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About Us

We are a Christ-centered organization devoted to restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity to widows and orphans in rural Uganda; every widow a leader and every orphan a beloved child.
Our Work
Contact Us

About Us

We are a Christ-centered organization devoted to restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity to widows and orphans in rural Uganda; every widow a leader and every orphan a beloved child.
What We Do
Contact Us

About Us

We are a Christ-centered organization devoted to restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity to widows and orphans in rural Uganda; every widow a leader and every orphan a beloved child.
What We Do
Contact Us

Annual Impact

At ROWAN, we believe lasting change is only possible when we move together. That’s why we invite individuals, churches, schools, businesses, and entire communities to stand with us- because collective action isn’t just powerful, it’s essential. At ROWAN, we believe lasting change is only possible when we move together. That’s why we invite individuals, churches, schools, businesses, and entire communities to stand with us- because collective action isn’t just powerful, it’s essential.

250+

Widows supported

200+

Children Educated

2000+

Every dollar helps us deliver measurable impact and long-term transformation for 2,000 individuals.
Read Our 2024 Annual Report
Why ROWAN

Our Story

In 2002, co-founder & program director, Kelsey Hargadine lived with a local pastor in East Uganda named Pastor Paul. One night, under the stars Pastor Paul shared with Kelsey the burdens of his people. He said, “Kelsey, God hears the cries of my people & there is a purpose for you.” This moment was the birthing of ROWAN. A few years later, after Pastor Paul began ministering to the orphans & widows, Kelsey ventured back to visit the project. The moment she arrived into the Pastor’s home she was given a formal report with the title ROWAN on the front! Kelsey read the first sentence, “ROWAN: Rural Orphans & Widows AIDS Network was begun by Pastor Paul & Kelsey to bring the widows & orphans of Africa from helplessness to hope…” That’s exactly what we did & that was just the beginning.

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Where We Work

Bringing hope and healing to widows and orphans.

Frequently asked questions

Learn more about what ROWAN does by browsing some of our most frequently asked questions

As of 2025, ROWAN has members across 50 villages across Makuutu, Iganga and Bugiri Districts.”

Yes, ROWAN is faith-based, although we seek to reach the community at large. We also partner with community-based organizations that can assist with the needs of ROWAN.

Lack of clean drinking water, basic education, medication for HIV + patients, Christian discipleship & leadership training.

Currently over 100 widows/widowers, over 100 orphans and over 150 PLWHA are part of ROWAN.

ROWAN has a fully functioning Hope Clinic with 6 staff, including a maternity center and lab. This clinic serves the community at large, as well as all ROWAN beneficiaries.

1/3 of ROWAN members are infected with HIV. 100% of them are receiving their proper medications and counsel from ROWAN staff.

We create a safe & loving environment for them. ROWAN makes sure each child lives with at least one parent or caregiver who is trained and empowered to love their families. Along with education, medical care and feeding programs, we offer a range of activities to assist in the character & spiritual development of each child.

ROWAN gives the women a platform to create community, start businesses & care for one another & their children. The largest obstacle is their level of education, so ROWAN provides weekly literacy programs & Bible studies for the community. Many have graduated from our latest business course, joined our Savings groups across the region and started their own business!

85% goes directly to programs for widows & orphans. Donate Today!

If you represent a school, church or organization who wishes to partner with ROWAN, or you would like to support ROWAN as an individual learn how you can get involved!

There are many phases of relocation that ROWAN is working through to ensure a safe and abundant future for every widow and orphan. Learn more here:

Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

What People Are Saying

AmberThurow

Donor
After have been on the ground in Uganda twice now, I can say with confidence that this group operates with integrity. It was such a joy to get to see the staff and board members in action and their hearts for their people is unmatched.After have been on the ground in Uganda twice now, I can say with confidence that this group operates with integrity. It was such a joy to get to see the staff and board members in action and their hearts for their people is unmatched.

hadassahlau

Volunteer
Great team of people really making a change in the lives of the families of Mawanga. We run a charity which has been supporting ROWAN from time to time and we’ve been able to see the way our support has been perfectly used on the field. Well done to everyone at ROWAN.Great team of people really making a change in the lives of the families of Mawanga. We run a charity which has been supporting ROWAN from time to time and we’ve been able to see the way our support has been perfectly used on the field. Well done to everyone at ROWAN.

kevin rowan

Donor
It has been a great privilege to support ROWAN since it’s inception. They have achieved so much to be able to help so many children and adults in great need. I know that the great people in charge at ROWAN are of the highest integrity. Every part of my donations will always serve the most important goals to help.It has been a great privilege to support ROWAN since it’s inception. They have achieved so much to be able to help so many children and adults in great need. I know that the great people in charge at ROWAN are of the highest integrity. Every part of my donations will always serve the most important goals to help.
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