Family First was founded by Matthew and Kelly Erdman. In 2013, Matthew and Kelly, along with their daughters Camille and Tabitha, moved from Texas USA to Tanzania to serve as the on-site directors for a local orphanage. There, they gained a deep conviction that even the very best orphanage cannot be a substitute for a loving family. They realized that what is truly needed is support to keep vulnerable families together and resources to help them thrive. In 2019 the Erdmans relocated to Kampala, Uganda, and founded Family First to support children and families living in one of the most impoverished slums in Kampala. “If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” James 2:16
Family First is deeply committed to working as closely as possible with the community that we serve. We only hire people who represent the families in our programs and invest heavily in our Ugandan and refugee team. They are a diverse group who share a passion to serve and minister to the most vulnerable families in Kampala.
Dorcus Atukwase – Social Worker
Leticia Shukrani – Office Manager/Translator
Rebecca Ayera – Head of Education
Rhita Shadiah – Preschool Teacher
Mubunga Divin – Preschool and Business Teacher/Translator
