Fredrico Odongo, known as Charlie, grew up in Gulu, northern Uganda, experiencing firsthand the realities of loss, instability, and uncertainty that many vulnerable children still face today. As a young adult, after building a small livelihood through his fitness work, he began supporting children living on the streets - offering meals, a place to wash, and most importantly, encouragement and hope. What began with helping one child soon grew, as more children came seeking safety, guidance, and someone who believed in their future.

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At the same time, Miriam Odongo (née Öttinger), known as Mimi, a formally trained educator and special needs pedagogue from Germany, had been volunteering in Gulu since 2013. Through her work in children’s homes and community projects, as well as her professional experience working with children with disabilities and in child and adolescent psychiatry, she developed a deep understanding of both the challenges children face and the importance of long-term, holistic support. She was deeply moved by the strength, joy, and sense of community she encountered, and felt called to contribute her professional skills in a meaningful and sustainable way.​

 

When Mimi and Charlie met in October 2018, they quickly realized they shared the same vision: to create a structured, community-based organization that could provide consistent support and new opportunities for vulnerable children and families. The heart behind the organization was clear from the start: To make everyone and anyone feel welcome and valued, no matter their background.

 

Just days earlier, Charlie had taken the first legal step to register the initiative locally, seeking to create protection and stability for the children he was already supporting. Together, they began building Children Care Uganda into a fully structured organization - combining Charlie’s deep local understanding and relationships with Mimi’s professional expertise and international perspective.

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In November 2019, Children Care Uganda Deutschland e.V. was founded in Germany and officially registered in April 2020. This created an important international foundation to support the work in Uganda, strengthen organizational development, and ensure transparency and sustainability. The close collaboration between the Ugandan and German teams reflects a shared commitment that transcends borders. Friendship, trust, and a deep sense of shared purpose form the foundation of this partnership, demonstrating what is possible when people from different backgrounds unite to create lasting change.

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In its early years, Children Care Uganda was built entirely through volunteer commitment, personal sacrifice, and faith. With very limited resources but strong dedication, the team began providing regular support through mentorship, psychosocial care, education support, and community programs. Through continuous learning, organizational development training, and growing partnerships, the organization developed the professional structures needed to ensure long-term sustainability and responsible stewardship.

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Today, Children Care Uganda is a registered international non-profit organization working closely with local authorities, community leaders, and partners to support vulnerable children, youth, and families in Gulu and surrounding communities. The organization provides holistic support including educational assistance, psychosocial care, sports, medical care, vocational trainings and community-based programs that strengthen both young people and their families.

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Our work is deeply rooted in our Christian faith, which inspires us to serve with compassion, dignity, and love. At the same time, Children Care Uganda is committed to inclusivity and welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or personal circumstances.

 

We believe that real change happens through consistent presence, strong relationships, and the shared belief that every child deserves hope, opportunity, and a future.