Hope Village- Kampala, Uganda
The goal of Hope Village is exactly as it sounds--to serve as an oasis of hope in the midst of a struggling country while caring for the most vulnerable of the population, the children. The country of Uganda continues to stagger in the wake decades of war and destruction due to the AIDS epidemic.
Set next to pristine Lake Victoria near Kampala, Uganda, the 25-acre Hope Village serves orphaned children and families in the region. The campus currently provides a K-6 school to ensure there is a hope through a positive environment and training for the youngest generation of Uganda. In addition to this, a Bible college operates to train leaders from Africa and recreational areas.
Royce and Elizabeth Iverson, Hope Village’s Directors, moved from Portland, Oregon to Uganda in 2007 to serve as full time missionaries. With their children, Sophia and Dominic, the Iverson’s now serve as ministers and administrators in the Hope Village’s efforts. Royce is the mission’s project developer and Elizabeth an elementary teach in a local home school co-op. Both are involved in programs to train and disciple others.
The next phase of Hope Village’s outreach to the lost and abandoned includes 20 family-style homes to accommodate 200 boys and girls in total. These children, many of whom have been rescued from exploitation, abuse, poverty, and the loss of their parents and family, will learn, grow, play and know the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.
Hope Village is in the process of also developing a medical clinic. The objectives of the clinic include prevention of disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria; care for residents of Hope Village and the surrounding communities in Uganda; and education for children and parents regarding safe sanitation and immunization, HIV/AIDS prevention, and Life Skills classes.
By meeting urgent and long-term natural needs, Hope Village desires to reach a generation with the Gospel who may not otherwise hear it.