We are grateful for the fundraisers and happy to see our phase one dormitories almost completed. Because we are a team, another group of representatives led by our Australian-based co-founders Maree and Tevita Naroba, along with Australian board member Nic Jones, will be visiting in August this year.

To you all in Australia, New Zealand, Uganda, and different parts of the world: thank you for being the heart and soul of our mission. We are so grateful to have each and every one of you on this journey!

Let’s continue to dream big and achieve even more together. 

For His Love Compels Us
Thank you!

Wamala Steven

SOWING SEEDS OF HOPE

In life, there are truly some of the most difficult, exciting, daunting, confusing, exploratory and developmental times — times of multiple questions and emotions. As a foundation, and as individuals, we face most of these moments and will always want to be energised. For example; at BLCDF we design programs like the annual events gala done each year for students, parents and teachers to shower each other with celebration, gratitude and love. It involves thanking God, and asking Him for further guidance ahead of the years. 

Inspired by the message of the Parable of the Sower, this season’s reflection has been on identifying and using opportunities to recognize the power of intentionality, connection and growth when considering: What does it mean to have a positive impact? More importantly, it prompts us to consider how individuals can prepare their hearts and minds to establish flourishing roots of generosity, gratitude and hope for a fruitful future of impact. This parable reminds us that the seeds of impact that one sows have the potential to grow into something extraordinary, depending on where one plants them and how one nurtures them. Similarly, as the sower casts seeds onto different types of soil, one is able to determine how one will receive, or not receive, the impact of others. One’s soil, or response, determines one’s ability to lead a fruitful life of impact.  Reflecting on the story within the book of Mark, the concept of positive impact can be applied to Jesus’ insightful and wise parable: 

The Seed on the Road: This seed symbolizes the missed opportunities when one fails to acknowledge the positive influence around them. During the busy moments of life, it can be easy to focus internally. Individuals become distracted and blinded from seeing the positive impact of others whom they encounter daily. It’s a reminder to be present, aware and open to intentionally recognizing the impact individuals have on one another.

The Seed Choked by Thorns: In a world often driven by fear, judgment and conformity, it’s easy to let the fear of being vulnerable or different hold one back from truly embracing and acting on the positive influence one receives. This seed represents how societal pressures can limit one’s growth if one allows them to suffocate the potential of positive change.

The Seed in Good Soil: The final seed symbolizes how individuals can live lives of impact when they prepare their soil with humility, openness, gratitude and love in order to receive the kindness of others. Just as good soil allows a seed to grow and bear fruit, an open mind and heart allow us to take in lessons, grow from them, and pay it forward. 

Not only does one grow individually in one’s character by establishing resilient roots, but one’s growth results in a fruitful tree that sows new saplings of impact in the hearts of others. This is the place where one, as an individual and as a collective community, cultivates hope and impact.

When we focus on positively impacting one another, we are not only celebrated for the seeds planted within our hearts, but also honoured for our abilities to recognize, reflect, and show gratitude and act on the seed itself. It showcases the beauty that comes from sown seeds — a fruitful, impactful harvest of hope. 

We should never give up, but keep planting better seeds in our children and communities in general.

For His Love Compels Us
Thank you!

Wamala Steven

CHANGING COMMUNITIES THROUGH ASCS

I can never stand on our projects land for long without tears of joy and gratitude filling my heart and eyes. I remember what this place was once—a small hidden area with overgrown bushes and thorns. We took time clearing the place so children would have a spot to enjoy and a better learning and nurturing environment.

From purchasing land to setting up phases one and two of the school and to where we are today, it has been God. It feels very enjoyable and so good hearing children laugh, chatter, and play in a place that once was very quiet, a place where a school holds a number of nurturing activities.

For over two years, I have spent weekly with our children and the staff I respect. As I watched the space, I saw that this place kept changing and growing. Children grow in stature and knowledge of the Lord, our God. I have a great time cheering with mothers, fathers, grandparents, uncles, aunties and several children’s caregivers. Our place of learning has become a children’s celebration ground, very different from what they once thought was a place far out of reach. I have seen homes come to know the Lord in this place last year, 2024.

We pray that the sweet sounds of laughter, chatter, and worship will continue to fill this place and all the classrooms, fields, and playgrounds.

It has been over two years of beautiful work here, yet, in so many ways, the work is just beginning. Our focus remains on restoring and transforming lives and, thus, changing communities.

For His Love Compels Us
Thank you!

Wamala Steven

BRAVO FOR 2024!

Hello and Merry Christmas! 

I’m thinking about the way God has been so good to us, all; and how you have been so kind towards supporting us throughout this year. Making sure we are faithful with what God has given us is VERY important in this vision.

We want to raise our children with an understanding of just how blessed it is to depend on God, and that we have abundantly more than we could ask or imagine; the moment we learn to fully rely on Him. I have learned first-hand that the more faithful/generous you are, the more God pours into your life. Not just in finances but in relationships, opportunities and general happiness. It shouldn’t be the motivation behind our faithfulness and commitment; however God is good and does sweet things like that.

I am so excited for a couple of achievements this year. Our target from one of the family donors in Fiji – that gathered in late November was met, our school land is fully titled among others.  That gives us a living hope that we have a big God who uses friends and families that greatly think and love all we do for the children.

We have lots of activities and targets to meet each year. We praise God for all that has been realised and accomplished in 2024. Our mission remains centred around  empowering children of Uganda to impact their nation for Christ.” We believe it is one thing to help, and another thing to equip people to change their own world. Compared to us, the foundation kids don’t have much but they have everything they need and they are abundantly grateful to the One who provides and loves them.  It’s humbling.

