======Wagadou======
=====Location Information=====
  * **Type:** [[Wizarding School]]
  * **Location:** [[Mountains of the Moon]], [[Uganda]], [[Africa]]
  * **Owner/Residents:** Students and Staff, led by a [[Headmaster]] or [[Headmistress]]
  * **Key Features:** Largest of the eleven great [[wizarding schools]]; architecture carved from a mountainside; proficiency in [[wandless magic]]; unique student notification system
=====Description and History=====
Wagadou is the largest and one of the most ancient of the eleven officially recognized [[wizarding schools]] in the world, having been in operation for over a thousand years. (Pottermore) The school is located in [[Uganda]] at the [[Mountains of the Moon]] and is noted for its breathtaking appearance. It is carved out of the mountainside and is often shrouded in mist, giving it the appearance of floating in mid-air. (Pottermore)
The school is renowned for its students' advanced skill in [[Astronomy]], [[Alchemy]], and [[Self-Transfiguration]]. However, its most famous and distinguishing feature is the mastery of [[wandless magic]]. Students learn to cast many spells simply by pointing their fingers or through other hand gestures. This practice sets them apart from students at schools like [[Hogwarts]], where the [[wand]] is central to almost all magical education from the first year.
Wagadou employs a unique method for accepting new students. Instead of an acceptance letter delivered by [[owl post]], prospective pupils receive a message in their sleep from a //Dream Messenger//, sent by the reigning [[Headmaster]] or [[Headmistress]]. The messenger leaves a token, typically an inscribed stone, in the child's hand, which they find upon waking. (Pottermore)
A former student of Wagadou, Babajide Akingbade, succeeded [[Albus Dumbledore]] as the Supreme Mugwump of the [[International Confederation of Wizards]]. (Pottermore)
=====Role in the Story=====
Wagadou is not mentioned in the original seven //Harry Potter// novels. Its existence serves to expand the known [[wizarding world]] beyond Europe, illustrating the global nature of the magical community and its educational institutions. It provides a significant example of a magical culture that developed with less reliance on European traditions, such as the use of wands.
The school is known to have participated in international events, such as the International Symposium of [[Animagi]], where the Wagadou team attracted much press for their synchronized transformations. (Pottermore)
=====Known Areas Within=====
There is currently no official information available regarding the specific rooms, chambers, or common areas within the Wagadou school building.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * The existence and details of Wagadou were first revealed by [[J.K. Rowling]] through writings published on the **Pottermore** website.
  * The school features prominently in the backstory of [[Natsai Onai]], a companion character in the video game //[[Hogwarts Legacy]]//. She was a student at Wagadou before transferring to [[Hogwarts]] and provides details about its culture, including the practice of [[wandless magic]] and the fact that it is the largest [[wizarding school]] in the world. (video game)
  * Wagadou is one of several non-European [[wizarding schools]] created by [[J.K. Rowling]] to build upon the lore of the [[wizarding world]], alongside others such as [[Mahoutokoro]] in Japan and [[Castelobruxo]] in Brazil. (Pottermore)