ABC Children's Aid
ABOUT US
About ABC Children's Aid
It often starts with one child.
A child who wants to learn – but doesn't have the opportunity to.
In many of the communities where we work, going to school is not a given. Children are not able to go to school due to poverty, lack of facilities, or simply because there is no other way. But with the right support, a child’s life can change – and with it the future of an entire family.
ABC Children's Aid is an Icelandic aid organization that has been operating continuously since 1988. For more than three decades, we have worked to create real opportunities for children living in difficult circumstances.
We support children in Africa and Asia to learn and improve their lives. We do this by ensuring access to education, nutrition and a safe environment – and by building schools and communities where children can grow and thrive.
Through personal sponsorship relationships, we connect people directly with a child. This way, the support becomes real – not just numbers, but story, connection, and hope.
We know that education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty. And we know that every child matters.
That's why we are here.
By supporting ABC Children's Aid, you are contributing to an improved quality of life for children and their families.
How do I contribute?
monthly contribution
Choose a monthly donation
You can choose between two options — daycare at a school or boarding school.
Empower a child
Different ways to strengthen
Monthly stipend
Children's Aid Fund
University Fund
Souvenir
The gift certificates
Pillars ABC Company
ABC staff
Our timeline 1988-2010
You can drag the timeline to the left to see more.
1988
ABC relief work
ABC Aid was founded in June by eight individuals. An office was set up in Sóltún, Reykjavík. Various ideas were put forward about how to realize the ideals of this new organization.
1989
The first projects
Literacy textbooks were printed and literacy courses were held in two indigenous languages in Mexico. The courses were held for two tribes in cooperation with well-known Bible translators in the United States.
The following year, a literacy project was held for a tribe in the Ivory Coast.
The following year, a literacy project was held for a tribe in the Ivory Coast.
1990
Collaboration with Barnmissionen and support in the Philippines
In 1990, ABC began working with Barnmissionen, a Swedish aid organization, to support children's education in the Philippines. Barnmissionen runs three preschools, one primary school, offers vocational training in various fields, and operates a children's village in cooperation with social services authorities.
The partnership between ABC and Barnmissionen has continued ever since, and today the Swedish aid organization takes an active part in quality control of ABC's schools.
Today, Icelandic sponsors support hundreds of children's education in the Philippines.
ABC Children's Aid also raised funds for the construction of a children's home in Cambodia run by Barnmissionen.
The partnership between ABC and Barnmissionen has continued ever since, and today the Swedish aid organization takes an active part in quality control of ABC's schools.
Today, Icelandic sponsors support hundreds of children's education in the Philippines.
ABC Children's Aid also raised funds for the construction of a children's home in Cambodia run by Barnmissionen.
1993
Work started in Uganda
A partnership began with the Uganda Australia Foundation, established by Trudy and Francis Odida to help children in need in Uganda. The organization is known as ABC Children's Aid Uganda today.
ABC Children's Aid Uganda now runs nine schools in the country and the partnership continues today. Icelandic sponsors support more than a thousand children's education in the schools.
ABC Children's Aid Uganda now runs nine schools in the country and the partnership continues today. Icelandic sponsors support more than a thousand children's education in the schools.
1995
Work started in India
ABC helped establish a home for street children in the city of Chennai, India. The visionary Eva Alexander founded Comforter Ministries with the purpose of helping the casteless to gain education and vocational training.
Over the years, ABC has organized fundraisers and helped the organization get established, and today a school is run that benefits those in need who would otherwise not have access to education due to their status and poverty.
Over the years, ABC has organized fundraisers and helped the organization get established, and today a school is run that benefits those in need who would otherwise not have access to education due to their status and poverty.
1996
Support for the Home of Little Lights in India
ABC funded the construction of a residential building and invested in land for the Home of Little Lights in India.
Over the years, tens of thousands of children from poor backgrounds have received a good education at the school, and it has excelled nationally year after year. The school is also very self-sufficient, running its own farm with extensive vegetable growing on the grounds.
Icelandic sponsors have supported children's education from the beginning, and ABC has held numerous fundraisers that have helped build up the school.
