What a privilege it is to serve God through Kulea Villages. 

For many years, I was a teacher, while raising three children, and actively served in my local church. I earned a B.S. in Education and a Masters in Educational Administration early in my career, and those years of teaching, parenting, and Christian service were deeply fulfilling. 

In 2008, during a trip to Uganda, God placed a burden on my heart for the suffering of children in East Africa. Seeing children living on the streets and in slums, searching for food, unable to attend school, and unsure if they would survive -changed me forever. God was calling me to act, even though this work was far outside what I had imagined for my life. 

With the encouragement of our church mission team, six dear friends and I founded Kulea Childcare Villages in December 2009. This ministry would not exist without those six committed women willing to take a risk with me:

Kelly Lacourse, Renee Villafane, Pam Hansen, Melissa Nickerson, Darlene Matton, and Cindy Parolisi. There were many others who joined us along the way. Over the years, 30 people have faithfully served as board members to ensure integrity, transparency, and God-honoring leadership.

At Kulea Villages, we believe children belong in families. Our mission is to keep families together whenever possible—sending children to school, helping malnourished babies thrive, equipping families to start small businesses, and sharing the love and hope of God. 

It is my life’s goal to serve God and share His love. Every day, because of generous supporters, babies are fed, children attend school, and families take steps out of extreme poverty.  
Thank you for visiting our site. Would you join us by sponsoring a child or supporting the babies in our Maisha Matters program? 

Come change the world for a family with us!

For the children, 
Deborah Brown Magaya 
Executive Director