The Auro Foundation Project
"We stand together, united as one family, bound by our common aspiration to learn, to serve and to become productive members of society. We promise to give more than we consume, to treat one another with respect and kindness. We are committed to discipline, to action and to generating self effort in everything we do. We understand our individual responsibilities and know that we each have within ourselves an unlimited power to create our own lives. We are strong capable and enthusiastic. We trust ourselves and we are clear our about outcomes. We look forward to this day and we will stay alert and open to everything that we have to learn here."
[Auro Foundation Pledge]
About Auro Foundation
Auro Foundation is a nonprofit organisation based in Uganda. It is committed to providing children and young adults the opportunity to access education which empowers them to live happily, responsibly and independently.
The values
1. Sustainability
Investing in projects that have long term benefits for the communities that the Foundation serves, working with local stakeholders, developing real buy in and ensuring to create self-sufficient and independent organisations
2. Value for money
Ensuring that every shilling, pound and dollar is well spent and accounted for. Transparency is very important and the use of donations is done in the most effective way possible.
3. Holistic education
Promoting a rounded approach to education, one that nurtures the mind, body and spirit of staff and students. Committed to their overall well being, creating an atmosphere of happiness, love and fulfillment.
4. Empowerment
Believing wholeheartedly in the ability of students and staff. Finding ways to bring out the best in them and insisting on each person taking personal responsibility.
5. Integrity
Being impeccable in all that the foundation does. "We say what we mean, and we do what we say". Respecting and honoring work and doing the right thing every time.
The project and the aims
Across the world, and over the next 20 years, the Auro Foundation aspire to build 15 schools. These schools will provide students the foundation they need to begin their lives; they will inspire and equip students with the skills to gain employment and the values to live meaningful lives.
"We believe all young people have a right to be heard and a right to a fair start in life. We believe that each and every human being possesses a unique purpose in life. We believe that all of us have within us, a potential to shine and excel. It is our mission to empower young people to fulfill on their inner potential. Over time, it is our dream to introduce a new approach to educating students. It is our dream is to develop schools which offer a holistic educational curriculum. We believe that it is crucial that children develop their intellect, emotional and spiritual aspects simultaneously and we are committed to nurturing fully self – expressed, happy, confident and loving human beings. Over time, we intend to introduce subjects such as: Yoga; Mind over matter - power of the subconscious mind; Parenting skills; Stages of human / child development; Relationship skills; Personal financial management; Civic responsibilities; How to tap into your inner creativity; Finding your life purpose / calling; Creative visualization; Improving memory skills; Being of service – access to fulfillment; Listening and communication skills and Conflict resolution."
This broader educational emphasis will be taught alongside standard educational norms and requirements (Maths, English, Science etc), or specific technical skills that are appropriate to the community needs (e.g. carpentry, bricklaying and sewing).
Auro Technical School
The organisation funds and operates a technical school “Auro Technical School”., in Iyoriang, a rural village in Tororo district, eastern Uganda. The school is managed by a committed team of both teaching and non-teaching staff. It is supported by friends and volunteers from around the world. The school currently has 84 students learning carpentry, brick laying, sewing, English and taekwondo. Students are aged between 14–25 and come from disadvantaged backgrounds with many being orphaned or abused. Auro Foundation invests in projects for long haul. They are committed to working with all stakeholders, developing real buy in for our projects and ensuring that we create a self sufficient for organisation. In the past years, the school has received a range volunteers with different backgrounds e.g. teachers, doctors, accountants, project managers and administrators from UK, US, Netherlands, Australia and India.
What do the name and logo mean?
The word “Auro” comes from a Latin meaning Gold - hence the Golden sun. The rough drawing of the rays represent one of the students handwriting. The colour of the word "Auro" represents the thick red soil. The color of "Foundation" represents the lush green trees which were both prominent features in the rural village near Tororo.