Hello, everyone! My name is Byron Francis. I am the founder and director of World Smart, a program designed to provide high school students from lower-income backgrounds opportunities to discover the world and serve others. As a high school student, I wanted to study abroad, but my family could not afford to send me. When […]
An Evening with World Smart
To support our 2017 cohort of students, World Smart Leaders, the foundation for producing globally-minded leaders, will be hosting a cocktail and chef tasting fundraising event at The Walden Club, in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet 15 of the most talented students in our city and learn more […]
Days 2 and 3 in Uganda: Jinja Town
Although I’m enjoying my time in Uganda, this trip is about my students. I’m here to build relationships with organizations to make sure our 2017 Leaders have an amazing experience. World Smart is about teaching students about the world and helping them develop the heart of servant leaders.

On my second day in Uganda, I traveled from Kampala to Jinja. I had the privilege of meeting some of the awesome leaders at Soft Power Education. Soft Power is an NGO that works with students in government-funded schools in many rural areas of Uganda. Because most children from these areas do not complete their formal education, Soft Power supplements the students’ education with practical skills that prepare them for life as productive and self-sufficient adults.

I was fortunate to be given a tour of the Amagezi Education Centre which is maintained by Soft Power and is located in the heart of Kyabirwa village. Students from primary schools across the Jinja District can visit during the school year for hands-on learning sessions using equipment they do not have access to in school. Soft Power’s work includes repairing and renovating old school buildings, supplying computers to schools, and providing the training needed to use them. They also teach kids things like how to grow crops and manage personal budgets.
I spoke with the leaders at Soft Power about World Smart and what we are about. They were eager to connect and excited about our students coming to Uganda this summer. We agreed it would be an awesome experience for them to spend a day volunteering with the Soft Power team to see the challenges school children who are not much younger than them face on a daily basis.

On day three, I visited the Sole Hope facility in Jinja. This organization works to serve people suffering from Jiggers, an ailment that attacks the body through the feet. This is often due to unclean conditions and the lack of access to shoes. I heard from employees and volunteers about the work they do to serve the community and combat Jiggers which is caused by tiny bugs that burrow into the skin. They can cause discoloration, pain from ugly sores, and in extreme cases, death. Sole Hope has a facility dedicated to treating people suffering from Jiggers which also has equipment volunteers use to make shoes. These shoes are given freely to those recovering from and at risk for Jiggers. Sole Hope also provides a weekly traveling clinic to area villages to provide treatment. We are excited our World Smart Leaders will have the opportunity to learn about this health issue and to serve by volunteering on one of the traveling clinics.

After visiting Sole Hope, I stopped at Jinja Central Market. There were a lot of people selling fruits, vegetables, fish, clothing, and other types of goods. I hung out there and picked up a few items before lunch. I think this will be a good place for students to come and see how regular folks make a living and learn how to barter and buy ingredients for a meal.
I capped the third day with a brief tour of Lake Victoria and the source of the Nile River. It was interesting to see the small fishing villages with families trying to eek out a living. You could see the tough conditions, but also that they were not down and out and are doing the best they can with what they have, just like the rest of us. World Smart exposes our students to life outside of their small environment so they can see how others live. The goal for them is to understand their place in the world.

It also felt good for me to be able to dip my feet in the Nile. I’m not sure why, but it just felt special. I can’t wait for our Leaders to experience the same.
Talk Soon!
Byron the Adventurer
The “World Smart 2017: Uganda” Application is Live!
by Byron Francis Hello, everyone! I am excited to announce that our 2017 study trip will be to Uganda! This year, our students will participate in community service projects, wildlife safaris, and cultural and historical lessons. They will also visit geographical and historical sites, meet local leaders and politicians, study the music and culture, […]
Three Reasons Studying Abroad is More Important than Ever
by Byron Francis, Founder and Director of World Smart The recent political developments have been a source of alarm and controversy for many Americans. Constructing a wall, turning away foreigners, and monitoring immigrants seem to have become viable policies for our leaders. Depending on your political leanings, a recent executive order pertaining to travel […]
5 Reasons for Minority High School Students to Study Abroad
by Christina Golson You’ve probably heard of the typical reasons why study abroad is a great idea. For example, you know gaining experience abroad helps you become more culturally aware. You know that it’s a great way for meeting new people from all over the world. You may also be aware that it opens our […]