Who We Are
A grassroots non-profit transforming the lives of children living on the streets of Kampala, Uganda.
A family united by one belief.
Tine on the Mountain is a grassroots non-profit dedicated to transforming the lives of children living on the streets of Kampala Capital City, Uganda (East Africa). We are a family of local staff and volunteers united by a single, powerful belief: that every child deserves a safe home, an education and a future filled with hope.
We do not just offer temporary relief. We build lasting pathways out of poverty and despair through our holistic Rescue, Rehabilitate and Educate model. Every child who walks through our doors is welcomed not as a statistic, but as a unique individual with dreams, talents and immeasurable worth.
Deeply rooted in Kampala.
Our work is centered in Kampala, Uganda. We are deeply embedded in the local community, partnering with schools, community leaders and social welfare organizations to identify children in need and provide them with the comprehensive support required to thrive.
We work directly with local leaders, schools and social workers to identify the most vulnerable children and provide them with tailored support.
Every child we rescue and every life we transform serves as an opportunity to learn and share our experiences with the world. Our goal is to be a beacon of hope within the very streets where these children have been forgotten.
Sustainable change happens when we work hand-in-hand with the community, empowering local solutions to local challenges.
The Story of a Survivor's Promise
Tine on the Mountain was not born in a boardroom. It was born from the ashes of a painful childhood and the unbreakable spirit of one woman — our founder, Ester Taka Namutebi.
Ester's story is one of profound resilience. At just five years old, she found herself alone on the bustling, unforgiving streets of Kampala. A girl child among millions, she was invisible. By the age of nine, she had endured the ultimate betrayal of her innocence. The streets taught her pain, hunger and fear.
But they could not extinguish her hope. Ester survived. Through sheer will and a deep-seated belief that her life was meant for more, she fought her way out. She carried with her not just the scars of her past, but a burning promise: that if she ever had the chance, she would become the light for other children lost in the same darkness.
In 2021, that promise was fulfilled. Ester founded Tine on the Mountain. The name itself is a testament to her journey — a reminder that with faith and determination, one can move the highest of mountains.
Her firsthand experience of street life shapes everything we do. She knows the pain, the fear and the hopelessness. This is why our approach is rooted in deep empathy and a fierce, unwavering commitment to each child we serve. We do not just see a child on the street; we see ourselves. And we know, with the right care and love, they too can move mountains.
Vision & Mission
What we are reaching toward — and the path we take to get there.
Our Vision
A world where every child is safe, valued and empowered to build a future of their own choosing. We envision a Kampala where no child sleeps on the street, and where every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our Mission
To rescue children from life on the streets of Kampala, rehabilitate them through a safe and loving environment, and educate them to become self-reliant and confident leaders of tomorrow.
Our Core Values
Five principles that shape every decision we make and every child we serve.
Compassion
We lead with empathy, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every child. We see each child not as a problem to be solved, but as a life full of potential waiting to be nurtured.
Integrity
We are transparent, accountable and ethical in all our actions. We are stewards of the trust you place in us, and we honour that trust with every decision we make.
Resilience
We are relentless in our commitment to our children, supporting them through their challenges and celebrating their successes. We do not give up — because they never gave up.
Community
We believe in the power of collaboration. We work hand-in-hand with the local community, schools and leaders to create sustainable change that lasts for generations.
Empowerment
We do not just provide for children; we equip them. We give them the tools, education and confidence to build their own futures and become leaders in their communities.
Be part of the story.
Whether you give, volunteer or partner with us — you are shining a light.