A Decade of Impact
October 5, 2024
Alex and Alphonse give a gift to our 2018 head prefect who spoke about how Amatsiko changed the course of his life
Reflections on our 10th Anniversary Celebration by co-founder Alex Atuheire
As I stood at the 10th-anniversary celebration of Amatsiko Preparatory School, I was overwhelmed by a flood of emotions. The morning started early, and by 5:30 AM, our grounds were already bustling with preparations. Chairs were being set, the sound system was getting tested, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. I couldn't help but think back to where we started—a fragile dream, a school with only 15 children, born out of a deep necessity to provide hope for vulnerable children.
At 11 AM, as the national anthem played, I reflected on the journey that led us here. Ten years. It felt surreal. Today, we stand with 420 students, but the road to this point was full of challenges, hard work, and relentless belief in our mission. Watching the children perform with joy and pride on their faces brought tears to my eyes. They are not just students; they are the heart and soul of what Amatsiko represents.
Standing before the crowd of over 900 people, I felt a lump in my throat. It was hard to find words to describe how deeply I felt the weight of this moment. This was not just a milestone—it was a celebration of growth, resilience, and the countless lives we’ve impacted. Seeing community members who once doubted if we could make a difference now standing with us, proud and hopeful, filled me with gratitude. It reaffirmed that we had truly made a lasting impact on the lives of these children and their families.
One of the most touching moments for me was seeing Joan, who joined us at just 3 years old in Baby Class. She grew up with us, completed her primary education at Amatsiko, and is now in Senior One. Her transformation—from a quiet little girl into a confident young woman—is one of my proudest moments. Joan’s journey embodies what we have always aimed for: nurturing the potential of every child, giving them a future filled with possibilities.
Throughout the day, as I watched our alumni—our Old Boys and Girls—stand up and share their stories, I realized the ripple effect we have created. One of our former students, who was the first Head Prefect in 2018, shared how Amatsiko had given him a second chance at life, taking him off the streets and giving him a reason to dream. These are the moments that fuel me, that remind me why we started Amatsiko in the first place.
Jennifer, a donor and supporter from England, traveled all the way here to be with us. Her presence was deeply moving. Her quiet yet powerful support reminded me of the global connections we’ve built, and how every person, whether near or far, has contributed to making this dream a reality. People like Jennifer believe in what we do, and seeing that belief manifest through their actions is humbling.
As we celebrated “A Decade of Impact,” I felt immense pride not only in the children and teachers but in the community we’ve built. Amatsiko has become a family. We have provided employment to 24 Ugandans, created a lasting impact in Kabale, and we continue to look toward the future with hope and vision. Our next goal is to build a permanent structure for the school, and with the unwavering support of our friends, both local and international, I know we will achieve it.
The journey has just begun. With each year, we grow stronger, more resilient, and even more committed to providing education, hope, and a better future for the children of Amatsiko. Together, we have made a difference, and together, we will continue to do so.