One Heart Uganda is rooted in Chicago and the St. Andrew community
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Born out of an initial 2004 visit by Fr. Matthias Kakooza to Chicago’s St. Andrew Parish, our communities became linked and enriched through a series of educational and wellness efforts.
One Heart Uganda is a scholarship program that began at St. Andrew and is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that changes students’ lives through education. Bright, talented young people, who are orphaned or at-risk, are given new hope through annual tuition sponsorships. Students attend schools from elementary grades through university or trade colleges and reside in Kampala, Mityana, Lwamata and surrounding central Uganda villages.
The inspiration for One Heart Uganda began in 2005 with the sponsorship of Jackie, a very bright 8-year old girl with limited resources, a deceased father and a mother struggling with HIV/AIDS. Through letters, photographs and small tokens exchanged over several years, one Chicago family experienced the joy and gift of helping a young woman achieve her dreams. Multiplying this experience is the mission of our program that now supports nearly 100 students.
Today, Jackie attends Makerere University in Kampala and receives a full government academic scholarship for veterinary studies. She was able to attain this feat after attending high quality elementary, secondary and preparatory schools and excelling in her entrance exams. Jackie’s potential and hard work paired with local resources is the model for what we hope One Heart Uganda can create for all students and sponsors.
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