Over the years, tens of thousands of children from poor backgrounds have received a good education at the school, and it has excelled nationally year after year. The school is also very self-sufficient, running its own farm with extensive vegetable growing on the grounds.
Icelandic sponsors have supported children's education from the beginning, and ABC has held numerous fundraisers that have helped build up the school.
1996
Uganda
Purchased premises and land for a school building in Uganda and worked on expanding the school
1997
India
Purchased land for the El Shaddai Children's Home in India.
1998
Children helping children
ABC Children's Aid's annual fundraiser, Children Helping Children, launches.
Students in primary schools around the country join forces and go door to door or to local businesses collecting donations. The funds raised are then used for various urgent projects or to strengthen school infrastructure in the countries we support.
Since its start, these "ambassadors of ABC" have raised more than 130 million ISK to support the work.
Students in primary schools around the country join forces and go door to door or to local businesses collecting donations. The funds raised are then used for various urgent projects or to strengthen school infrastructure in the countries we support.
Since its start, these "ambassadors of ABC" have raised more than 130 million ISK to support the work.
1998
India
Built the first floor of a corn orphanage in Orissa, India.
1998
Uganda
An additional building was built at the school in Uganda.
1998
India
Built 20 staff apartments, 3 dormitories for girls and a house for boys at the Home of Little Lights in India.
1999
India
Construction of a residential building for the El Shaddai Children's Home in India has begun.
2000
India
Established a sewing school and a high school, and built a new kindergarten and two dormitories for the Home of Little Lights in India.
2002
India
Completed construction of the El Shaddai orphanage in India.
2003
India
A vocational school was built at the Home of Little Lights.
2003
Uganda
A preschool was built and the foundation for a primary school was laid in Uganda.
2004
ABC Aid becomes ABC Children's Aid
The name of the organization was changed to ABC Children's Aid. The name was considered to better reflect the nature of the work.
2004
India
Work underway to build a children's and staff house for the El Shaddai Children's Home in India
2005
India
Construction of a staff house for the El Shaddai Children's Home in India has been completed.
2005
Work begins in Pakistan and ABC headquarters moves
ABC began a partnership with a Pakistani man named Sharif Ditta, who started running a school in his own premises, built by his sons for him to enjoy in retirement.
In total, ABC funded the construction of six schools in the country through fundraisers and support from Icelandic sponsors. The partnership in Pakistan ended in 2017, but the operations are running very well and have become self-sufficient.
ABC Children's Aid's headquarters also moved from Sóltún to Síðumúli.
In total, ABC funded the construction of six schools in the country through fundraisers and support from Icelandic sponsors. The partnership in Pakistan ended in 2017, but the operations are running very well and have become self-sufficient.
ABC Children's Aid's headquarters also moved from Sóltún to Síðumúli.
2006
Work started in Kenya
ABC begins operations in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. A home for orphaned children was first opened in private premises.
The school's students are former street children who grew up in the slums.
The school's students are former street children who grew up in the slums.
2006
Pakistan
In Pakistan, three ABC schools were built and dormitories were established.
2006
Uganda
In Uganda, the fourth floor of the new ABC school in Kitetikka was built.
Development also continued in Rackoko, where construction began on a dormitory for girls.
Construction was completed on a wing for science and computer labs at the secondary school in Kitetikka, funded by the Icelandic International Development Agency, along with a radio station in Rackoko as a joint project with ABC Children's Aid.
Development also continued in Rackoko, where construction began on a dormitory for girls.
Construction was completed on a wing for science and computer labs at the secondary school in Kitetikka, funded by the Icelandic International Development Agency, along with a radio station in Rackoko as a joint project with ABC Children's Aid.
2006
India
Evening schools were established in 10 additional Dalit villages, in addition to the 10 already existing.
A second dormitory for 400 boys was built at the Home of Little Lights in India, funded by the 2005 Children Helping Children fundraiser.
An infant care building was built at the El Shaddai Children's Home in Chennai, India.
A second dormitory for 400 boys was built at the Home of Little Lights in India, funded by the 2005 Children Helping Children fundraiser.
