Ugandan School Uses Star Trek to help Disadvantaged Children Explore new Frontiers

The newly launched Chrysalis School in northern Uganda is using Star Trek as a learning tool to
inspire the next generation of change makers. The secondary school in Lakwana Sub-county,
identifies children from isolated rural communities and equips them with the education, project-
management and entrepreneurial skills they need to become architects of change. From
introductions to scientific principles to lessons in leadership, ethics and collaboration, Star Trek is
helping equip pupils with the knowledge, life skills and experience they need to excel.
The Chrysalis School in Omoro opened in January 2022 to provide disadvantaged children with an
all-round education to move out of poverty and bring about positive change for their communities.
Set in 10-acres of land, the school is situated in an area of rural Uganda which was severely impacted
by the civil war and where other secondary school provision cannot give enough support to talented
children.

The charity behind the school, Chrysalis Youth Empowerment Network (CYEN), is always looking for
new ways to help children fulfil their potential and realise their dreams. The charity’s founder Ben
Parkinson spotted an opportunity to introduce pupils to the wondrous world of Star Trek to expand
their horizons, develop their scientific knowledge and nurture their emotional intelligence.
Thursday evenings are now dedicated to the sci-fi phenomena as around 100 children gather to
watch the next instalment of Star Trek Enterprise. They get to follow their favourite characters on
adventures across the universe, learning about the importance of teamwork, problem solving and
making sacrifices for the good of others.

Ben says: “They now rush to get the best seats and the enthusiasm is incredible. Star Trek is a
fantastic show to inspire young people and it is generating incredible discussions. The children are
fascinated by the technology and intrigued to learn more about the science. They also really engage
with the diverse mix of characters which include several African American actors. They can start to
imagine how they might go on their own adventures and work collaboratively for the greater good.”
The children have responded so positively that they have made their own Star Trek costumes and an
impressive carboard model of the Enterprise. The school has put on extra viewings to meet demand
and has also treated the children to episodes from Strange New Worlds and Deep Space Nine. It now
plans to create a Star Trek club to explore more learning opportunities.

Mercy (14) said: “We love watching Star Trek and seeing everyone work together on the bridge. It teaches us so many new things and helps us think about what we might do in the future to make the world a
better place.” Her colleague Andrew (also 14) says “Captain Sisko left a profound impression on me. His dedication to the crew of DS9 inspired me, as well as his belief in the potential for peace and co-operation in the Alpha Quadrant. I loved watching his leadership and diplomatic skills at work and I hope one day I can be like him.”

Chrysalis School accommodates 160 boarders and boasts facilities including a new girls’ dormitory,
an athletics track, assembly hall, fully equipped laboratory and six acres dedicated to agriculture to
help support the school community. It provides a holistic education, fostering talent in a range of
areas from music tuition, athletics and social enterprise. Many of the pupils are receiving training on
CYEN’s Butterfly Project. The project supports young people in becoming social entrepreneurs. And
many former students have gone on to drive change in a range of careers, from NGOs to agri-tech
businesses.

Ben and his team rely entirely on the generosity of donors to sponsor children through the Butterfly
Project or fund their studies at Chrysalis School. As a sponsor you can make a huge difference to the
lives of young people who would otherwise not have an opportunity to fulfil their potential. You will
receive regular updates on the child’s progress and can help nurture Uganda’s young talent.
Play your part in empowering tomorrow’s change-makers by downloading the Sponsor Form from
the CYEN website: Star Trek fans could also support the school in donating learning materials,
cosplay resources and memorabilia to allow children to let their imaginations run wild! 

To sponsor one of the students at the school go to http://www.cyen.online/sponsorachangemaker. 

Alternatively you can just send a donation to the school at http://www.justgiving.com/cyen