The School Design Guide for East Africa is the result of collaborative research and shared experience aimed at improving educational infrastructure across Uganda, Rwanda, and the wider region. Developed by Enabel, the Belgian development agency, in partnership with the Feilden Foundation and a network of local and international stakeholders, this guide promotes the creation of sustainable, inclusive, and child-centred learning environments.

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Education is a key driver of socio-economic development. Recognising this, the guide supports efforts to design schools that respond not only to the needs of learners but also to the environmental, social, and technical challenges facing communities today.

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The guide is grounded in extensive fieldwork. Over 40 schools in Uganda and Rwanda were visited, and consultations were held with educators, architects, engineers, government officials, and community members. A two-day workshop at the University of Rwanda gave students a platform to contribute ideas, while a major conference in Kampala in July 2024 brought together more than 200 professionals to review the draft and offer insights, many of which have shaped this final version.

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Far more than a set of recommendations, this guide shares practical knowledge and best practices to support architects, designers, engineers, and policymakers working across East Africa. By applying its principles, we can build schools that are resilient, resource-efficient, and nurturing spaces for children to learn and thrive.

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The Feilden Foundation is proud to contribute to this collective effort toward improving education through thoughtful, sustainable design.