In 2001, the Abayudaya Jewish community of Uganda took a bold step toward securing their children’s future. Working with Kulanu, a New York-based philanthropic organization, community leaders founded Hadassah Primary School to provide quality education that honors both Jewish tradition and Uganda’s national curriculum. Under the visionary leadership of founding director Aaron Kintu Moses z”l, the school grew from a handful of students to become a beacon of learning for over 400 children. Today, Aaron’s children and community continue their father’s work, ensuring the school remains true to its founding vision.
Hadassah Primary School serves students from Pre-kindergarten through Primary 7 (Grade 7), welcoming Jewish, Christian, and Muslim children as day students and boarders. Located in Mbale between the villages of Nabugoye and Namanyonyi, near the Stern Synagogue and Semei Kakungulu High School, the school uniquely combines Hebrew language instruction and Jewish studies with Uganda’s government curriculum. This interfaith model reflects the Abayudaya community’s commitment to peaceful coexistence: children of different faiths learn, play, and grow together in an environment where mutual respect is lived daily, not just taught.
Many of our students come from families facing significant hardship: orphans, children from impoverished households, and young people overcoming difficult circumstances. Through a nutrition program providing two daily meals, boarding facilities for children from distant villages, and scholarships for those who cannot afford school fees, Hadassah ensures that every child has the opportunity to learn regardless of their circumstances. Ongoing improvements to facilities, teacher salaries, and student support depend on the generosity of donors who believe, as we do, that education is the path out of poverty.
Since 2007, Hadassah Primary School has graduated hundreds of students to secondary school (high school), many of whom would never have had this opportunity otherwise. Our commitment extends beyond academics: students develop computer literacy skills, participate in nationally competitive music and dance programs, and learn the value of community service. As part of the broader Abayudaya educational mission, Hadassah Primary School doesn’t just educate individual children; it strengthens families, builds community resilience, and demonstrates that quality education can bridge religious and cultural divides.