Robert Serunjogi is a well-known figure around Fort Collins and Colorado State University. He has a compelling story and he's managed, with the help of Laura Schreck, to raise funds to build an orphanage and school in his hometown in Uganda.

Now that the school is built and students are attending, the Little Shop of Physics is raising funds to purchase equipment for the science classes at the school. This equipment will be shared with teachers at the school during a training session in July, 2019.

All of the funds raised will be used to provide equipment for the school. Given the low-cost nature of the Little Shop approach, even small donations will go a long way.

Sunday, March 10, 2019
Lory Student Center Theater
Colorado State University Campus
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Doors at 2:30 p.m.


Appetizers will be provided. Children of all ages—and adults of all ages!—are welcome!

We will hear a bit about Robert's Orphanage, and then we'll spend some time doing some cool hands-on science—experimenting with light, electricity, magnetism, sound, and energy—all using equipment similar to what we'll provide to the school at Robert's Orphanage.

Since it's a Little Shop event, you can be sure that it will be a lighthearted and enjoyable time for all. It's a chance to have a good time while doing good.

There is no cost to attend, but donations will be accepted. (In fact, donations will be solicited. It's a fundraiser, after all!)

CAN'T MAKE THE EVENT BUT STILL WANT TO BE INVOLVED?

Tax deductible donations can be made at:

https://advancing.colostate.edu/LSOP

All donations to the Little Shop of Physics from now through March 15th  will go toward this project.

Once you've entered your information, please scroll to the bottom of the page to submit the form.

The Little Shop of Physics has always been a hands-on program, something that sets it apart from other science outreach programs. Students are the scientists in the Little Shop of Physics. However, we don’t just teach science; we teach that science is something anyone can do and that it is interesting and accessible to anyone. We believe—and we demonstrate—that anyone, of any age, can understand science at some level.

In recent years, we have had the chance to work with educators in many different countries, from Norway to Namibia. Our low-cost, hands-on approach is effective with all students, but it is especially appreciated in countries where resources are limited and schools are less developed.

THE STORY BEHIND THE PROJECT

Robert's orphanage has been an ongoing project over the past four years that started at CSU between a night custodian named Robert and a sophomore student named Laura. While waiting for her ride in the basement of the engineering building, they began making small talk about Robert's story. Robert is a Ugandan native who works as custodian at McDonalds and CSU (where he is also a student), in order to raise money to send back to his village. The village was greatly affected by the Ugandan civil war, as well as the HIV and AIDS epidemic. These challenges have resulted in around 100 children orphaned. The village has as no electricity or running water, and prior to Laura and Robert's efforts there was no school or safe place for the orphans to sleep.

After four years, the team has raised over $40,000 and completed 3 school buildings, which double as a safe place for the kids to sleep at night. Children from surrounding villages walk up to 3 miles to attend the schools, and Robert's Orphanage now serves around 200 students. It also serves as a local health clinic for HIV and AIDS education, vaccinations, and basic first aid.
 
The buildings are built, but the curriculum is lacking. Without sufficient supplies, resources, and teacher training, the science curriculum is a particular challenge. The Little Shop of Physics is working with Laura and Robert to develop a science curriculum and to acquire equipment and supplies to share with the school.