UpperNile Orphans Care Organization
UpperNile Orphans Care Organization (UOCO) is an NGO in South Sudan, Africa, and a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt educational charity in the USA. UOCO’s first project is a war orphan boarding school in South Sudan, operated by community members there.
This is an international effort by staff and volunteers. We value a collaborative, accountable, intentional focus to help vulnerable children in South Sudan’s war ravaged community.
A quote from Founder and Executive Director, Tito Gatkoi Kach
“My dream for this orphan care organization came in 2016 after my wife Roda, our six children and I welcomed one orphan amputee child into our family. He lost his mother in a car accident before his sixth month. With my years of humanitarian experience the question became; how many orphans are in South Sudan after this last civil war? Can we, you and I, change the orphans’ lives to a hopeful future? My years of humanitarian experiences and the care of this one child did not just give me courage, it gave me hope to begin my long-term dream to protect and care for vulnerable orphaned children whose parents died before a hopeful future could be lived. I believe if we come together with a commitment and join hands, the Hand of Hope Community School will indeed bring a hopeful future to minors who are currently hopeless.”
Our Mission
UOCO’s mission is to provide safe, kind care with free education for vulnerable girls and boys, ages 3-15. This participatory, collaborative effort will build to a capacity of 50 student-residents. Integrating conflict resolution skills into academic studies will empower these traumatized children and give them valid options in their lives.
Once well established, we can host volunteer teachers or community volunteers. We plan to eventually link with an international exchange program, train community health workers and offer scholarships to universities and link with the community for adult literacy.
Our Organization
In August of 2020, UpperNile Orphans Care Organization (UOCO) became an official Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). UOCO is linked in the USA is a 501(c) 3 tax exempt, charitable organization. Our first project is the Hands of Hope Community School, in Leer County, South Sudan.
We chose a different name for the school itself so as not to stigmatize the children. Besides Tito, the original dreamer of this project, there are handfuls of dedicated workers and volunteers in South Sudan, Kenya, Brazil and the USA! Until UOCO can secure consistent, sufficient monthly donations and grants, our dedicated teachers and staff, some of whom fled with the children into the bush when the village was attacked, sacrifice more and accept lower wages so the children can eat.
We need you.
The Reality We Want to Change
“Our war orphan boarding school project gives real orphaned and vulnerable children a loving home, tender healing and HOPE.”
-Mary Grace – USA – UOCO Liaison
“The only way to restore hope for war weary children is quality education. Establishing a Boarding School for orphaned and disadvantaged children will absolutely restore hope for our most vulnerable.”
-Simon Bol – Board Member