About us

Mary and Joseph's mission is to provide quality education to disadvantaged and vulnerable children, fostering their holistic development for the benefit of themselves and society.

 

Mary and Joseph Junior School was established in 2016 with the vision of providing quality education to disadvantaged and vulnerable children in rural Uganda. Located in Kijagara, Isandara Parish, Butiiti Subcounty, Kyenjojo District, our school serves as a beacon of hope for children who face significant barriers to accessing formal education. We are registered under PPS/M/426 and are situated 5 kilometers from Kaihura along Kampala Highway.

 

Our school was founded to address the educational challenges faced by children from impoverished backgrounds, orphans, and those who have been marginalized. At Mary and Joseph Junior School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of their economic circumstances.

 

Our mission is to provide inclusive, high-quality education that empowers children with the knowledge and skills they need to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

who we are

About the founder 

Fr. Titus Ahabyona Winyi, a devoted Catholic priest and diocesan priest of Fort Portal Diocese, established Mary and Joseph Junior School in 2016 in the rural setting of Butiiti, Kyenjojo District, with a clear vision: to bring hope, education, and opportunity to the most vulnerable children in the area. His deep commitment to serving underprivileged communities and his pastoral experience in rural Uganda fueled his desire to address the challenges faced by families in the region, particularly those struggling with poverty and lack of access to quality education.

 

Butiiti, like many rural areas in Uganda, suffers from high levels of poverty, limited infrastructure, and scarce educational opportunities. Fr. Titus, recognizing the pressing need for a school that could cater to disadvantaged children, especially orphans and those from impoverished or violent households, was driven to create a nurturing and empowering environment for these young souls. By founding Mary and Joseph Junior School, he aimed to provide not just an education but a future where children could break free from the cycle of poverty through learning, spiritual growth, and holistic development.

 

Fr. Titus also believed in the transformative power of education in building a more just and equitable society. As a priest deeply connected to his community, he saw firsthand how the lack of schools close to home forced children to walk long distances or, worse, drop out of school altogether. His response was to build a safe, local school that would serve as a beacon of hope for the families of Butiiti, giving them access to quality education without the obstacles of distance and financial strain.

 

Now, as the Parish Priest of Virika Cathedral Parish – Our Lady of the Snows, Fr. Titus continues his mission of empowering young people, drawing on his pastoral commitment to serve and uplift the marginalized. Through Mary and Joseph Junior School, he has created a legacy of faith, compassion, and educational excellence that continues to inspire and transform the lives of countless children.

Our Achievements 

Increased Enrollment

Each year, more children from vulnerable backgrounds gain access to education through our school. 

 

Positive Impact.

Our students have demonstrated academic excellence and personal growth, with many going on to pursue higher education. 

 

Community Support.

We have earned the trust and backing of the local community, who see the school as a vital resource in uplifting the entire area.

Our projects 

Domitory construction 

To make education more accessible to children from distant villages, we plan to build dormitories for both boys and girls. 

 

School Farm expansion 

We aim to expand our agricultural activities, growing more matooke (bananas) and raising cows to further enhance our feeding program and teach agricultural skills.

Bore hole construction

Access to clean water is a challenge for both the school and the local community. We plan to construct a borehole to provide safe, easily accessible water.

Join our Journey

Mary and Joseph Junior School is more than just a place of learning; it’s a place of hope, growth, and transformation. With the support of individuals and organizations like you, we can continue to provide life-changing education to children who need it most. Together, we can strive for a better tomorrow.

Our challenges

Financial Constraints

Many of our students come from low-income families, which limits our ability to cover operational costs and expand infrastructure. 

Limited Learning Resources.

There is a continuous need for educational materials, including textbooks, desks, and learning aids. 

 

Water Scarcity

Access to clean water remains a critical challenge, underscoring the importance of our borehole project.

 

Join our support system 

Feeding Program: Through our school farm, we provide daily nutritious meals, ensuring that students are healthy and ready to learn.

Pastoral Care: Many of our students have experienced trauma or hardship. Our pastoral care program offers emotional and social support, helping children heal and succeed.

Community Involvement: We actively engage with parents and local leaders to create a supportive environment for our students, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.