Sunrise Centre is a grass roots organization that works at the local level. The village is our office - every dollar you donate goes directly to program needs. We are committed to creating positive change through community led initiatives that promote sustainable education and healthcare.
About us
Sunrise Centre was founded by Nicole Van Seters and Michael Mugerwa in 2004, when Nicole first travelled to Michael’s home country, Uganda. Nicole was inspired by the sense of community she experienced, but also challenged by the signs of poverty. Michael was committed to improving his village and after meeting with the local community they collectively decided to prioritize child welfare. The vision started with a preschool and over time evolved as family and friends joined together to build a primary school. As the years passed the need for affordable health care services also became became apparent. Mothers were dying giving birth, children were suffering from preventable diseases and many families were affected by AIDS. Once again the Sunrise Circle of friends stepped up and offered support. Grace Family Health Centre was built in 2010, with the goal of reducing maternal, infant and child mortality rates. The original vision of a preschool has grown far beyond what was first imagined, thanks to the love and support of many wonderful people.
Sunrise Centre is supported by an amazing six member volunteer Board of Directors including:
Jan Mugerwa (Owner Olephant Solicitors & Life Coach / UK)
Hrefna Bachman (Former Director Islandbanki & Founder Sunrise Iceland / Iceland)
Francis Kinubi (Headmaster Salam School for the Blind & Chairperson of the Uganda National Association of the Blind / Uganda)
Lisa Giannini (Nutritional Educator & Lifestyle Coach / USA)
Alice Namuli Blazevic (Partner at Katende, Ssempebwa and Company Advocates & Founder of Legal Innovation Hub / Uganda)
Neil Van Seters (Business Administrator Telus Communications & Founder Access Knowledge Africa / Canada)
Amelia Spencer (Assosiate Professor of Education Birmingham Southern College / USA).
““No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
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Sunrise Centre is a registered charity in both Canada and the US