Let’s do it, together.
At Return Hope, we participate in restoration by providing education, empowering local leaders, creating opportunities for development, and caring for physical needs in the community of Bugiri, Uganda.
Our Story
It all started with a broken heart and a dream. After traveling to Uganda in 2013, Founder Trent Renner launched Return Hope International in order to make a tangible difference in the community of Bugiri, Uganda.
During his early visits to Uganda, Trent met a local Ugandan named Oketch Sam. Sam grew up in a local village in Bugiri, Uganda. As the poorest region in Uganda, which is among the poorest countries in the world, Sam had little hope. One day, he received the gift of education which opened many doors physically and led him to find his ultimate hope in Jesus.
Fast forward to 2013 when Trent travels to Uganda. He meets Sam, sees how education impacted him immensely, and simultaneously sees the pain and lack of hope throughout the village.
As an answer to the hopelessness and in obedience to the Lord, Trent started Return Hope International — a non-profit dedicated to bringing hope, sustainable transformation, and restoration.
From day one, Return Hope has partnered with local leaders on the ground to impact their community. We genuinely believe when we partner together, no matter where we are in the world, we will take steps towards the full restoration that will come on earth one day.
Sam’s Story
We hope to see a world experiencing restoration today with the hope of its fulfillment tomorrow.
Our Initiatives
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At Return Hope International, we have explored several different initiatives as we work with local leaders to develop sustainable solutions. Poverty is a complex issue with many facets that need to be addressed. As we constantly grow and learn, we are eager to continue developing our model and approach towards accomplishing our mission.
Our main initiative currently is Return Hope International Nursery, Primary, and Secondary Schools. We have nearly 400 students and employ close to 40 local leaders in the village of Namayemba, Bugiri, Uganda. Students and staff alike receive two hot meals a day, have access to fresh water, are receiving an incredible education, and most importantly are part of a community.
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In 2013, Founder Trent Renner spent significant time wandering villages and having intentional conversations with local families. When asked the question: "What do you hope your children have access to that you did not?" The astounding, repetitive answer was: education. There was a need to be met and a dream to be reached for.
We believe education is more than just going to school. Not only are our students learning how to read and write, which is already an incredible feat of its own, but they are learning real skills that they will be able to implement back into their communities. Our Secondary School especially is providing hands-on education in Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, and more.
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As important as these skills are, we know the most impactful part of Return Hope is the community. Our students and staff come to a place everyday where they know they are loved, cared for, and encouraged.
On Sundays, our school building serves as a church where the community comes together to worship. Students are learning life skills, growing spiritually, receiving physical nourishment, and ultimately experiencing the love of Jesus first hand.