An infant care building was built at the El Shaddai Children's Home in Chennai, India.
2007
Work has begun in Burkina Faso
Hinrik Þorsteinsson and Guðný "Gullý" Ragnhildur Jónasdóttir travel to Burkina Faso to start work on behalf of ABC.
Extensive work has been built up and today a secondary school has been established where students can complete the equivalent of a high school diploma.
The school is located near a large slum, and without it students would have no opportunity for schooling.
Teaching initially began in temporary premises.
Extensive work has been built up and today a secondary school has been established where students can complete the equivalent of a high school diploma.
The school is located near a large slum, and without it students would have no opportunity for schooling.
Teaching initially began in temporary premises.
2007
Pakistan
A school was built in Jaranwala, Pakistan, with funds raised from Borgarholt School.
2007
Uganda
Construction of a dormitory for 600 children in Rackoko, Northern Uganda, has been completed.
2008
Utility market established
ABC's Utility Market opens in Faxafen in cooperation with the Charity Association of Compassion. A year later it moves to Skútuvogur and is run entirely by ABC Children's Aid, staffed by volunteers from the organization.
Larger and better premises were found around the corner in Súðarvogur, and "Nytjó" became an important source of income for the organization. The market took root and has ever since proven essential in spreading ABC's message as well as being a great benefit to the public.
Larger and better premises were found around the corner in Súðarvogur, and "Nytjó" became an important source of income for the organization. The market took root and has ever since proven essential in spreading ABC's message as well as being a great benefit to the public.
2008
Uganda
In Uganda, a preschool was built in Rackoko and was named Little Verzlo because it was a gift from students of the Icelandic School of Commerce.
2008
India
A description of this important point in history.
2008
Pakistan
In Pakistan, four new schools were established in rented premises and construction has begun on the fifth school. Construction has begun on the new ABC land, a perimeter wall has been built, and construction work has begun on a boarding school.
2008
Senegal
In Senegal, a preschool for 60 children was established as well as a football school.
2008
Philippines
In the Philippines, seven ABC schools were established on the islands of Luzon and Negros.
2009
Star of Hope in Kenya
ABC's operations in Nairobi, Kenya are moving to the Star of Hope school located in the center of the Mathare slum.
2009
ABC School is underway
A description of this important point in history.
2010
India
In India, construction of a new school with 10 classrooms was completed for the Home of Little Lights and construction of a new primary school began at the El Shaddai Children's Home in Chennai, India.
2010
Senegal
A shelter for street children has been established in a rented building in Senegal.
2010
Burkina Faso
A new school building with 6 classrooms was built for the school in Burkina Faso
Our timeline 2011-2026
You can drag the timeline to the left to see more.
2011
India
Construction of a school for the El Shaddai Children's Home in India for 225 children has been completed.
2011
Burkina Faso
In Burkina Faso, the school officially moved to new premises. A water well was drilled and dug on the school grounds, a new dining hall and kitchen were built on the school grounds, and a small house for the caretaker was added.
2011
ABC strengthens positive prevention in schools
ABC embarks on its first domestic project in cooperation with the Marita education program and IOGT. The organizations fund positive prevention in twelve primary schools for students and parents of 5th and 6th graders. Magnus Stefansson has held numerous presentations for students and parents. Since 2018, he has spoken to about 180,000 individuals. Today the presentations are known as Maggi Stef's Prevention Education.
2011
The work is expanding in Kenya
At the end of the year, ABC established a school called ABC Complex School in an area of the Maasai people in a large rural region of Kenya. The future prospects of the Maasai people are highly uncertain due to poor conditions, so they place great hope in their children's education. Poverty in the area is immense. Students at the school start in primary school and can complete the equivalent of a high school diploma.
2012
ABC opens another utility market
A new utility market, Hakuna Matata, opened at Laugavegur 103, mainly selling clothing and small items. Following this, the arts and culture center Life for Life opened at the same location. The idea behind the center was to offer people the chance to sponsor a child in memory of a deceased loved one. Operations of Hakuna Matata and Life for Life ceased in 2014.
