Projects
Overview
Our Rescue-Restore-Release Model
Our Model: Rescue – Restore – Release
Biojemmss exists to rescue children and young people from harm, restore their wellbeing, and release them into safe, sustainable independence. Our model is a structured two-to-three-year journey that responds to crisis, rebuilds stability, and prepares each young person for a thriving future.
We work across three locations — Rukungiri, Kampala, and Kanyinya — providing both immediate protection and long?term community-based support. Our approach is trauma-informed, family-centred, and rooted in the belief that every child deserves safety, dignity, and opportunity.
1. Rescue
When a child is in immediate danger or experiencing significant harm, our first priority is to put urgent safeguards in place. Every situation begins with a safety plan, created in partnership with local leaders, social workers, and extended family. This plan may include:
- increased supervision by trusted adults
- temporary care with wider family members
- support from approved community caregivers
- short-term fostering arrangements
- boarding school or school-based arrangements where appropriate and safe
- practical measures to stabilise the child’s environment
Our aim is always to keep children protected within their own networks, reducing unnecessary separation and maintaining their sense of belonging.
Only in rare circumstances — when no safe family, community, school, or fostering option exists — will a child stay temporarily in our small family home in Rukungiri, or, for older young people, at our Kampala base. This is strictly short-term protection, designed to stabilise the situation while we assess needs, strengthen family capacity, and plan the safest, most sustainable long?term solution.
The purpose of this stage is simple: to remove immediate danger, restore safety, and create the conditions for long-term healing and stability.
2. Restore
Once a child is safe, we focus on restoring their wellbeing, identity, and sense of belonging. This includes:
- trauma-informed care
- access to education
- medical support
- counselling and pastoral care
- rebuilding family connections where safe and appropriate
- developing life skills, confidence, and resilience
Our team works closely with families, guardians, and community leaders to strengthen home environments and reduce the risk of future harm. Much of this work is delivered through our twelve community-based initiatives, including family-strengthening programmes, children’s camps, workshops, and prison outreach.
3. Release
The final stage of our model prepares young people — and their families — for long-term stability and independence. This may include:
- vocational training
- university support (through our Kampala base)
- mentoring and discipleship
- employment pathways
- ongoing family and community support
- participation in our Sustainable Livelihoods Programme, which equips families with the skills, resources, and income?generating opportunities needed to maintain a safe and stable home
Release does not mean stepping away. It means ensuring each young person — and their family — has the skills, support, and confidence they need to thrive safely in adulthood.
A Holistic, Community-Rooted Approach
While some children require short-term residential protection, the majority of our work happens within the community. Our aim is always to strengthen families, prevent abuse before it happens, and build safer environments for children across rural and underserved areas.
To support this growing work, we are developing permanent facilities on our land in Kanyinya, expanding our capacity and strengthening our long-term sustainability.