Christian school in Uganda provides education and skills to abused children

Uganda faces significant challenges, including human trafficking, disabilities, and AIDS, which often prevent children from accessing education. Set Free Ministries is addressing these issues through its work in the country, focusing on Christian schools that provide hope and opportunity to vulnerable children.

Sexual abuse is a pressing concern in Uganda, with witch doctors playing a role in both the rise of abuse and the spread of AIDS. Many East African children seek treatment from witch doctors, often at the expense of their safety. According to HIV.Gov, 19.6 million people in eastern and southern Africa are infected with AIDS, with many children contracting the virus from their mothers or through interactions with witch doctors.

Dean Vader Mey from Set Free Ministries reports that 90 percent of children taken to witch doctors for treatment have experienced sexual abuse. This highlights the urgent need for alternative, safe medical care and educational opportunities for these children.

Set Free Ministries is currently building Light Academy High School and Vocational Center, alongside a primary school and several sponsored high schools. Each year, 350 students graduate from these schools, yet many children lack access to such opportunities. Vander Mey emphasizes the importance of providing education from age five until 19, ensuring that even those with delayed education can receive support.

At Light Academy, students will receive a Christian education and learn both household and career skills. Vander Mey explains, “We want every one of our young people to know how to do jobs so that when they leave the high school, they can be gainfully employed immediately.” The school aims to equip students with practical skills, such as hairdressing, sewing, cooking, and food growing, to support themselves after graduation.

Keeping children in school is especially critical in Uganda, where girls who graduate at 12 or 13 are often sold into human trafficking due to extreme poverty. Light Academy offers these students a chance to grow in Christ and develop skills to support themselves.

Vander Mey outlines a goal to raise five million dollars for the new school within four years, expanding the school grade by grade. Once completed, Light Academy will serve as a boarding school, providing housing and basic resources to orphans and other children in need. This initiative reflects a commitment to justice, mercy, and humble service, aligning with Micah 6:8.

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