In 2007, Eric Morrow (RIP) an American Software Developer visited Uganda for the first time. During this period, he visited a number of villages, schools and volunteered at a school library. While volunteering at the school library, his computer became an attraction to all the kids, teachers and some passers-by. They were all very eager to see what this machine could do! Eric wondered how he could use his skills and experience as a software engineer to support Edutech in Uganda.

After several consultations with different stakeholders, Eric considered bringing computers to Ugandan schools.
Working with a Ugandan Development Economics student; Asia Kamukama in consultation with an experienced relief worker; Richard Happy, they sketched out a plan of action for Maendeleo Foundation, an NGO established to bring computers to Ugandan schools and communities in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
One of the first challenges the team identified was the near total lack of infrastructure: only 5% of Ugandans had access to electricity and just 3% could afford it. This meant that the technology solution put in place had to be self-powering and self-contained. That is why Maendeleo Foundation is committed to using innovative technology to support the challenges that make it impossible for schools and communities in Uganda to access computer and life skills.

Since its inception, Maendeleo Foundation has developed different ICT projects to support people of different ages, from primary school students to adult members of the community.