Our History
A story of God’s faithfulness through tragedy, sacrifice, faith and action
Pray
As a child, Esther Kamaliza and her family fled the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo. Years later and separated from most of her family, Esther was resettled in Grand Rapids, Michigan where she finished high school then began work as a Certified Nursing Assistant. During this time, Esther’s faith was her anchor. And the values her parents instilled —prayer, fasting, and living simply—shaped how Esther understood both hardship and hope.
Throughout the years, memories of her childhood stayed with her, and she prayed for a way to help, committing to God “I will help kids in Africa with their education.”
Act
In 2014, when Esther discovered her sister was living in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, she recognized God’s call to commit a portion of her income to support vulnerable children in Uganda. She believed—deeply—that education could open doors to brighter futures. She started by sponsoring ten children who were unable to attend school. Soon, that number grew to twenty-five. Many of these children came from extremely difficult circumstances, some with only one parent and others with none at all. For two and a half years, Esther consistently sent $1,000 every three months to ensure they could continue their education.
Pray Bigger
Word spread about Esther’s work and donations increased. And so did the impact. The number of students supported rose from twenty-five to more than three hundred attending multiple schools in the area. In 2018, Esther traveled to Uganda to witness firsthand the work God was doing through her faithfulness.
After her visit, Esther began praying for a permanent location for Esther’s Hope for Children in Uganda. That prayer was answered in 2020 when Esther and her husband self-funded the construction of the first school building.
Build
After COVID delays, construction was complete for the start of the 2022 school year! We started that first year with 175 students, and had three nursery classes and primary grades 1-3.
The school had six classrooms, two offices, and three bathrooms. But God (and Esther) weren’t done.
Trust
Esther and the EHFC family continue to pray for God-size miracles. And the school and community are reaping the blessing.
Each year we have grown with our student body, and in 2026, we will add Primary 7 to complete primary education in Uganda, bringing our student population to 465.
Adult English classes started in 2023, and we have over 100 adults from the community attending the three year program.
Our building has expanded to seven classrooms, 24 bathrooms, a chapel/cafeteria, prayer room, staff lounge, meeting room, five offices and a large playground.
Our offerings now include:
Breakfast and lunch for nursery students
Lunch for primary students
After school tutoring
Free on-site clinic for students
In February 2025, God blessed us with a well that produces 15,000 L/day.
In September 2025, we became an official partner missionary with Resonate, the global mission organization of the Christian Reformed Church.
We know God has more for us, and based on what’s He’s already done, we won’t stop praying now!
Meet Esther
Our founder, Esther Kamaliza, fled conflict as a child in the Democratic Republic of Congo, eventually being settled as a refugee in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After high school graduation, Esther began work as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
In 2017, she married her sweetheart Moses. The couple now resides in Caledonia, Michigan with their four children. However, Esther keeps a large portion of her heart at Esther’s Hope and visits as often as possible.