In 1991 Irene Gleeson, an Australian grandmother from the northern beaches of Sydney, heard about children being abducted by Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in northern Uganda. Deeply moved by their plight, Irene felt God’s call to dedicate her life to helping these children.

Irene sold everything she owned including her beachside home, and towed her modest caravan to Uganda using the proceeds of the sale to begin a full-day care school in Kitgum.  A schoolteacher by trade, Irene began teaching 50 children to write their names in the dust and sing songs under a mango tree. Irene lived through 15 years of war, attacks, poverty and refugee camp life – spending a third of her life with the people of Northern Uganda.

From that first school under a tree, IGF has now grown into a comprehensive organization. Today, five primary schools educate, feed and provide medical care for over 2,762 children daily.  A business and technical vocational school provides youth with training in carpentry, building, tailoring, office skills, welding and information technology. IGF’s health programs include school clinics, village and community health initiatives and the outpatient department providing health care to the community, ensuring the wellbeing of children and families. Spiritual support is provided through a 1,500 Community Church on the main campus, offering vibrant ministries for youth, women, children, hospitals, prisons, and discipleship programs.

In addition, IGF manages Mighty Fire 91.5 FM, a community radio station that broadcasts educational programs and local gospel music. With over 1 million listeners, Mighty Fire is the second largest radio station in Northern Uganda.

IGF’s Creative Arts Centre and Community Centre provide counselling, adult literacy courses, youth activities, dancing, painting, art and music. These activities encourage creative expression and help to heal a community ravaged by 20 years of war.

IGF’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs improve community health through the drilling and refurbishment of boreholes, the installation of rainwater harvesting tanks, the construction of drainable latrines, and hygiene education.

Irene’s work has been recognised by the President of Uganda, the Parliament of Uganda and by 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”. Media outlets often referred to her as Australia’s Mother Teresa.

Irene passed away on 21 July 2013 after a long battle with cancer. Leaving behind an incredible legacy for IGF to continue. The Irene Gleeson Foundation employs over 93 Ugandan staff, led by Executive Director John Paul Kiffasi, who are faithfully continuing Irene’s dream of bringing lasting change to the people of northern Uganda.