“We believe every child is born with incredible potential—the power to shape the future and make meaningful contributions to the world. Yet, too many children in the Kabale area never get the opportunity to realize their potential. At Amatsiko, we are committed to changing that story, unlocking doors to education, hope and a brighter future.”
— Alex Atuhiere, Co-Founder & Head of School

Amatsiko provides students with three meals a day

Many children arrive at Amatsiko suffering from malnutrition, unable to concentrate or grow because of hunger. That’s why we provide three nutritious meals a day to every student—meals rich in the essential nutrients they need to thrive. Our students enjoy healthy foods like beans, plantains, potatoes, and leafy greens, much of which we grow ourselves on campus!

We take pride in teaching our children how to cultivate their own food, giving them skills they can take back to their villages. No patch of soil is wasted —our campus gardens are an essential part of feeding our students and showing them the value of sustainability.

Students live with guardian families in the community

For many of our students, the journey to education begins with finding a safe place to live. The majority of Amatsiko students need housing, either because their homes are too far from school or because they simply don’t have a stable place to live.

At Amatsiko, we believe that staying connected to the community is essential to a child’s growth, so our students are placed with guardian families who live within one hour’s walking distance. These families are carefully chosen by our staff and local community leaders to ensure each child is placed in a nurturing, safe environment. While living with these families, students not only receive shelter, but also learn valuable lessons about family life and community responsibilities.

To help improve the quality of life for our students, Amatsiko also provides mattresses, bedding, uniforms, and shoes—small yet important items to ensure each child is comfortable and able to focus on their education.

For a few students, we offer temporary on-campus housing in our limited dormitory space, while we work tirelessly to find them permanent guardian homes.

Amatsiko strives for academic excellence

Amatsiko provides a strong academic curriculum, teaching core subjects including math, English, social studies, science, and religion. While English is a second language for our students, they achieve fluency by the time they reach the upper grades. Our collaboration with Seven Arrows Elementary School in Los Angeles inspires us to explore innovative approaches to learning.

Beyond traditional academics, we also focus on teaching life skills that prepare our students for the challenges ahead. From hygiene and sanitation to nutrition and practical skills that generate income, we are equipping our students with the tools they need to thrive after graduation.

All of our teachers hold certified teaching degrees and work at Amatsiko with passion and commitment. In Uganda, the journey to a government-paid teaching position can be long and uncertain, often taking years. During this time, our incredible educators work for modest stipends, covering only the most basic living expenses.

Amatsiko provides mentoring, guidance and emotional support

Many of our students have experienced trauma, having lost parents and not knowing where their next meal will come from. At Amatsiko, we create a safe and nurturing environment where children can heal. Through mentorship and emotional support, we help them resolve past struggles and begin to dream of a brighter future.

We instill in our students the values of hard work, resilience, kindness, and service—the same values that Amatsiko was built upon. In doing so, we honor our ancient African traditions, where community and connection are at the heart of everything we do. Our children learn the importance of giving back, just as they’ve been uplifted up by the generosity of others.