Our Story

Shelter Academy of Light is the years-long dream of co-founders Grace and George Sakwa. Grace was orphaned at the age of 9 and experienced first-hand the struggles of receiving an education. Her faith in Christ, determination, and the help of many caring people enabled her to complete most of her education. God’s grace upon her and her educational journey is the light that guided her to where she is today. Since she was a little girl Grace has had an unstoppable love and compassion for children, inspiring her to give back to the youth of her community.

George’s passion for vulnerable children motivated him to study special education, specifically sign language. He devotedly taught children with hearing impairments for 7 years before moving to the United States. George’s desire to make a difference in children’s lives is the reason for his hard work in supporting children in Uganda.

George and Grace left their families and moved to the United States in 1998. After seeing the education their children were receiving in their town of Arlington Heights, Illinois, the Sakwas felt called to think big and established Shelter Academy of Light in 2013 with the understanding that the fate of Bubutu and the surrounding area lies in quality education to break the cycle of poverty. Shelter Academy’s vision is to build a model school in the Eastern region of Uganda and contribute to providing orphaned and vulnerable children with quality education, resources, and support.

The Sakwas still live in Chicagoland with their 4 children, with family and property in Bubutu, Uganda. They’re thankful to God and to the cherished friends who have made living in this community such a precious piece of their lives. The Sakwa family and the entire team at Shelter Academy of Light are forever grateful to every single sponsor, contributor, and friend for their unconditional love and generous support.