Keith & Lisa Coggin

Keith and Lisa Coggin, originally from Mobile, Alabama, have been involved in overseas missions for almost three decades. In 2002, they began a full-time mission to Uganda following God’s call on their lives. They have developed a Biblical, Christ-centered school curriculum called “Roots to Fruits,” which teaches comprehension and long-term problem-solving skills while helping to develop a Biblical worldview.

Breaking Cycles of Survival-Based Thinking Through Education

Roots to Fruits Christian Curriculum was created to improve how children learn while helping them develop a strong Biblical worldview through Christ-centered education. When the Coggins discovered that only government-issued, rote-based curricula were available, they began researching how to legally create a Christian school curriculum that would be both Biblically grounded and relevant to the African context and culture.

What began over 20 years ago as a response to educational needs in a war-torn region of northern Uganda has grown into a complete school curriculum rooted in Biblical truth. Designed specifically for African learners, Roots to Fruits provides meaningful content and context that moves beyond memorization and addresses how children think, learn, and understand the world.

Recognizing that worldviews are formed early in life, the curriculum was intentionally designed to begin at the preschool level. Its goal is to break cycles of survival-based thinking by modeling a Biblical Christian life and encouraging each child to develop a genuine, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The name “Roots to Fruits” comes from Jeremiah 17:7, 8, reflecting the focus on deep foundations that produce lasting character.

Today’s Impact: Spreading Across Africa

By 2026, Roots to Fruits is being used in 28 primary schools and approximately 30 Village Learning Centers, with teachers trained to implement it correctly. These Village Learning Centers serve children in remote areas without access to formal schools and have now expanded into Uganda, South Sudan, and Chad. The curriculum is nearing completion through Primary 7, after which efforts will focus on translating it into French for use in Chad, with the ultimate aim of helping each child love God fully and serve others faithfully.