WHY DONATE?
Your donation to help build Gulu Community Park will help shape the future of an entire generation.
The park will provide vulnerable youth, who could otherwise fall through the cracks, a safe place to play, socialize and build community.
We work directly with the Gulu community to ensure that each program is locally driven
and able to meet their needs. We’re here to listen and to help them become a community that is united, first in spirit, then through tangible projects.
Giving youth a place to PLAY, LEARN AND GROW
In 2020, World Embrace purchased 22 acres and broke ground on the Gulu Community Park. It will be the first large scale community project of its kind in Northern Uganda and one of the biggest community hubs
in East Africa.
This youth park will be a catalyst for change in Gulu. It will be a neutral destination for organizations and churches to come together and positively impact the youth of Gulu.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
MAY 2022
10 swings, 2 metal playgrounds, and a massive wooden playground will allow kids to run, play and explore!
playground
kid
city
Kid City is an interactive city that mixes fun, learning and inspiration through role play. Kids can explore a scaled city of over 1000 square meters (10,800 square feet) with many independent and programmed activities.
Kids can explore career opportunities, learn about the world and dream about the future. Kids can do amazing things when given the chance!
the
library
This 236 square meter (2,540 square feet) library and cinema will have a mix of book and tablet based learning.
A projector will show educational videos and allow books to be read to hundreds of children at once.
The library will help children develop a love for books and learning. This leads to choice reading, vocabulary increase, higher fluency, and greater breadth and depth of knowledge.
the
amphitheater
With 700 square meters of meeting space, the amphitheater can hold up to 1,400 people!
FitNESS
CENTER
85% of Gulu residence are age 35 and under. Globally our youthful community is one of the most energetic on the planet. Gulu having its first large scale and modern fitness center will enrich the lives of many and strengthen competitive athletes.
For years in Gulu, there have been serious martial arts clubs. Boxing, Kickboxing, and Taekwondo are well established but have always lacked good facilities to train in. Four years ago, World Embrace, along with John Koeshall of Street Smart Defender, started the Gulu Gracie Barra Brazilian Jujitsu club. Our club is now the number one competitive team in East Africa.
In the well-furnished and large Fitness & MAA center our athletes will continue to excel in strength, medals, and self-esteem.
As with every facility in Gulu Community Park, we will have proper leaders, trainers, and coaches that can help the participants in holistic ways – physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
GAMES
ROOM
We are creating a wholesome atmosphere for friendly competition where youth and families can enjoy being together.
Ping-pong, pool, and card tables will be freely accessible and greatly enjoyed. Shooting pool in Gulu is very popular, however, young people can only access these tables in bars. Ping-pong is enjoyed throughout the world so why not in Gulu?
At Gulu Community Park there will be something for everyone to participate in. Some like to run up and down a court or work out in a gym. However, for some a good competitive game at a table makes for the best of times.
sports
complex
Sport brings people together regardless of nationality, religion, or tribe. 85% of Gulu’s population are aged 35 and under. This makes for a highly energetic community.
The Sports Complex will have soccer, basketball, volleyball, netball, mixed martial arts, and a fitness gym. There will also be space for traditional African games. This dynamic area will be common ground as well as level ground for people from different socio-economic spheres.
There is nothing in Gulu that draws and crowd and whips up excitement compared to sports. The Sports Complex will have huge participation and gather thousands of spectators.
Through our sports chaplaincy program, we will have a great opportunity to influence thousands to encounter Jesus and be all that they can be now and into eternity.
gatheringplace
Three large African grass thatched huts joined together will be the hub of Gulu Community Park.
Central to all the park activities, this facility will host a variety of gatherings… clubs, birthday parties, seminars, and people will find rest while visiting or eating at the restaurant.
Also, there will be a spectacular view from the dining verandas that face towards the Sports Park and the Children’s Playground.
kids
sports
In this impoverished part of the world, sport is an inexhaustible source of inspiration and happiness.
Children love to play and to be active. The Kids Sports Zone will greatly encouraged children to be physically active every day and will set them up to make healthy choices for the rest of their lives.
Teamwork and the benefits of social interaction among children are best seen in sports. Kids learn they are part of a team that requires the same effort from all members to succeed, as well as how to win with class, and lose with dignity.
By playing sports, children develop physical skills, get great exercise, and make new friends. They also have fun while learning to play fair, obey the rules, and learn the importance of being a team member.
In addition, participating in sports can be a helpful way of reducing stress and increasing feelings of physical and mental well-being. Also, sports help counteract juvenile delinquency, conflict and aggressive outbursts.
Physical activity can help kids cope with stress. It also promotes:
Healthy growth and development
Better self-esteem
Stronger bones, muscles and joints
Better posture and balance
A stronger heart
Fitness Center
play
mountain
The Mountain is a 100 meter trail of village themed playground and climbing equipment.
Kids will enjoy a mountain slide, rope bridges and a lookout that rises 11 meters above the surrounding park.
Free play and programmed activities will provide an adventurous learning environment that will develop technical, intellectual and social skills.
toddler
town
Babies are born ready to learn through everyday play and exploration in safe and stimulating environments.
We are creating a space where family and trained staff will guide children into safe foundational experiences that will build confidence and expand understanding. This will be an atmosphere where these little ones will experience warm, engaged and responsive relationships.
Our team is developing programs and has designed an environment that will engage children’s natural curiosity about the world. Through guided instructions and imaginative play, there will be rich experiences that will lead children on a path towards success.
Needed skills for life will be intentionally taught – like communicating, thinking, problem-solving, movement, and being with other people. They will also have fun learning letters, shapes, and numbers.
Learning to engage with their environment is preparation for life. Kids will learn to observe, listen, smell, taste, touch, explore, respond, and asking questions. They will also experiment with textures, objects, and materials like water, sand, and dirt.
