Irene Gleeson Foundation.

A Legacy of Love and Service!

The Irene Gleeson Foundation (IGF) is an Australian non-profit organization that has made a remarkable impact on the lives of thousands of children and families in Northern Uganda. Founded by the late Irene Gleeson in 1991, IGF started as a full day care school under a mango tree in Kitgum, Uganda.From this humble beginning, IGF has now grown into a network of four primary schools, a vocational school, health clinics, a maternity hospital, community centers, and a community radio station.Irene Gleeson’s commitment to helping the children affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Northern Uganda was unwavering, and she gave up everything she owned to make a difference in their lives.Through her tireless efforts, IGF has become a beacon of hope for thousands of children and families in Northern Uganda.IGF’s focus on education, healthcare, vocational training, and community development has transformed the lives of many.The schools provide education, food, and medical care to over 3,500 children daily, while the vocational school offers training in various skills such as carpentry, building, tailoring, and information technology.The health program keeps children and parents healthy with health clinics, a maternity hospital currently under construction, and village and community health initiatives. The 1500-member Community Church offers spiritual healing, restoration, and support to members of the local community with vibrant youth, women, children, hospital, prison, and discipleship ministries.IGF also promotes creativity and artistic expression through its Creative Arts Centre and Community Centre, which offer counseling, adult literacy courses, youth activities, dancing, painting, art, and music.These activities help to heal a community ravaged by 20 years of war and encourage creative expression.In addition, IGF manages 91.5 Mighty Fire FM, a community radio station that broadcasts educational programs and local gospel music.With over 1 million listeners, Mighty Fire is the second biggest radio station in Northern Uganda.IGF’s commitment to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is commendable.Through the drilling and refurbishment of boreholes in schools and local communities, the installation of rainwater harvesting tanks, the construction of drainable latrines, hygiene education, and promoting the use of sanitary facilities, IGF has improved the lives of many.Irene’s work has been recognized by the President of Uganda, the Parliament of Uganda, and the Australian Government. In 2009, Irene received the honour of Officer of the Order of Australia for “service to international relations, particularly through sustained aid for children affected by war and HIV/AIDS in Northern Uganda,” and media outlets began to dub her Australia’s Mother Teresa.Although Irene passed away in 2013, her legacy lives on through the dedicated work of the 300 Ugandan staff employed by IGF, led by Executive Director John Paul Kiffasi. The Irene Gleeson Foundation is a testament to the transformative power of love and service and a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and perseverance.