We Care About it All, Because God Cares About it All
If you think Okoa does a lot, you are right. As a Christian nonprofit in Africa, what began as a dream to care for a few vulnerable children has become a holistic Christian ministry that helps bring transformation and stabilization to entire communities in partnership with the local Church. In all things, Okoa encourages indigenous autonomy. That’s simply a fancy way of admitting that we recognize we don’t know everything or have all the answers. So we prioritize humility in meeting people where they are, to solve problems that they identify, with solutions they suggest, creating truly community-led development in Uganda and across East Africa.
These impact markers reflect how this Christian nonprofit in Africa invests in spiritual, physical, and emotional restoration through church planting, child rescue, medical care, justice work, and community empowerment.
Join the MIssion
We started with a vision in 2008 to rescue the most vulnerable children in Uganda. Fast-forward to today, and as a growing Christian ministry in Uganda and East Africa, we serve the people who need us in many ways, including health, education, safety, spiritual development, community empowerment, and more. Our mission is to partner with the local church to glorify Christ through stabilizing the family unit and transforming entire communities. This holistic approach is what sets Okoa apart among Christian nonprofits in Africa.
Child Rescue Center
Okoa’s Residential Child Rescue Center is truly special! As part of our Christian nonprofit work in Africa, we’re passionate about these amazing children, but we believe no child should have to grow up in an institution. Okoa works diligently to find permanent homes for each child in our care. This means tracing relatives or connecting with local adoptive families to help secure a child’s future, while providing Christ-centered care, education, and counseling along the way.
Child Rescue CenterMEET THE OKOA CHILDREN
Discover the life-changing impact of your support with Okoa Refuge. Our app connects you directly to the inspiring Christian ministry in Uganda, Africa, making it easy to stay updated on the latest stories, prayer needs, and posts from the field.
Visit the AppGender-based Violence Shelters
When a contract ended with an organization that ran a GBV shelter, the Ugandan government requested Okoa take over, ensuring vital services for survivors escaping sex work, trafficking, and abuse. As a justice-focused Christian nonprofit in Africa, our survivor-first approach encompasses emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual care for those affected. We then work with law enforcement and the court systems to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, contributing to the wider anti-trafficking effort and safer communities.
Gender-Based Violence SheltersBible Schools
Okoa Refuge’s Bible School’s 2-year intensive program equips leaders to impact their spheres of influence and produces pastors and disciple-makers across Uganda and East Africa. Every church should have a qualified pastor, but attending an accredited Bible College or Seminary is not an option for many. This inspired the creation of Okoa’s Bible Schools, which currently have over 2,200 students enrolled!
Bible Schools
Local Missionaries
Many Okoa Refuge Bible School graduates become long-term missionaries around Uganda and across East Africa. After completing Bible School, these leaders complete a special training, Perspectives in World Missions, with the help of our wonderful partners at Way of Salvation Church. Finally, they are sent out and cared for by Way of Salvation’s team!
This model keeps missions truly indigenous and community-rooted, allowing this Christian nonprofit in Africa to reach unreached people groups with culturally wise, locally led ministry
Our MissionariesPARTNER WITH US
Consider partnering with us by sponsoring a specific need, joining a child’s care team, joining the prayer team, or becoming a monthly donor! Each step of involvement helps this Christian nonprofit in Africa continue community development, rescue, justice work, healthcare, and church planting across Uganda and East Africa.
Have questions? Fill out our contact form, and someone from the Okoa Refuge team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
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