Our Story
From a small mission trip to a thriving community of 551 children
“Timor Domini principium scientiae”
The fear of God is the beginning of knowledge — Proverbs 1:7
Our Mission
We are a Catholic Primary School and Orphanage under the patronage of Our Lady of the Rosary (OLR). Our students encounter Christ and receive a holistic education that forms an all-rounded person, body and soul. Our students deepen their love of God and neighbor through celebration of liturgies, in classrooms, and in co-curricular activities.
Our Journey
From a humble mission trip to a thriving school and orphanage, see how Our Lady of the Rosary has grown.
The Mission Trip
Fr. Joseph led a group of 8 students from Ave Maria University for a mission trip to Uganda. People of Ave Maria town donated clothes and school supplies intended for approximately 100 orphaned children. When they arrived, over 400 children showed up.
A Vision Takes Shape
On October 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, a small group gathered to learn about Masaka and the mission trip. Inspired by the cause, they initiated a fundraiser to construct a 5-classroom building and a pit latrine.
Construction Begins
$50,000 was sent to Uganda on January 2, marking the beginning of construction. By November, the 5-classroom building was completed. The school opened with 180 children.
School Opens
548 students commenced their studies in the new facility. The chapel was constructed, serving both OLR students and Christians of Nabutongwa village.
Rapid Growth
Built kitchen and 500-capacity dining hall, teacher living quarters, brick fence, solar system, and CCTV cameras. Paved 72% of campus paths and dug a water well providing 880 liters per day.
First Graduates
Graduated our pioneer 24 students who passed the Primary Leaving exams with flying colors: 6 first grades, 15 second grades, and 3 third grades. 7 boys joined seminary. Launched prayer partnership with Ave Maria University.
Growing Strong
Now serving 551 children from Pre-K through 10th grade. Partnered with St. John Henry Newman Institute to transition into a classical academy. Recognized as a model school in Masaka diocese and district.
Our Accomplishments
With the generous donations we have received since December 2020, we have achieved remarkable growth.
Four classroom/dormitory buildings
Chapel for Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and retreats
Kitchen and 500-capacity dining hall
12 single-unit living quarters for teachers
Brick fence around the entire school and orphanage
The Beginning
In 2018, Fr. Joseph led a group of 8 students from Ave Maria University for a Mission trip to Uganda. People of the town of Ave Maria donated clothes and school supplies intended for approximately 100 orphaned children in Fr. Joseph's village and home parish.
When they arrived, the mission team was astounded when over 400 children showed up. AMU students shared this story when they came back to the U.S. With the help of people from the town of Ave Maria and the University, Father Joseph founded an orphanage and school in the heart of his home village.
The gathering took place at the village church, a place of personal significance for Fr. Joseph, as it was where he attended the first three grades of elementary school. This school, unfortunately, only consisted of two classrooms, each accommodating over 80 students, and other classes were conducted outdoors under a tree.
The orphanage is now a home to 551 children, providing them with not only a safe and supportive environment but also essential necessities such as education, food, and clothing. Children at OLR orphanage and school (which teaches children from Pre-K through 10th grade) gather daily to make a holy hour, have Mass, and pray a communal Rosary.
On October 1, 2024, Ave Maria University launched a prayer partnership with Our Lady of the Rosary in which an orphan adopts a student, faculty, staff, or trustee and prays for them daily before the Blessed Sacrament.