Who We Are

STAO is an independent, indigenous non-governmental organization which was started in 1997 by Pastor Nelson Lufafa to address the growing needs of orphans and widows due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Though started as a community based organization, STAO soon upgraded to a nongovernmental organization to better handle the anticipated future characterized by abject poverty and the unending spread of HIV/AIDS. STAO has been a fully independent NGO since 2001 with headquarters in Mafubira, 2 kilometers from Jinja, about two hours east of Kampala, Uganda. Save The Aids orphans Uganda is also now duly registered Norway. We invite you to visit us at our Norwegian websites www.stao.no or www.staogiver.no

OUR MISSION
STAO Uganda is a pro-life giving ministry whose mission and mandate is to uphold the sanctity of human life and endeavoring to meet the physical, spiritual and emotional needs to the HIV/AIDS orphans and widows facing welfare problems.

OUR VISION
To ensure the well being of orphaned children and widows facing welfare problems, our aim is to reach all kinds of HIV/AIDS afflicted people in both rural and urban communities through various means. STAO works in:

• Assessing child welfare needs for orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children and coordinating resources for their care.
• Providing psychosocial care to widows and children whose lives have been affected by AIDS
• Empowering widows economically through pursuing income generating activities and vocational training.
• Providing formal education for orphans and vulnerable children whose families are affected by AIDS.
• Sensitizing and educating communities about HIV/AIDS.
• Providing mobile palliative care for people living with AIDS.
• Providing spiritual care and support

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

STAO does not discriminate in regard to religious or tribal background in its mission to serve orphans and vulnerable children, and our community members living with AIDS.

STAFFING

STAO is headed by a competent six (6) member Board of Directors. The Executive Director is the overall managing officer responsible for the three major departments that are steered by Department Heads. The executive Director is assisted by a Program Administrator.  The thirty staff member/volunteer team that runs STAO program activities includes women living with AIDS in various functions, social workers, teachers, counselors, administrative and logistical staff. STAO is affiliated with other NGOs and CBOs in and around the Jinja District.

Past Performance

STAO as an organization has been relatively successful (compared against its capacity) in mobilizing and motivating the community and church to practically meet the critical needs of PLWHA in their midst.  The 40 SCG’s have up to date cared for about 600 families affected by HIV/AIDS by giving them practical home based care, encouraging their families, (most of whom are children) and giving counsel about their critical needs, some of them being:

• Development and advocacy programs for the orphans.
• Economic empowerment for the widows and orphans.
• Counseling support and AIDS education.
• Community education to reduce PLWHA stigma
• Motivate volunteer support for PLWHA’s and orphans, especially those in child-headed households.

Indeed STAO is usually overwhelmed, due to the magnitude of the problem, and resources at its disposal. As such, STAO encourages a sense of sheer sacrifice among the SCG’s, and at times they practically walk to the homes of the sick and affected, offering them support and prayer.

STAO relies on individual donors and international partners to fund its programs. Up until now STAO has been able to meet the enormous challenge of child education of 500 children, community empowerment of 300 households, and HIV/AIDS community sensitization and care through individual supporters