Learn about our mission, our story, and the dedicated people making a difference
Our Story
A journey of hope and transformation that began in 2009
Helen Margaret Owen
Founder & Director
My name is Helen Margaret Owen. My life went in a direction I never expected after taking early retirement and I now work with a poor community in Uganda.
I first went to Uganda in 2009 to a village with no electricity, no medicines – in fact, nothing much at all. But I saw a community who looked after one another – from the youngest to the oldest.
On my return I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and grateful for the treatment available to me when I'd seen people without so much as paracetamol.
Five years later – after intensive treatment, I found myself back in Uganda and could hardly take it in. I was part of a Church group of four, who had years of experience in Uganda. It was to be their last trip, but I knew I'd be back.
Watch our full story from the beginning
aaaa
kkkkkkk
the kitchen we had
children playing
However, the little school in the village of Namataba we visited grabbed my heart. It was just a few children with smiley faces – mums as teachers and cooks, housed in a makeshift school that was made from a few planks of wood and iron sheets.
I saw the potential and possibilities. I looked around the area and could see there were acres of government land that was due to be developed.
I visualised a road running through the area – and it's now under construction, just a short distance away from us. A fast, interstate road which will link the Airport at Entebbe to Kenya.
I kept all these things in my heart and in 2015, I bought the land in the village where the little school was – to secure that area for the people of the village and wider community.
Over the next year, I bought more land – piece by piece using my redundancy money, savings and money that I'd invested for my future. But I felt my future was very much connected to the future prosperity and wellbeing of this community.
We built a better, but temporary iron sheet school. Now we have a permanent building incorporating nursery school, primary school, teachers houses, toilet blocks and separate boarding for boys and girls.
In 2019 we became a small charity under the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Today, we support nearly 300 pupils and care for over 70 orphans.
Our Impact
Making a difference in the lives of children and families
1000+
Children Supported
70+
Orphans Cared For
2015
Year Founded
20+
Team Members
Our Mission
To provide quality education, nutrition, and protection to vulnerable children in Uganda, raising their prospects and unlocking a better future for them and their community.
Our Vision
A world where every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our Journey
Key milestones in our history
2009
First Visit to Uganda
Helen first visits Uganda and sees the needs of the community
2014
Reconnection
Helen reconnects with the little school in Namataba
2015
Land Purchase
First land purchased to secure the school's future
2016-2018
School Construction
Permanent school building constructed with classrooms, teachers' houses, and boarding facilities
2019
Charity Registration
Helen Margaret Owen Foundation registered as a charity in England and Wales
2024
10 Year Celebration
Celebrated 10 years of working with the Namataba community in Uganda where
Our school is Located
2026
Continuing Impact
Continuing to expand our reach and deepen our impact — building brighter futures every day
Our Values
The principles that guide our work every day
Compassion
We act with empathy and kindness towards every child and family we serve.
Integrity
We are transparent, accountable, and honest in all our operations.
Education
We believe education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.
Community
We work together with local communities to create sustainable change.
Our Team
The dedicated people making our mission possible
Staff
Featured
Helen Margaret Owen
Founder & Executive Director
Executive Leadership
Helen founded the foundation after a life-changing visit to Uganda in 2014. A former teacher, she...
Featured
Geoffrey Kamya
Uganda Country Director
Uganda Operations
Geoffrey leads all operations at Kirinya Children's Centre, managing staff, programs, and communi...
