Our Story

From a home in Kasero Village to a registered foundation serving three districts — this is how Dovan Foundation began, and why it keeps growing.

“DOVAN FOUNDATION began from our home as the Kajjimu's with simple commitment between my spouse and I. We saw neighbors struggling, and we could not look away. What started as a small concern, has grown into a home of hope for helpless of the most vulnerable among us.

Today, our work reaches the elderly who have been forgotten, single young mothers carrying more than they should alone, and their children who deserve a fair start. Together we walk with them by providing basic needs (food, clean water, and clothing), self-sustaining skills (training in farming, crafts, and small businesses so families can stand on their own), emotional support (counseling, prayer fellowships, and the reminder that no one is alone), and education (school fees and learning materials so children can dream beyond their circumstances).

With our small earnings we save and plan how to give a hand to others. We are neighbors serving neighbors. Every item of clothing given, every skill taught, every term of school fees paid is a step toward breaking cycles of poverty and restoring hope.”

Ivan Kajjimu

Founding Director, Dovan Foundation

“DOVAN FOUNDATION was born out of my husband's heart. He grew up from a humble background, and after losing his parents he started working as a child just to meet his basic needs. Because of that journey, he understands struggle, and his passion is to be hope for the helpless. With his vision, and with my training as a Social Worker and Public Health Specialist, we were able to operationalize this foundation.

In my role, I ensure that our support is intentional and sustainable. I assess every person presented for support to understand their situation and for how long they need help. I enroll beneficiaries, do follow-ups and home visits, and sensitize them on different income-generating activities so that when Dovan's direct support is exhausted, they have skills to stand on their own. We do this work from our little savings, with planning, prayer, and love.

It is an honor to work alongside my husband, to bring his passion to life, and to find fulfillment as a couple seeing that someone out there is blessed through our ministry. The Bible reminds us: ‘Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.’ (Proverbs 19:17)”

Dorothy Katwesige Kajjimu

Managing Director, Dovan Foundation

As the Foundation has grown, so has the Kajjimus' vision. What began as a focus on vulnerable children and young mothers has extended to include the elderly — another group in our communities too often left out without support. The purpose of this work has not changed: hope for the helpless, wherever we find them.

Vision

“Empowering vulnerable children and young mothers to achieve their fullest potential and create a future filled with hope, opportunity, and dignity.”

Mission

“Our mission is to provide comprehensive support and resources to vulnerable children and young mothers through education, healthcare, and community empowerment. We strive to create safe environments where these individuals can thrive, break the cycle of poverty, and build sustainable lives. By fostering resilience and self-sufficiency, we aim to uplift families and contribute to the overall well-being of our community.”

A Registered, Accountable Organisation

Verified every step of the way

Dovan Foundation Ltd is incorporated in Uganda as a company limited by guarantee (Certificate of Incorporation, 20 May 2022) and registered as an indigenous NGO with the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations (Registration No. 6525, 17 August 2022). We operate under a five-year permit (No. 7815) covering Wakiso, Kampala, and Kyegegwa districts. Every partner and donor is welcome to verify our registration directly.

Our Founders

Ivan Kajjimu and Dorothy Katwesige Kajjimu founded Dovan Foundation in 2020 out of a simple conviction: that the children, young mothers, and now elderly of Kasero, Buloba, and the surrounding districts deserved more than sympathy — they deserved a path forward. They lead the Foundation's activities, based in Kasero Village, Buloba, Wakiso District.