Thiel College alumna leading Peace Corps initiative to improve access to education in Uganda

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College alumna Emily Irons ’24 is serving with the Peace Corps in Uganda and recently received approval for a self-funded grant initiative aimed at renovating a dilapidated classroom building at her school.

• More information on the project or to donate to Irons’ initiative

The goal of the grant is to create a safe, functional, and supportive learning environment by addressing critical infrastructure needs and investing in teacher development. Currently, the school struggles with extreme overcrowding with up to 150 pupils being housed in a single classroom each day. This situation not only poses safety concerns but significantly impacts the learning experience and limits teachers’ ability to provide quality, individualized instruction.

To bring the project to life, Irons is working to raise $15,709.19, which will go directly toward renovation materials, labor, and teacher training programs designed to strengthen educational outcomes and staff capacity.

“I applied for a Peace Corps grant and have officially been approved. Despite the approval of this grant, I need your help to fundraise this grant by donating and sharing the link with your respective groups and communities. The goal of this grant is to remodel an old, dilapidated classroom building to provide more safe learning spaces and decrease classroom overpopulation at my school. This grant means so much to me as it is something I am deeply passionate about: providing safe and effective education to all children. Your support is incredibly appreciated by myself and my community, and, more importantly, it would truly change the lives of my students who are more than deserving of a conducive learning environment,” Irons said in a social media post.

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