Gedions education is going to continue! Read his story!

Gedions education is going to continue! Read his story!

Posted by Connor Whelan on 21st Oct 2015

We are delighted to be able to share with you a very happy news update all the way from Uganda!

Here at The Great Projects you may think that animals are our key focus and you would be right! However, we also feel that education of any sort is a crucial tool in increasing human-animal relations, and as a result we wanted to play our small part!

This brings us onto the story of Gedion.

Gedion is a 12 year old boy who lives in Uganda, and he has been deaf since birth. However even with his disability he was always determined to make the best of his situation. The Great Projects first came into contact with Gedion through our project facilitator Harriet. Whilst running the Great Gorilla Project in Uganda, Harriet visited Gedions school looking to link up with a local establishment and to help them out through the project. As soon as she visited the school she knew that this was the one. Gedion must have certainly made an impression as, even though his sign name for her was “chubby cheeks”, Harriet chose to sponsor him herself throughout his primary school years! This is why after graduating primary school we are delighted to announce that we are sponsoring Gedion on a Vocational Training Course!

Gedion will now have the chance to take part in Carpentry and Joinery training at a local centre which will provide him with invaluable skills for the future. Over the next three years he will learn how to construct and plan different structures, and maybe one day he can go on and help to build an enclosure for some of the animals on our projects with his newfound tricks of the trade!

Term started on the 7th of September so Gedion has settled into his boarding accommodation and is finding his feet on his new course. You can see Gedion here with his mum on the first day, and you'll have to trust us when we say he is happy as smiling is considered rude in pictures in Uganda! Unfortunately a few bits of his equipment did not turn up at the school in time for the start of the year, but Gedion had soon caught up and is very happy on his new course!

We are delighted to have been able to provide Gedion with a chance to learn some new and exciting skills and help, alongside the school, to provide him with the best possible chance of getting a job once he finishes the course. We will of course keep you up to date with Gedions progress as and when we hear about it, but until then I’m sure you’ll all join us in wishing him the best of luck!


Share this Article...

Share this article with your friends and followers by using the social media buttons below.


Leave a Comment...

Wanting to add something to this story or just let us know your thoughts? Just leave your comments below. Please be aware that all comments will be moderated: abusive behaviour or self-promotion will not be allowed.

500 characters remaining

Has this blog inspired you to volunteer? If so, why not enquire today? Simply fill out an enquiry form, and allow a member of our travel team to assist with your query! Please note that blog comments are not monitored by the travel team, so any questions related to bookings may be missed.


Featured Blog Arcticles


Featured Videos


Experience The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

See what you could get up to as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! This volunteer project offers you the chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic species.

Discover The Great White Shark Project

Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation. As a volunteer, not only will you get the incredible opportunity to dive with sharks, but you will also assist the team in raising awareness of the great white as you work alongside tourists and local school children to provide them with knowledge of the local environment and the importance of living in harmony with South Africa’s marine life.

Volunteers Review Their Experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteers talk about their recent experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.

Latest Blog Arcticles


The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

Lauren and James have returned and are ready to relay tales...

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

Team members Lauren and James, joined colleague Georgia to...

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteer Lynne Coe shares her valuable tips on what to...

10 More Orangutans Released Back Into The Wild From Nyaru Menteng!

10 More Orangutans Released Back Into The Wild From Nyaru Menteng!

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Borneo...

Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary May Update

Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary May Update

The Great Projects volunteer coordinators, Matt and Niamh,...

Latest At The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Latest At The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

The Great Projects' volunteer coordinators Matt and Niamh...

Volunteer Update From Samboja In April 2023

Volunteer Update From Samboja In April 2023

As the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project begins once again...

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge volunteered at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary in...


Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987