A Journey of Hope and Transformation

In 2005, Alex Atuheire, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Amatsiko Preparatory School, returned to his roots along the shores of Lake Bunyonyi to help orphaned children. Alex grew up in poverty and lost his father at a young age, so he understood first-hand the overwhelming challenges and heartache these children faced. Armed with teaching credentials and deep compassion, he began teaching, offering not just education, but also the emotional support and guidance the children desperately needed.

Alphonse Twinamatsiko, Alex’s close childhood friend, returned to Lake Bunyonyi after studying organic farming and permaculture. With a passion to help both people and the environment, Alphonse was uniquely positioned to become Alex’s partner. With his agricultural expertise, he taught the children critical life skills, including how to get the nutrients their bodies needed. Together Alex and Alphonse made a formidable team.

As their efforts gained momentum, Alex and Alphonse expanded their reach to multiple communities, focusing on the most vulnerable children—those affected by poverty, disability, and/or the loss of parents. Their work extended beyond education; they equipped families with essential life skills in nutrition, hygiene & sanitation and income generation, nurturing the children and their families. In 2011, this grassroots initiative blossomed into Amatsiko Organization, a non-profit community-based organization.

In the nearby town of Kabale, local leaders and stakeholders recognized a growing problem: children left idle on the streets, unable to afford school, were increasingly drawn into crime and substance abuse. The need for a local school providing free education and support for these children was seen as critical for the health of both the children and the community.

With unwavering support from community leaders and local churches, Amatsiko Preparatory School opened its doors in 2014. Amatsiko Preparatory School united the many children Alex and Alphonse had been working with under one roof and created a safe, nurturing environment for learning. Since then, the school has flourished, now serving nursery through primary seven with a dedicated team of 16 teachers and over 400 eager students!