The couple spent nine weeks earlier this year in the country with the charity.

Softpower Education is a unique, non-religious British-registered charity based in Jinja and was formed in 1999 by an ex-tour guide who saw the potential for charity work in Uganda, Melinda said.

“Softpower Education focuses on enhancing the quality of children’s education through refurbishing and maintaining their schools,” Melinda said.

“Through the hard work of its founder – Hannah Small - the dedication and generosity of tourists and independent travellers, Softpower Education worked with local builders to erect a pre-school – the Buwenda Pre-school for Orphans.

“This was officially opened in 2003 to the delight of about 120 orphans in the area.

“Three qualified Ugandan teachers and one cleaner/teacher assistant staff the school.

“Softpower not only runs 2 preschools but have refurbished 20 local government schools, built an education centre that has a computer lab, science lab, drama / arts room and an agriculture program.”

During their 12 month stay, Steve will be heading up the construction side of the charity and looking after all of the local labourers and assisting with the refurbishment of the schools program while Melinda will be looking after the education centre trying to ensure funding is sort, looking after the local teachers, and ensuring the 1500 children that visit the centre yearly have a great day.

The name, Softpower Education has nothing to do with electricity, power systems or soft ware, said Melinda.

“It comes from a Buddhist Philosopher who, in 1996 said, ‘in the past there was ‘hard power’ in the form of military might and political force, but the future is ‘soft power’, involving factors such as knowledge, information, culture and ideas’,” she said.

“The charities main mission is education - to include it at the end of Soft Power completed the title.”

The couple plan to hold at least two major fundraisers prior to leaving for Uganda. Some of these plans include a karaoke night and a cocktail party featuring entertainment.

The Gazette is throwing its support behind these fundraising nights and will publish further details when they come to hand.