In the spring of 2005, ground-breaking began on his five acre site. In January, 2006, 99 children moved into the academy/orphanage. At that time, there was 1 dorm, 1 classroom, a typical African latrine, and a make-shift kitchen.

Presently (June 2007), there are 2 dorms—one for boys and one for girls, a classroom, an assembly  hall/classroom, teachers’ quarters, three typical African latrines, a kitchen (nearing completion), a prayer garden, a hand-dug water well, and electricity. An additional 15 acres of land was purchased in the summer of 2006.

It is now home to 178 orphans; 15 children are victims of the war in Northern Uganda. The remaining orphans are victims of the AIDS epidemic.

Teachers’ quarters

Providing a home and education to AIDS orphans and war victims in Uganda, Africa

Blessed Hope Champions Orphanage and Academy

History

For the past several years, Pastor Joel Bukenya has been taking care of orphans of the AIDS epidemic in homes of church members of his congregation.

He began providing schooling for these children during the week at his church. He would provide food for the children and their host families on a weekly basis. The cost was great. He had a vision of starting an academy/orphanage for the children. At that time, he was taking care of 79 children.

While visiting the U.S. and the congregation of New Life Fellowship in Ripley, West Virginia, he told of his dream to start an academy/orphanage. Because of the overwhelming support, he began to see his dream come to life.