Our Programs
At the James Place in Jinja, Uganda, we empower vulnerable and abandoned women and children through Christ-centered, holistic programs that focus on sustainability and family preservation. By mentoring women and children, we aim for them to experience love, discover hope, and know their worth. Throughout the week, we offer multiple programs at the James Place, and since opening, 212 women have registered—more than 150 of them are now thriving entrepreneurs who can provide for their families.
Education
The preschool department was created to educate the four and five-year-old children enrolled full time in childcare to ensure they are adequately prepared in speaking and writing in English. Since English is the national language of Uganda, our children are getting a head start in the primary schools where English is mandatory. Our licensed teachers have a structured classroom that promotes creativity in an environment making it easy to learn. Our Preschool graduates are ranking at the top of their Primary Grade classes.
Childcare
Most of the women (ages 14+) in our program have a child or care for multiple children. The purpose of the childcare department is for abandoned women and widows to be able to work or attend school full time and to provide a safe place of play, nutrition, and education for their children. Childcare was started at the James Place in 2013 as a byproduct of the women’s ministry needs. The women were not able to attend school full time or work full time because they had no family childcare support.
Sustainability Initative
Our Sustainability Initiative equips our people with skills to support their families and build stable futures. Year-long sewing classes provide training and a sewing machine for graduates to start businesses, like Sylvia Matovu, who opened her own shop called Colored Threads. Business training and artisan programs such as pottery and leatherwork give women the knowledge and tools to earn income, provide for their families, and grow in confidence.
Farming God’s Way
The purpose of Farming God’s Way is to equip farmers with a more sustainable way of agriculture. It helps peasant farmers grow higher yields to reduce the rate of poverty and undernourishment throughout Africa. The Director of Operations works closely with the women in our program to grow food in their own back yards by using demonstration plots at the James Place as well as working with them one-on-one in the field. https://www.farming-gods-way.org/
Bible Study
The purpose of the Bible studies at the James Place are to allow the women to have a safe environment where they can find true hope and unconditional love in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our hope is that every woman will strengthen her relationship with Jesus. Bible study allows the women to create relationships with other women built on trust and love. Teaching relationally creates an environment for different tribes to become interdependent on one another, loving one another as we are all called to do.