Amani Baby Cottage was established in 2003 in Jinja, Uganda, near the shores of Lake Victoria by Danyne Randolph Bharj. 

Danyne had long felt a calling to serve in Africa. After volunteering in Uganda for a few years, and with support from family and friends, Amani Baby Cottage was born.

Every child placed at Amani has a different story. Some are abandoned or orphaned. Some are in need of short term foster care. Each one is referred to us by government welfare officers. Most of our children come from the Jinja area but over the years we have received them from all parts of Uganda. If a government welfare officer (usually the Senior Probation Officer) asks us to receive a child our answer is always yes.

When we say yes, we are welcoming children with a variety of difficult backgrounds. Their stories may range from being discarded in a pit latrine and left to die, being physically abused, living in extreme poverty, or they may come from a caring family that is going through a temporary crisis and just need to get on their feet. Once with us our licensed social workers and nurse work to assess each child’s individual medical, physical needs. Malaria, premature births, HIV+, tuberculosis, malnourishment, hernias, and disabilities are common medical issues our children arrive with.  Thankfully, over the years we have developed amazing protocols in which we strive to give the best care we possibly can.  

  • Director

    Stephanie recently took over as director of ABC and has been rebuilding to a greater level.

  • Founder

    Danyne Bharj is our founder and consultant. She has been crucial in keeping AmaniBabyCottage on track.

  • Co-founder

    A well respected member of the team. He is one of our founding members and has played a vital role in shaping our vision and program.

Statement of Faith

  1. We believe the Bible, as divinely inspired, is infallible and the ultimate authority in all matters of doctrine and conduct.

  2. We believe in one sovereign God, eternally existing in three persons Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

  3. We believe in the universal sinfulness of humanity, making all subject to God’s wrath and condemnation.

  4. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

  5. We believe in salvation through faith in Christ atoning death, by grace alone, apart from works, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit.

  6. We believe in the Holy Spirit who empowers, and sanctifies believers, enabling them to live holy and bold lives.

  7. We believe in the existence of satan and demons, who oppose God and will face eternal punishment.

  8. We believe in Angels, who worship God and carry out his will in the universe.

  9. We believe in the spiritual unity of all believers, the universal church, called to proclaim the Gospel to the world.

  10. We believe in the body resurrection of all the dead. Believers to eternal life and unbelievers to eternal judgement.