The story behind School for Life
More than 17 years ago, Annabelle travelled to Uganda for the first time. What she witnessed changed the course of her life.
She saw young children walking 5 to 10 kilometres every day to get to and from school, often barefoot and on an empty stomach. When they arrived, they would cram into classrooms without enough desks, teachers, books or learning resources.
But every day, they kept showing up because they wanted to learn. The children and their families knew that education could give them the opportunity to break free from the cycle of poverty.
Annabelle couldn't stop thinking about what she had seen.
She returned to Uganda determined to make a difference. What followed was a journey of hope, resilience and an extraordinary community working together to create change through education.
Today, that journey has been captured in her book, School for Life.
The story of School for Life
School for Life shares the story of where it all began, the challenges faced along the way and the people who have made the journey possible.
From building the first school to creating access to nutritious meals, clean water, healthcare and quality education. The book shares the story of a community working together to give children and young people the opportunity to learn and create a future full of prosperity.
Today, School for Life is helping educate more than 4,500 children and young people in Uganda.
Some of the students who walked through our school gates in the early years are now graduates. They are studying at university, completing vocational training, starting careers and using their education to create opportunities for themselves, their families and their communities.
It is a journey that continues today, and one that would not be possible without the incredible community behind School for Life.
A conversation with Annabelle and Tony Park
To celebrate the release of School for Life, Annabelle sat down with bestselling Australian author and co-author of the book, Tony Park.
Together, they talk about where it all began, the moments that shaped the journey and some of the challenges and experiences behind the story.
Watch the full conversation below.
School for Life is available now
School for Life is the story of the challenges, hope, people and community behind everything we do.
To everyone who has been part of this journey, your involvement has helped make these pages possible.
Thank you for being a part of our story.