About us
Maisha Africa is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of orphans and vulnerable children in Uganda through family support, education and medical care.
Who we are
Our core team members
Praise Namisi
Praise is a compassionate and visionary leader and mother who, with unwavering faith, has devoted her life to rescuing and nurturing vulnerable children, guiding them to grow into confident, passionate followers of Jesus who live with purpose and integrity.
Moses Namisi
Moses is a devoted and hardworking partner, co-leading Maisha Africa alongside his wife, Praise. He plays a vital role in providing family care, education, and healthcare to children in need, serving as the project’s administrator and a caring, inspiring father.
Isabel Betts
A long-term YWAMer, currently based in New Zealand, Isabel has been the backbone of Maisha Africa since 2013, mentoring the team, overseeing finances, and leading communication and fundraising efforts internationally, all driven by her passion to serve vulnerable children.
OUR HISTORY
One small act of kindness changed everything. Just shy of 15, Praise Namisi took on the care of a child she found on the street—a single act that grew into a lifelong mission. With faith, love, and resilience, she and her husband, Moses, have built a ministry that now serves hundreds of vulnerable children in Uganda. Their journey is a powerful story of hope, transformation, and God’s faithfulness.
Origins and Early Compassion
At nearly 15, Praise encountered 9-year-old Stephen on the streets. Moved by compassion, she arranged housing for him and found ways to provide food and education. As more street children sought her help, Praise faced significant challenges, including having to leave the very home where she herself had found shelter as an orphan, due to her assistance to these children. Undeterred, she continued caring for them, moving from place to place. By 18, she was supporting eight street children, barely covering their basic needs through her Gospel music ministry. (Note: image is not Stephen, but another little boy in a similar situation.)
Establishing a Formal Structure
In 2010, Praise founded "Youth Achievers International," now known internationally as Maisha Africa, to provide a formal structure for her expanding mission. In February 2012, she relocated from Kampala to the village of Kigulu with 17 children.
Education for Hundreds of Children
Facing the absence of a school, she built a makeshift school together with the children, which has since grown to offer low-cost or free education for up to 400 children.
Partnership and Continued Growth
In 2011, Praise connected with Isabel in Uganda, leading to a deep and meaningful relationship and partnership. By 2012, Isabel had become a key supporter of the work, helping strengthen and sustain the ministry. In 2014, Praise married Moses, and together they currently care for 30+ once-orphaned children and continue to lead Maisha Africa, embodying their commitment to transforming the lives of vulnerable children in Uganda. Dozens of other vulnerable children have been rescued through this ministry. Many have been reunited with relatives, several have grown into productive adults, and others have been placed in loving Ugandan foster/adoptive families.
10 Years Together...
In 2022, to celebrate 10 years of partnership between Praise and Isabel, we made a video showing our gratitude to God and to His incredible leadership of the ministry of Maisha Africa.
Click the video to watch it!
About Praise
At barely 15 years old, Praise began caring for children in need. Despite the immense challenges that almost made her give up, her deep love for God kept her going as more and more children sought her help.
Since then, she has rescued dozens of children, established a school and now co-leads Maisha Africa with her husband Moses.
Praise is a compassionate and visionary leader and mother who, with unwavering faith, has devoted her life to rescuing and nurturing vulnerable children, guiding them to grow into confident, passionate followers of Jesus who live with purpose, integrity and humble hearts of service.
A difficult beginning
Praise was born in 1986 under tragic circumstances, losing her father before birth. Named Najjalwambi, meaning “Child of sorrow,” she faced hardship and displacement. She found refuge with her grandmother, growing up among 24 siblings and cousins, most orphaned by AIDS. She learned to be self-reliant at an early age as her grandmother could only provide a roof over her head.
A journey of Resilience
At 14, when her grandmother passed away, a kind couple took her in. She soon dedicated herself to helping street children. She pursued Gospel music to fund her education while supporting the children. Later, she became an AIDS counselor and used her music to promote abstinence nationwide.
A Life of Service
In 2014, Praise married Moses, and they welcomed twins in 2019. Together, they care for over 30+ children, support many more, and run a school for up to 400 vulnerable kids. Living in Uganda, they are devoted to transforming lives in their community.
Celebrate with us!
This video is a song that Praise wrote and sings about her life, from growing up in the slums to now leading a school and caring for many children. It was recorded in May 2016
Click the video to watch it!
About Moses
Moses earned a degree in public administration and worked at Compassion International for four years, while also studying child development. Eventually, he left his job to help Praise run Maisha Africa. He embraced the 40 children she was caring for as his own. In 2019, they welcomed biological twins, expanding their loving family even more.
A tough start
Moses lost his mother as a baby and his father at age six. He was forced out of his home and moved from place to place, often working for families in exchange for shelter. He endured hunger, hardship, and loneliness throughout his childhood.
A Life-Changing Promise
At 13, a kind Christian woman introduced Moses to the Gospel, giving him hope. By 16, he reconnected with his stepmother, who helped him continue his education. As a child, after going a week without food, he promised God that if he survived, he would help other needy children. Years later, he met Praise, who had made the same promise. They married in 2014.
A Heart for Children
Moses demonstrated remarkable courage and commitment in marrying a woman with 40 children. He is a man of both strength and compassion, and a devoted father to the many children he and Praise care for together. Heartfelt tributes were shared by his young adult children on his recent birthday that reflected the profound, life-changing impact he has made in their lives.