There are so many ways to help our school children through the foundation. We can’t all do it all but we can all do something. I know, especially as the long holidays have approached, we feel pulled in lots of different directions and our list of things to buy or spend money on gets bigger. It only takes a little to make a big difference. So here they are; ways to help:

• Sponsor a student. You can pay monthly or up front and sponsor a child’s education, for the year. If you feel led to do that, you can find more information on www.barnabaslegacy.org. You can write to them letters, they can write to you letters. Our children know our sponsors by name and pray for them. It’s the sweetest thing.
• Buy shoes or a uniform. A pair of shoes costs $15. They’re adjustable and are heavy duty enough to last 5 years.  A uniform for school costs $20. Both of those could be a one-time donation with a big, practical impact.
• Plan to be part of a field visit to Uganda in August 2025. This is a yearly outreach for our friends and partners in Australia/New Zealand and other overseas areas. A fun full ten (10) days of activities and chances to spread and hear Good News. There’s more info on www.barnabaslegacy.org
• General donation. If none of the above appeals to you, find a cause that does: through www.barnabaslegacy.org. There is so much need, and little gestures can make big impacts. Do it for yourself. Do it as an example to your kids. Help them to realize the world is so much bigger than them. I dare you to find something and do something and watch God bless the gift and the giver.

To the awesome women, staff, parents, and all foundation/school colleagues in Uganda, thank you for the amazing work you do taking care of all our sweet, beautiful faces of children. Thank you for meeting practical needs and so much more. Thank you for affecting generations through the work you’re doing right now.

To our beautiful friends overseas (Australia and New Zealand), thank you so much for your kind heart in putting this together! There is no better time to look past ourselves and find ways we can help each other. 

Blessings & Happy New Year, 2025!

Wamala Steven
Founder, CEO BLCDF & ASCS
AWIB Katunda Chapter Coordinator 
Co-Principal ASCS 

Blessings!!

Wamala Steven
Founder BLCDF 
CEO BLCDF & ASCS
DWIB Katunda Chapter Coordinator 
Co-Principal ASCS 

SEEDS OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

One can have a vision and dream, but it will not come to fruition unless a person, many people or a group of people embrace and take part in it. As BLCDF, we thank God who connected us with a kind person (MC-Naroba) who wants to see children studying and women living Christ-centred lives. The vision and dream to have a Christian school, is (and will continue) taking many children to a better academic journey and total commitment to live a Christ-centred life and work with excellence. It is a pleasure having avenues thought of, and created for communication and discipleship, with hopes that our children will continue to be equipped holistically.

Dear friends and family in Christ, thank you for partnering with us in this life changing opportunity. Your partnership through financial support and prayers means a lot to us, the teachers, and students at Agape Star Christian School –Barnabas Legacy Children’s Dream Foundation. Seeds of growth and development are being sown each day!

Through your generous gifts as donors, sponsors, and prayer warriors, Agape Star Christian School – ASCS (Barnabas Legacy Children’s Dream Foundation) monthly operational needs are being met.  Our foundation children are in school engaging in quality lessons taught by our Ugandan teachers and we can undertake all projects as in our usual reports.   It is a blessing to see what God is doing in this ministry.

At ASCS, we promote sharing the Gospel with many different people, including some of our teachers and students.  All our teachers are encouraged to spend most of the time with the students.  And, we are always very grateful to share testimonies with you about the great things God is doing in the lives of our children/women. 

God has also put it on our hearts to share our progress with other local, like-minded people.  Please receive our heartfelt thanks and appreciation – for making a lasting difference!

May God richly bless you! 

Blessings!!

Wamala Steven

Founder BLCDF 
CEO BLCDF & ASCS
DWIB Katunda Chapter Coordinator 
Co-Principal ASCS 

A few years ago, God moved me to start thinking about a way of spreading the love of Christ to ladies and children in my local community through an initiative. And by the Grace of God, just after another few years, I got connected to Maree Cutler Naroba (based in Australia) and was touched by her life of Glory (she allowed herself to be moved by Jesus Christ). We decided to get together and restructure the vision of Barnabas Legacy Children’s Dream Foundation, as it stands, up to this point.

Thanks to a divinely orchestrated partnership, a family in New Zealand was inspired to support our vision in 2022. This support led to the establishment of a nursery and primary school in Namatovu Village, Uganda, under the foundation. Despite the challenges, we have persevered with God’s guidance, and today, the Foundation, Deborah Women projects, and Agape Star Christian Nursery and Primary School stand as a testament to our collective efforts.

This is God’s love that compels us.

Our Board members have loved the Foundation and have kept the pace for what it takes to sustain the vision “as their own child”, what a perfect picture of selflessness. This legacy was started a couple of years ago all because I, Maree, and a group of women/families from Australia and New Zealand (and so many other Mighty Deborahs along the way) allowed themselves to be used by the Heavenly Father.

What are we doing to continue the lasting legacies of God’s Love?

We are excited to offer children an Education through our Foundation school, support women in micro-businesses, continue raising our Foundation children in God-given measures, and help them realise their divine potential. We are currently constructing the dining shade and kitchen area. We have 202 students and are on a campaign to raise some more structures for the school dorms so we can house some children. We need playing swings and a school bus. Our women’s projects’ proceeds contribute towards a few costs at school. 

We are deeply grateful for your support and for being part of our journey. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact and difference in the lives of these children and women.

Blessings!!

Wamala Steven

Founder BLCDF 
CEO BLCDF & ASCS