In a rural community near Lira, Northern Uganda, Reverend George Amoli is helping children access opportunities he once had to struggle for himself. Together with his wife, Lucy, he founded Jesus the Way Primary School with a simple conviction: no child should be denied an education because of poverty.
For George, this commitment is deeply personal. After losing both parents at the age of six after they tried to drown him in the Nile river, he was raised by his grandmother and worked from a young age selling mangoes to help pay for his education. Later, during civil unrest in Northern Uganda, he spent six years fleeing conflict alongside fellow Christians. These experiences shaped his compassion for children and families facing hardship, and his determination to help them build a different future.
Today, George serves as a Dean within the Anglican Church of Uganda and is one of World in Need’s Global Family leaders. Through his ministry and the school, he brings together a love for Jesus and a practical commitment to caring for others.
Jesus the Way Primary School now serves around 350 nursery and primary-aged children. Established in response to the devastating effects of conflict on local families, it offers education, encouragement and a caring community. Families contribute a small amount towards schooling where they can, but children are welcomed even when their parents cannot afford to pay.
For approximately 220 children, the school also provides boarding accommodation, offering stability and support through difficult family circumstances. A dedicated team of 14 teachers, supported by classroom assistants and care staff, helps pupils grow academically, spiritually and in confidence. George and Lucy personally sponsor 32 children, investing their own resources in their education and wellbeing.
George’s heart for his community extends beyond the school gates. During school holidays, he runs week-long conferences to encourage local believers, strengthen their faith and help them grow as followers of Jesus. Twice a year, he also organises large outdoor evangelistic crusades, hiring a local football pitch for revival meetings reminiscent of the gatherings associated with Billy Graham.
This summer brought particular cause for celebration. George shared that 172 people gave their lives to Jesus during the week-long crusade, and all were baptised the following Sunday, including four Muslim families who had come to faith in Christ. It was a joyful testimony to the gospel being shared and received within the community.
There is encouraging progress at the school, too. A new perimeter wall and gate have been completed, and two security guards help keep pupils and staff safe. Looking ahead, the school hopes to strengthen support for teachers, improve solar lighting in classrooms and dormitories, and develop a vocational training centre so young people can gain practical skills beyond primary school.
At World in Need, we are thankful for George and Lucy’s faithful service, their passion for sharing the gospel and the care they show their community. Their story reminds us how God can work through lives marked by hardship to bring hope to others. We are privileged to stand alongside them as part of our Global Family.
Please join us in praying for George, Lucy, the school staff and every child in their care, as well as the new believers beginning their journey of faith.
