At Amatsiko, we give hope to children who need it most 

Our students come from the most vulnerable backgrounds, growing up in severe poverty where basic necessities like food, clean water, clothing, and proper shelter are luxuries. Most of our students’ families survive on less than $1 a day, typically with six to eight children per family.

Around 50% of our students are orphans, having lost both parents—often due to HIV/AIDS or other life-threatening illnesses. Many of these children are taken in by families who are already facing their own battles to make ends meet. Others find themselves in the care of a sibling who may be as young as ten years old. And some find themselves living on the streets.

Another 20% of our students come from single-parent households, where divorce, illness, or abandonment have left the family struggling. Fathers may leave in search of work and never return, leaving mothers to bear the overwhelming burden of raising children, fetching water, cooking, farming and somehow earning a small income.

Without Amatsiko, school is simply out of reach

Even though Uganda offers free universal primary education, hidden costs—such as uniforms, shoes, and school supplies—mean that children from impoverished families are left behind. This is where Amatsiko steps in to provide a bridge between poverty and possibility. From the age of 3, children can join our nursery program and continue with us until they reach age 12.

Amatsiko’s students come from both the growing town of Kabale and surrounding rural villages. Unfortunately in Kabale, the most vulnerable children - especially orphans - often end up living on the streets, turning to theft and crime to survive. Outside of town, the most vulnerable children spend hours everyday fetching water for their families. In their struggle to survive, the are locked out of the educational journey. These are the children Amatsiko serves.

Amatsiko sees the potential in each and every student

We believe that each child has an important contribution to make to their community and to the world. We provide the essential support that allows our students to not only attend school but to blossom, breaking the cycle of poverty and becoming leaders and positive change-makers in their communities.