This project is being run by myself and Marvin Byakatonda. We met in 2016 when I volunteered in Balloon Uganda as part of the International Citizens Service. With his natural knack and infectious enthusiasm for everything to do with mining and my passion for human rights, we knew that we could do something special to make a difference in the world. We envision a society where the lives of miners are valued, children can go to school and the environment is protected.

What is the problem with artisanal mining in Mubende District, Uganda?
In East Africa, Uganda has one of the highest number of people involved in artisanal mining. It is estimated that there are about 50,000 artisanal gold miners in Uganda of which 20 to 30 percent (10,000 to 15,000) of these are children below the age of 18 years. This project aims to tackle the following problems:
(1) Child labour, school absenteeism and the lack of access to a good quality education for all children
(2) Health and safety risks and mine related accidents/deaths
(3) Adverse impact of mining on the environment

How will this project solve the problem?
The first step is the launch of a 3 months module programme which covers the following:
(1) Definition of child labour, rights of children and home visits to support parents in ending child labour
(2) Importance of health and safety and ways to reduce the risks associated with mining
(3) Reduction of the effects of mining on the environment; the availability of environmentally friendly alternatives to mercury

What is the long-term impact of this project?
To ensure that children below 16 years are out of mines and in school; to reduce mine related injuries/deaths and to prevent leakage of contaminated water into the nearby water streams.