JM Education and Research Centre (JMERC)

In rural Uganda, many children lack access to quality foundational literacy and social-emotional learning (SEL). Poor educational outcomes are exacerbated by inadequate resources, untrained teachers, and disengagement from marginalized communities. As a result, 39.5% of children in grades 3 to 7 can only read at a grade 2 level, and 25.1% cannot read basic words (Uwezo, 2021; World Bank, 2022). Compounding this issue, 17.6% of schoolchildren face mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression (New Vision, 2025), further hindering their academic and personal development. Without support in both emotional and academic growth, these children are trapped in a cycle of poverty and inequality.

Our Response
We have developed and are implementing our Play, Learn and Grow Toolkit that uses play to integrate SEL into foundational literacy. In our pilot phase, through fun and engaging activities, we are impacting 1,400 learners across 7 primary schools in Luuka District, developing foundational literacy and essential SEL skills, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision-making and determination.

By combining these SEL skills with foundational literacy, we are empowering children to thrive academically and emotionally.

Our Goal

Our goal is to expand the impact of our approach to 150 schools, reaching over 30,000 children annually. By empowering these children with foundational literacy and SEL skills, we aim to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change for future generations.

Join Us in Transforming Lives by the End of 2027
With your support, JMERC aims to reach an additional 30,000 children, train 1,000 teachers, and empower 200 school leaders by the end of 2027. Your contribution can make a direct, measurable difference in achieving these ambitious goals, driving the success of our SELL-PLAY program, which integrates social and emotional learning (SEL) with foundational literacy.

Your Impact:

• $15: Provides SEL resources for one child, enabling them to develop key skills like self-awareness, empathy, and resilience, essential for both academic and personal success.
• $30: Funds play-based learning materials for two children, fostering literacy skills while ensuring they engage in emotional and social development.
• $75: Trains a teacher in play-based and SEL-focused pedagogy, equipping them with the tools to create interactive and inclusive classrooms for all students.
• $150: Supports a school leader with mentoring and training to implement SEL frameworks, improve student well-being, and enhance academic outcomes.
• $300: Engages a community of parents and caregivers through workshops that teach the importance of SEL and literacy development, creating a supportive ecosystem for children’s learning.

Why Your Contribution Matters

Every dollar you give brings us closer to impacting the lives of thousands of children. By empowering educators, leaders, and communities, you’re helping break the cycle of poverty and enabling a brighter, more equitable future for Uganda's children.

Together, we can foster resilience, empathy, and literacy, ensuring children thrive both in school and beyond.