Watchmen International was founded in the 1990s by Hugh and Juliet Shelbourne, with a calling to serve rural churches across East Africa. From the beginning, the mission was clear: to prepare believers for the return of Jesus Christ by nurturing spiritual maturity through faith and grace.

Over time, this calling grew into a holistic ministry focused on four key areas: Spiritual Transformation, the Africa Youth Award (youth discipleship), Life Water (providing clean water solutions), and Nursery Schools.

The founders were deeply moved by the reality faced by many children growing up with little or no access to education. In response, pastors were encouraged to establish nursery schools within their communities—creating safe and nurturing spaces where young children could begin their learning journey, while also building meaningful connections with families.

Watchmen came alongside these local efforts by helping to provide daily meals for students, contributing to teacher salaries, covering school fees for the most vulnerable families, and supplying educational materials and training for teachers. Parent committees were established to support school leadership, and a Watchmen Schools Coordinator was appointed to ensure accountability, visit schools regularly, and organise annual teacher training.

In 2012, Watchmen partnered with Zoo-phonics, Inc., which provided a curriculum to support English language learning in the nursery schools. Through annual training sessions, teachers and assistants were equipped not only with teaching materials, but also with practical skills in lesson planning, classroom management, discipline, and school organisation. Many of these teachers, despite having limited formal education themselves, have become confident and capable educators—faithfully shaping the lives of young children in their communities.

Today, Watchmen supports thirteen nursery schools across the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Zambia.

At the heart of each school are dedicated men and women who love and care deeply for their students. They prepare children not only for a successful transition into primary education, but also for life—instilling age-appropriate Christian values that shape character, build confidence, and nurture hope.

Parents consistently express their gratitude, sharing how their children grow in confidence, joy, and readiness for the next stage of education. For many families, these schools are more than a place of learning—they are a source of support, stability, and encouragement.

The story of Watchmen Nursery Schools is a story of hope—showing how God is transforming the lives of children, families, and local churches through the gift of early education. In communities where many children would otherwise go without the chance to learn, these schools provide not just education, but care, dignity, and a foundation for a brighter future.

This work is made possible through the generosity of individuals who choose to invest in the lives of children they may never meet, but whose futures are being transformed every day. Each contribution—no matter the size—helps provide a child with education, nourishment, care, and hope.

We warmly invite compassionate individuals, partners, churches, and donors who share this vision to join us in making a lasting difference—one child, one family, and one community at a time.