Annabelle Chauncy, 23 has spent to past 18 months finetuning plans to build an education centre in a community in South East Uganda.

The plans of the former Frensham student were inspired by three separate trips to various East African countries - Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda - since 2007 where she volunteered with programs in the struggling communities.

Miss Chauncy returned to Australia with a determination to do more for a struggling community, teaming up with close friend and charity worker, David Everett from Castle Hill in Sydney.

The two set their sights on establishing the United Future Foundation (UFF) which carries the motto “breaking the cycle” and are intent on building an educational centre in Uganda.

It was a giant commitment from the two young people who are still both studying at university. Miss Chauncy is in the final stages of an arts law degree at Sydney University while Mr Everett is on the home stretch of development studies at Macquarie University.

However the first stage of the dream recently came true with the official launch of the foundation in Sydney on August 27.

Miss Chauncy said the launch attracted overwhelming support from individual and corporate sponsors, especially from the Southern Highlands.

“We raised more than $10,000 for the foundation during the launch,” she said.

Funds were further boosted with a $10,000 prize win in the Marie Claire and Garnier annual Taking Care of the World Award.

Miss Chauncy said the ability to attract more corporate support had been boosted since the foundation had secured tax-deductibility.

“We have also been fortunate to have partnered with Moss Vale Rotary Club, giving the foundation a stronger link to the Southern Highlands,” she said.

Miss Chauncy said the foundation hoped to purchase a parcel of land in Uganda for the education centre later this year.

“It is anticipated that construction work will begin on the centre in mid-2010 with the facility to be open in February 2011.”

Miss Chauncy said a decision to build an education centre in Uganda had been prompted by the desire of the people in that country to “move forward”.

“There is a great need for educational facilities in many rural areas of Africa and the Ugandan people are very receptive of any support they receive in their efforts to move forward,” she said.

“I feel we can make a major and ongoing contribution in that country.”

Mrs Chauncy said she was currently focussed on further boosting the coffers of the foundation for the purpose of the Ugandan building project.

“We are working towards the launch of a buy-a-brick fund-raising campaign,” she said.

“Stress bricks, similar to stress balls, will sell for $25, while a real brick with a donation plaque on it will be available for $100.

“The intention is that while David is overseas purchasing the land, I will stay in Australia to continue with the fund raising effort.

“We both intend to head to Uganda in July next year for the building project.”

Details, donations or to buy a brick: 0423 002 535, info@uff.org.au or www.uff.org.au.