyton Thomas and Penny Randell working at Mosa Court, Kampala, Uganda

It was 1997 when my son Peyton and I moved to Kampala, Uganda for me to work on my master's in animal behavior. However, I was rapidly taken by the people and they soon became the focus of my attention. We immersed ourselves in their culture and practiced their efforts regarding survival, as we continued to live there for three years. Since then, we have returned multiple times and maintained a close relationship with the people. The individuals and families we are involved with are desperately poor, yet the happiest people we have ever met. After exploring the country, plus most of East Africa, we have established a safe place to dwell, which enables us to extend a quality understanding of their needs.  Our understanding of these people has led us to establish a legitimate pathway of assistance. Speakers for Africa was created in 2020 and has already proven its value. Our non-profit has successfully seen two fundraisers that have addressed the overwhelming hunger of children. In 2021 we delivered enough millet to feed an entire school. After that, we took seeds to the school and taught the students how to plant them. Our organization continues these valuable endeavors, as we reach out to those who can make this happen. Unlike many NGOs, every penny spent can be followed. Those who have donated are pleased with the results, which allow us to continue to service children in need. This one-of-a-kind non-profit shall make every effort to assist the children who attend school only when nourishment is available. At present, we are beginning a new campaign for the many children at Uganda Youth Aid Primary and Nursery School. Because there is food in their village, these kids are reluctant to leave home. When a meal is promised at school they attend. It only takes $600 of millet to feed the children for an entire term. This money also purchases beans that are a must with children. As already said, donated money can be followed by givers. We do not access the money from this end, for we have people on the ground in Kampala. Too, both Peyton and I will be returning to our beloved second home in the fall. At that time, we will make an effort to supply food to more schools. Speakers for Africa is well-equipped with dedicated workers. Together we can assist these needy children. We can not make these valuable efforts without your help. When you see the contented and happy faces we add to Facebook and our website (speakers for africa.org), you should have a happy face, too. These kids are so grateful, which energizes our doings and makes all our efforts a success.

Media and Child Protection Disclaimer

Media and Child Protection Disclaimer

Speakers for Africa, Inc. shares photos and videos to highlight educational progress in Uganda.
All images and recordings of minors are used with the consent of school administrators and, where required, the parents or legal guardians of each child.
We follow strict ethical and child-safeguarding standards to ensure dignity, respect, and transparency in all media communications.

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