The Story So Far
Meet Pastor Steven Kimbowa, founder of the Rock of Joy Children’s Centre.
The location: Lungujja - Kampala, Uganda.
In 2003 Pastor Steven Kimbowa had a vision. He was inspired by his daughter Joy, she felt so fortunate to be receiving an education that in her time at home she would teach her friends and neighbours what she had learnt that day. Pastor Kimbowa, who has a real heart for children decided to make a change and give these children an opportunity to a real education, which otherwise their families could not have provided. Starting out with just 10 children and few teachers Pastor Kimbowa began to bring hope and change to a community.
Children who attend the school, which began with just ten pupils and now has almost 300, may have lost one or both parents, live with step-parents who have little interest in them, or relatives who cannot afford to care for them. They come to school with wounds and sores. Many arrive having had nothing to eat since the porridge they received the day before at school. Others return home at lunchtime to be sent out to work to provide income for their family. Therefore the work that the school and the church are doing is vitally important to the lives of these children and the community's development.
It is Pastor Kimbowa’s astounding faith and his commitment to this community, especially its children which has resulted in the success of this project. Refusing to allow lack of resources or manpower to hinder the schools progress, Pastor Kimbowa pushed on, forming an allegiance with ‘The Oasis Trust’ (a UK based organisation). This brought a succession of 3 teams to the school and local community. Involved in various works with the people of Lungujja, the change made to the schools progress is evident. With more enthusiastic teachers on board Pastor Steven began to focus on long term plans to secure the schools future. At the same time interest was increasing in the UK resulting in the formation of ‘The Kabanda Trust’.
Today these children have an opportunity to a real education. A place where they are fed, loved and nurtured. Where young minds are stimulated and inspired. Finally they are getting what they have long been awaiting, a chance to be all they can be, to be a true investment to the future of Uganda.
The Vision
Pastor Kimbowa’s big vision is to have a school which is entirely self sufficient, providing a high standard of education on all levels to these children. Training them also in life and job skills. Ultimately providing them with a safe environment in which to learn, this is incorporated in the boarding sections of the school which are growing as resources allow. It does not stop here, it is hoped that through this others in the community will also become inspired and will be given an opportunity to learn and more forward.
Read one child's story.
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