DiGuardi first learned about the Brain Tree Primary School through Martha Mukasa, who had come to this country to work. It was the stories that Martha told of her homeland that touched DiGuardi, so when she had the opportunity to visit Uganda it was more than an incredible experience--it was life changing.
  
The Brain Tree Primary School is a private school in Kyanja, Uganda founded in 1994 by Martha’s parents, Agnes and Solomon Mukasa. Families in this region of Africa barely make any money, and their lives are filled with adversity. Many children are orphaned from parents dying of AIDS/HIV and malaria is an ongoing problem. It is all families can do to farm the land and put food on the table. To send a child to school,  giving them a chance at a better life, is truly a luxury. “Through the years Brain Tree provided an environment that nurtured these students into their adolescence,” DiGuardi said.

The Shipley Lower School was quick to support the Brain Tree School after DiGuardi’s visit and as a result the Brain Tree Scholarship Fund was established through United Way International. The Lower School faculty and staff made the first contributions to the school through money they raised. Then $880 was raised by Lower School through dress down days (a no uniform day) and hoagie and bake sales. Compared to our standards, a little goes a long way. The money raised helped to pay to make the school safe, with proper paths and easier access to the classrooms.   Walls were cemented so the bricks would not be exposed. A veranda was installed in the space through which the children must pass to get to the latrines, water, kitchen, and some playing fields. Improper drainage was repaired to prevent erosion.
 
Through Shipley’s efforts, students graduating from primary level have actually been able to pay tuition to go on to secondary school, and the School has received donated books, which were lovingly packed and carted in suitcases to become the foundation for the Library that is being created.

In a notebook of photographs and reflections given to the Lower School, DiGuardi speaks of the scholarship fund and what it has meant to those at the Brain Tree Primary School, “It has fueled inspiration for those of us involved with Brain Tree and in service to children, to be strong and never give up in the face of obstacles. What seems to be as important as the education this scholarship money has provided, is the love that has been shared continents apart.”
 
In a film shot by DiGuardi from her last visit to Uganda, the Brain Tree students sing songs of love and admiration for things the Shipley students have given them. Shipley's most recent t-shirt project is an example. Lower School students have created designs with fabric crayons that have been carefully ironed on shirts by parent volunteers. The shirts will be shipped to the children at Brain Tree.

One realizes with this partnership that even small gestures can reap big rewards. All the faculty and students in Lower School who have participated in this partnership have made a huge difference to the lives and future of those students attending the Brain Tree Primary School. It is truly a partnership representing hands reaching across the water to each other. And while Uganda is far away, it is in fact very close indeed. It is in the hearts of all who have touched or been touched by the relationship.

April 2004