Democracy Lab

Democracy Lab is an innovative experiential learning initiative that bridges the gap between theoretical civic education and practical democratic engagement. In Uganda, where civic education often remains confined to classrooms and lectures, this project transforms learning by immersing high school students in real-world simulations. Rooted in the foundation's commitment to youth advocacy for sustainable development and governance, it encourages participants to explore democratic principles through hands-on activities, fostering informed citizenship and leadership skills aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Activities:
• Organizing mock elections in high schools across Uganda, where students nominate candidates, campaign, debate policies, and vote using simulated ballots.
• Facilitating policy argumentation sessions to discuss real Ugandan issues like governance, climate justice, and youth inclusion.
• Conducting workshops on civic engagement, leadership testing, and conflict resolution, often in partnership with local schools and government bodies like the Electoral Commission Uganda.
• Integrating values of justice and community service to emphasize ethical leadership and fair play.

Impact:
• Builds a generation of informed, engaged citizens committed to democratic values, with participants gaining practical skills in public speaking, decision-making, and teamwork.
• Has reached hundreds of students nationwide, inspiring them to participate in real elections and community advocacy. For instance, alumni have reported increased confidence in addressing local governance challenges.
• Contributes to broader social harmony by promoting inclusive discussions, aligning with the foundation's goal of empowering 5,000+ youth through leadership programs.

Recent Developments:

As of September 2025, the project continues to emphasize real-time leadership testing, with ongoing sessions encouraging students to "practice leadership today" for tomorrow's roles.