Dozens of children in bright clothes waving alongside adult leaders in front of a green-roofed hall in the Ssese Islands

Ssese Islands · Kalangala District · Uganda

Every child on the Ssese Islands deserves every chance.

SKOM is a Christ-centred, community-based organisation working to nurture, protect and empower children aged 5–15 across the islands of Lake Victoria — so every child can learn, grow, stay safe and reach their God-given potential.

Partner With SKOM Explore Our Programs
3,000+ children the 2026–2029 program aims to reach Program target
10 community learning hubs planned across the islands Planned
4 program pillars working together for each child Our approach
5–15 the age range of the children SKOM serves Who we serve

Who we are

Rooted in the islands. Focused on every child.

Ssesse Kids Outreach Ministries (SKOM) was established to respond to the educational, protection, health and welfare needs of children living in the Ssese Islands of Lake Victoria.

Headquartered on Janna Island in Kalangala District, SKOM brings together church, family and community to surround children with the care, learning and protection they need. Our leadership brings more than 15 years of cumulative experience in grassroots community intervention, rural child development, faith-based mobilisation and NGO project management across Uganda’s island and fishing communities.

More about SKOM
A woman leader leads a group of seated children in song inside a timber hall, a traditional drum beside her

Why SKOM exists

Island life is full of promise — and real barriers for children.

Children in the Ssese Islands face challenges that are closely connected. SKOM responds to them together, alongside families and local structures.

Geographic isolation

Many island communities have limited access to quality schools, health facilities and child protection services. Reaching them can be harder and more costly than on the mainland.

Child labour & school dropout

Where household incomes depend on fishing, some children leave school early or are drawn into net mending, fish processing and night fishing.

Protection & health gaps

Limited psychosocial support, health literacy and safeguarding structures can leave children more exposed to abuse, exploitation, teenage pregnancy and other risks.

Our programs

Four pillars. One whole child.

Learning, well-being, protection and community belong together. Each pillar strengthens the others.

See all programs

Pillar 01
Holistic Learning & Skill Development

Community learning hubs, scholastic materials, after-school tutoring, life skills and vocational exposure.

Learning & Skills

Pillar 02
Physical & Emotional Well-being

Health and hygiene education, nutrition support, psychosocial support groups, safe recreation and sport.

Well-being

Pillar 03
Child Safeguarding, Equity & Inclusion

A Child Protection Policy, community protection teams, advocacy against child labour and work with Beach Management Units.

Child Protection

Pillar 04
Family & Community Engagement

Parenting workshops through churches, youth community service, lake conservation and learning from results.

Family & Community
2026–2029 strategic target

Our goal: to reach 3,000+ children across the Ssese Islands.

SKOM’s three-year strategic partnership and resource mobilisation program aims to reach more than 3,000 children through one connected approach.

Learning Well-being Protection Community Engagement
A target, not a result. The 3,000+ figure is what the 2026–2029 program sets out to achieve. SKOM will report progress openly as the program is delivered.
See the 2026–2029 strategy

What guides us

A safe, hope-filled future for every island child.

Our vision

A safe, hope-filled community where every child on the Ssese Islands is protected, anchored in Christian faith, valued, and fully equipped through quality education and compassionate care to reach their God-given potential.

Our mission

To nurture, protect, and empower children aged 5 to 15 on the Ssese Islands by providing essential resources, educational support, and Christ-centred mentorship within a safe, loving community that breaks cycles of hardship and builds a purposeful future.

Where we work

Children, families and faith on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Where we work
A large group of children and adults gathered on the grass by the Lake Victoria shoreline
Two girls perform for an audience at the front of a church hall decorated in green, yellow and blue
Wooden fishing boats pulled up along a tree-lined shore in the Ssese Islands
Children seated in rows raising their hands during a session inside a timber hall
The sun setting over Lake Victoria beside a wooded island headland

Partner with SKOM

Help us turn a three-year plan into lasting change.

SKOM is building partnerships to deliver its 2026–2029 program. We welcome conversations with:

  • Development agencies and foundations
  • Churches and faith-based institutions
  • Corporate partners and organisations committed to child development
  • Individual well-wishers, volunteers and community supporters
Partner With Us Support a Child
Children and adults posing together outdoors, with the lake and fishing boats behind them

Leadership

Led by people who know the islands.

A team combining pastoral leadership, child development, compliance, planning and field experience.

Meet the full team

Pastor Bamanya John

Founder & Chairperson

ExpertisePastoral Leadership, Community Mobilisation

Ganyana Caroline

Co-Founder

ExpertiseChild Development, Field Assessment

Tusabe Dinah

Program Quality

ExpertiseChild Safeguarding, Governance

Get involved

Every child. Every chance.
Every one of us has a part.

Whether you represent an organisation, a church or simply care about children, there is a place for you in SKOM’s work.