With circumstances in Uganda being very different than in the U.S., the health and wellness of children is often overlooked, or not seen as a priority.  For most, the main concern is having enough food to eat, clean water, beyond that, "health" isn't generally considered like in America and many other countries.  Most schools feed the children the same food every meal, every single day of the year, (usually posho & beans or plain rice).  Schools often provide the cheapest, most filling meals for students as to save money, but they lack proper nutrients for developing bodies and minds. It is rare to see fresh vegetables as part of school meals (though tomatoes, onions, peppers, cucumbers, cabbage, eggplant, etc. all grow in abundance in Uganda).  For breakfast, students are often given tea and a slice of bread. They are not given fresh juices, fruits or vegetables. Often, students are also thirsty and are not given enough water throughout their days in the hot, dry climate.  They are often dehydrated, and are certaily not provided the vitamins and nutrients necessary for optimal health.  At C.R.E.A.T.E., we believe children deserve better.  They deserve fresh, healthy, balanced meals comprised of organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains and other nutrient rich foods.  As C.R.E.A.T.E. will be an ethical, sustainable institution, we will be providing our students healthy, cruelty-free plant-based diets.  In Uganda, children largely eat a vegetarian diet anyways (due to the costs of meats being expensive), so this won't be an adjustment by any means. We are committed to doing our part to save the environment (to make just one pound of beef wastes 1,800 gallons of water!) and we value and respect all life - including our animal friends! C.R.E.A.T.E. values peace, respecting the environment and ALL living creatures.  

The school will also feature a medical center, where a qualified doctor/nurse will be on premise at all times to care for students and address their health concerns.  Having a nurse at Ugandan schools is not typical, and those that do, aren't always properly educated or certified.  In Uganda, because of a lack of finances, seeking medical care is often seen as impossible, but we believe students should have access to free medical care, and that at boarding schools there should always be trained medical staff on premise for emergencies, illnesses and general health concerns.