A new dawn for Kikyamuzi
How a village with no school of its own became home to over 230 learners.
Built by the community, for the community
Kikyamuzi is a farming village in Kakumiro District, Uganda, roughly 4 km off the main road. For years, families here had no good school of their own. Children who wanted a quality education had to walk long distances, or travel as far as Mubende or Hoima — a journey that pushed many into dropping out altogether, and left girls especially vulnerable to early marriage.
St. Mary's Nursery & Primary School opened its doors in 2018 to change that story. What began as a response to a clear and urgent need has grown into a school that over 230 children now call their own — many of them from families who could not otherwise afford an education.
We are still growing. Our classrooms need finishing, our compound needs a reliable food source, and our teachers need a place to stay. But every day, St. Mary's stands as proof that a village can build its own new dawn.
Our Mission
Promoting human dignity and life in abundance for all.
Our Vision
Transforming the lives of every person and family through education and programs centred on uplifting the standard of living of the community.
What we instill in every child
Love
Every child is treated with warmth, patience, and dignity, regardless of background.
Generosity
Sharing what little we have — food, time, knowledge — so that no child is left out.
Responsibility
Teaching children to own their learning, their chores, and their future.
Integrity
Honesty in the classroom, on the playground, and in how we account for support given to us.
Hardworking Spirit
Modelling the same diligence we ask of our pupils, from the garden to the classroom.
Family Spirit
A school that feels like an extension of home — the way Kikyamuzi looks after its own.
Protecting the futures most at risk
St. Mary's educates every child without discrimination — but girls in Kikyamuzi carry a disproportionate share of poverty's weight.
Girls in this community are more exposed to domestic hardship and are more likely to be pulled out of school early — often into early marriage. Educating them isn't a side project; it is one of the most direct ways to build resilience, dignity, and lasting economic power in Kikyamuzi. That is why girl-child empowerment sits at the center of our daily work, not at the margins of it.
The people behind St. Mary's
Fr. Emmanuel Barongo, M. Afr.
Founder & Author of the School Concept
A Missionary of Africa whose vision for Kikyamuzi shaped the founding of St. Mary's and continues to guide its growth.
Our Teaching Staff
Educators & Caregivers
A dedicated team who show up daily for classes, meals, and the countless small needs of 230+ children.
The Wider School Family
Support Staff & Community
From kitchen staff to groundskeepers, St. Mary's runs on the same family spirit it teaches its pupils.
Find us in Kikyamuzi
P.O Box 117282, Kampala, Uganda
Every child deserves a safe classroom and a full stomach.
Join us in Kikyamuzi — as a donor, a sponsor, or a partner.