What We Are About
At the Grass to Gold Foundation we are all about opportunity. Specifically increasing the opportunities for young women to participate in formal education and sport, two pillars of a healthy and thriving community.
The Grass to Gold Foundation is centered around the notion that we all deserve that opportunity. Sadly this is not a reality for millions of young women around the globe, and nowhere is that more prevalent than in Uganda.
Our goal is to increase access to schooling and sports participation for young women at the grass roots level, to surround these young women with strong mentors by developing employment opportunities to run our initiatives, to develop a pathway through which talented athletes thrive and to create communities who value and respect their emerging female leaders.
Our Story
Empowering youth through Sport and Education
Paul Mugambwa and Chris Devling are lifelong friends intent on making the world around them a better place through providing opportunities to those less fortunate.
Through determination, finding the right partnerships and by building a skilled and diverse team across Australia and Uganda the Grass to Gold Foundation has gone from an just inspiring thought to a very real project ready to impact the lives of thousands of young Ugandan women.
Co-Founders
Vision and Commitment to the Cause
Chris Devling
Co-founder and Director, Grass to Gold Foundation
Managing Director, Corwin Australia
MBA qualified with a background in education, media and business development Chris has led school and system level change throughout Asia Pacific's education sector.
“Improving education and opportunity for women is the fastest way to effect change in a community.
These women in turn create a new path for their children, and this positive cycle of improvement can continue for generations to come.”
Paul Mugambwa
Co-founder and Director, Grass to Gold Foundation
Managing Director, Stephen Michael Foundation
MBA qualified with over 10 years experience in sports administration, Paul has led the development and delivery of youth-based sports and education programs across Australia.
“Sport provided me with countless opportunities; to make new friends and develop self-confidence as well as to feel a sense of belonging with my peers.
Through sport I remained engaged at school and later in life it provided a career path for me both on and off the field.”
Our Team - Australia
Greg Wood
Assistant Director Participation & Pathways Advisor, Sports Australia
Adrian Lacquiere
Strategic Project Manager, Fremantle Dockers
Our Team - Uganda
Jocelyn Ucanda
National Manager of Ugandan Netball Team (She Cranes)
Josephine Wapakabulo
CEO, Uganda National Oil Company
Dr Daniel Nkaada
Commissioner of Basic Education, Ugandan Education and Sport Ministry
Our Team - Global
Jacqui Kawumi
Head of Programs, The Human Rights Centre Uganda; Bachelor of Laws, LLB (Hons.)
John Paul Kasoma
General Manager, Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Uganda; Bachelor of Hospitality Administration & Management.
Sanyu Mugambwa
Senior International Advisor, Macquarie University