"In Uganda, we believe that children are angels and gifts from God. We give back the lost and forgotten smiles to teenage young mothers, orphans and vulnerable children to connect with those who have had the privilege of growing up in better circumstances and to bridge the immense gap that would otherwise exist. That's why we chose the name “SMILING ANGELS DAY CARE AND NURSERY” to bring a smile to the faces of these angels and their mothers." (Steven Kabuye, one of the founders)

In 2023, three young people with big hearts, Stephen Kabuye, Gorreth Namganda and Benita Lovisa Byakatonda, founded a daycare centre, a nursery school and a primary school in Matugga-Katalemwa, in the Wakiso district on the northern outskirts of the capital Kampala, under the name "Smiling Angels Day Care and Nursery". They built a school building measuring almost 150 square metres with three classrooms, a small office and a staff room on a plot of land measuring around 500 square metres. There are also toilets and washrooms, a kitchen in separate buildings and a large outdoor play area with play equipment. The exterior of the buildings is impressive and very child-friendly.

They pursue the following educational concept:

a) Play-based learning:
We consider play to be a central learning tool so that the teaching and learning process does not become boring for our little ones. Children explore, experiment and learn through structured and unstructured play.

b) Social interaction:
We teach activities that encourage sharing, cooperation and communication among the little angels, for example, they share colors, play objects, play together, sing together, work in pairs or groups, developing social skills that are crucial for later learning. As they grow, they also know that once a problem has been shared, it has been solved.

c) Holistic development,
which addresses the child's physical, emotional and social development. This teaches the child that there are no permanent situations in life. This promotes creativity and emotional intelligence.

d) Child-centered approach.
The Ugandan curriculum is tailored to the needs, interests and developmental stages of each child. We make learning flexible by incorporating songs, poems and other elements so that children can progress at their own pace.

e) Teaching vocabulary through language-rich environments
Created through storytelling and conversations among the angels. This encourages language development and early literacy skills, boosting children's confidence.

Objectives / impact of the project
The goal is to expand the facility, which was previously operated as a kindergarten, into a kindergarten and primary day and boarding school. To date, there is a lack of space for 6 additional classrooms. As soon as this is financially feasible, these are to be gained by buying the piece of land opposite the school (former Elista Primary School), which is approximately 99 decimals.
This will enable learners / pupils complete the first level of education (primary level) as it will also provide enough space for co-curricular activities and also help learners discover their hidden talents, develop and promote skilling hence enabling them acquire hands on real life skills needed.

The more we succeed in giving teenage mothers and their children a perspective, the more likely we are to find starting points for combating this social problem in Uganda, also because those affected spread the support they have received. The more children we educate, the better the chances of fighting teenage pregnancies through sensitization hence a brighter future fort he children.