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Our story & heritage
The background of
Shalom Junior Trust
How a family’s unshakeable faith, 1,000 shillings, and a converted chicken coop became a model school serving hundreds of children in Nakigalala, Wakiso District.
How it all began
Background
The school begun operations under Shalom Junior Academy in late December 2009 and opened its doors in February 2010. The school commenced operations on a humble level in Nakigalala with a vision of transforming the children through education at affordable charges.
Since then, Shalom Junior Academy established itself as a model teaching and learning centre of Nakigalala Zone A village. Later on in 2018 the school changed its name to Shalom Junior Trust as required by the Ministry of Education.
“We started with 1,000 shillings, a converted chicken coop, and the unshakeable belief that every child in Nakigalala deserved a quality education.”
Key milestones
Our journey from 2009 to today
From a chicken coop with 45 children to a fully registered model school — here is how Shalom Junior Trust has grown over the years.
Joel and his wife leave urban life and move to Nakigalala village. Joel hears a calling to start a school while cultivating food in the village.
With 1,000 shillings and a converted chicken coop, Shalom Junior Academy opens. 45 children enrol in the very first week.
First permanent classroom blocks constructed with faith and community support. Running water and electricity connections follow.
The school achieves a complete primary school cycle for the first time, offering classes from P1 all the way through to P7.
The school is renamed Shalom Junior Trust School as required by the Ministry of Education and Sports, Uganda.
A daily meals programme is launched to ensure every child has nutritious food during the school day regardless of family circumstances.
A recognised, Ministry-registered model school serving hundreds of children across Nakigalala Zone A and Wakiso District.
The people behind it all
Meet the founders
Joel andAA his wife left the comfort of urban life in late 2009 to settle in Nakigalala village. Facing no electricity, no running water, and impassable roads — they chose faith over fear and built a school that has transformed hundreds of young lives.
“Joel’s faith oftentimes troubled me, for it was close to madness! He was speaking of computers, big buildings — and like a devoted wife I tagged along.”
— Co-founder
Joel
A man of faith who heard a calling while cultivating food in Nakigalala village. He envisioned computers, big buildings, and quality education for every child in the community.
His wife
A qualified secondary teacher with a Bachelor’s in Education from Makerere University who, despite being heavily pregnant, committed fully to building the school from a chicken coop up.
What we stand for
Our core values
These six values form the foundation of everything we do at Shalom Junior Trust School — from how we teach, to how we treat every child and family.
Faith
Everything we do is rooted in Christian values and complete trust in God — just as the school itself was founded on faith alone.
Excellence
We hold high academic and behavioural standards for every pupil, teacher, and staff member at Shalom Junior Trust.
Affordability
No child should ever miss school because of financial hardship. Our fees are structured to be accessible to every family in our community.
Community
We serve and strengthen the Nakigalala community through education, feeding programmes, and genuine care for every family we work with.
Integrity
We lead by example and teach children to do the right thing even when no one is watching — honesty and good character are at the heart of our school culture.
Peace
SHALOM means peace. We create an environment where every child feels safe, valued, and able to learn and grow without fear or stress.
FAQ
Common questions about our background
Learn more about how Shalom Junior Trust School was started and what drives us today.
The school began operations under Shalom Junior Academy in late December 2009 and officially opened its doors in February 2010, starting humbly in Nakigalala village with a vision to transform children through affordable education.
After eight years of operation as Shalom Junior Academy, the school changed its name to Shalom Junior Trust School in 2018 as required by the Ministry of Education and Sports, Uganda.
SHALOM is God’s name meaning the Prince of Peace. The founders chose this name during a period of great uncertainty and challenge — it brought them peace and a clear sense of purpose and direction.
The school was founded by Joel and his wife, who left the comfort of urban life to settle in Nakigalala village and start a school with just 1,000 Ugandan shillings — less than one US dollar.
To provide quality, affordable, faith-based primary education that transforms the lives of children in Nakigalala and surrounding communities in Wakiso District, nurturing well-rounded, God-fearing graduates.
Shalom Junior Trust School is located in Nakigalala village, Kajjansi town, approximately 5km off the Kampala–Entebbe Highway, behind the Kajjansi Tea Estate, Nakigalala Zone A, Wakiso District, Uganda.
Be part of the story
Enrol your child at
Shalom Junior Trust
Give your child the foundation they deserve — quality education, strong values, and a caring community in the heart of Kajjansi.
Nakigalala village, Kajjansi town, 5km off Kampala–Entebbe Highway, Wakiso District, Uganda.
Registered with the Ministry of Education & Sports, Uganda