News

AWF was approached by Uthman’s Dream in late 2020 for support in developing a Masterplan for the school and orphanage to be developed in Kitgum, northern Uganda. Having purchased a large area of land comprising approximately 12 acres, this ambitious project aims to benefit up to 300 children once all phases have been completed.

The northern part of Uganda, where Kitgum is located, was subjected to years of violence and unrest throughout the late 1990’s and early 2000’s due to the insurgence of the ‘Lord’s Resistance Army’ (LRA). The LRA kidnapped close to 30,000 children in this region and orphaned tens of thousands more.

Uthman's Dream aims to support some of the overwhelming number of orphans living in poverty, in and around the district by providing them a home and education. Of the 220,000 inhabitants of Kitgum, almost 68,000 are orphans, over 30% of the overall population! The lack of basic resources in the area makes it almost impossible for people from this region to obtain an education and access to future opportunities in their lives.

The project is therefore focused on developing a school and orphanage that will provide a safe and nurturing environment where children can take advantage of the opportunity to receive a high-quality education.  AWF Network Partner, JCBA is using its considerable expertise in school design to help turn this dream into a reality. AWF is very excited to be supporting this important initiative which will have a lasting positive impact not only on the lives of the children it reaches but far beyond to the broader community through job creation and greater community connection and cohesion.