2013
Girls' boarding school in Pakistan
Construction begins on a boarding school for girls in Machike, Pakistan. The boarding school will house 240 girls.
2014
New school building in Burkina Faso
In August, work began on building a school building for the junior section at ABC School. It is planned that it will be three stories high.
2015
Headquarters and “Nytjo” move to Kopavogur
At the start of the year, ABC's headquarters and "Nytjo" operations moved to Vikurhvarf 2 in Kopavogur. For the first time, the Utility Market and the organization's offices are in the same location.
2015
ABC newspaper
ABC publishes a magazine about the organization's affairs. The magazine contains all kinds of information about ABC Children's Aid, interviews with beneficiaries, field leaders, sponsors and others. Two issues are published each year, and all sponsors receive a copy sent to their home.
2015
Pakistan girls' dormitory completed
Construction of a girls' dormitory in Machike, Pakistan, completed.
2016
Major construction projects in Burkina Faso
Volunteers and locals achieve a real feat, and much happens this year at the ABC school in Burkina Faso. The planned secondary school progresses well, a larger water tank is installed, a water pump is laid and water flows like never before, and more solar panels are installed, among other things. Volunteers have been diligent in traveling to Burkina Faso and the work is truly flourishing.
2017
Children helping children
The President of Iceland, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, officially launched the Children Help Children fundraiser at Áslandsskóli in Hafnarfjörður. Since the beginning, students have raised over 120 million ISK to support poor children in distant lands. The collection has been invaluable to the activities of ABC Children's Aid.
2017
Ladies' night and concerts
A ladies' night in support of women in Burkina Faso was held in May in the cafeteria of Filadelfia. The guest of honor for the evening was Gudny Ragnhildur Jonasdottir, usually called Gully. She spoke about the work and the lives of women in Africa. Oskar Einarsson, pianist and choir director, celebrated his 50th birthday by holding a gospel concert at Lindakirkja, with all proceeds going to ABC. The amount was used to buy solar panels for the school in Burkina Faso.
2017
New dining hall in Burkina Faso
A new dining hall, about 375 square meters, is put into use at the ABC school in Burkina Faso. The dining hall was a major undertaking and accommodates about 700 children.
2017
A milestone at the Home of Little Lights
It is a pleasure to announce that operations in India have become fully self-sufficient. The partnership between ABC Children's Aid and the Home of Little Lights ends on this happy note, with no further need for financial support. With the faithful help of sponsors and fundraisers over more than 20 years, the school has reached this milestone.
2017
Let's start a partnership in Bangladesh
In December, ABC began a partnership with the non-governmental organization Agape Social Concern (ASC). ASC has been working in Bangladesh since 1997 and their goal is the social development of poor and marginalized individuals and groups. ASC runs the House of Peace, where children receive education and boarding.
2017
New classrooms in Namelok
Two new classrooms have been opened at ABC School in Namelok, Kenya. The buildings were funded by proceeds from the Children Help Children fundraiser.
2018
ABC Children's Aid 30 years
This year was a special one for us as we celebrated our 30th anniversary. Tens of thousands of children have been given a life of education and hope through ABC over these 30 years.
2018
New partner in Pakistan
ABC has a new partner in Pakistan (Rasta brick slave children). The students are descendants of "brick slaves"
2018
New dormitory in Uganda
A new dormitory for girls built at the school in Uganda, along with toilet facilities for students and teachers.
2018
Solar panels and sports fields in Burkina Faso
New solar panels for the school in Burkina Faso were put into use and a new library was opened with donations. The sports field was completed with a grant from the “Children Help Children” fund.
2018
Better access to water in Uganda
ABC built new water fountains at schools in Uganda, with funding from ICEIDA.
2019
New playground in Pakistan
At the beginning of the year, a new playground was built at the school with outdoor play equipment and sports equipment. A student kitchen was also set up so the children have their own tea and drinks corner that they can use during school hours.
2019
New water tanks in Uganda
The “Save Water” water project ended in February, but on World Water Day on March 22nd, the new water tanks were officially inaugurated and all the children in the elementary school received free water bottles to fill up during the day.
2019
New kindergarten and water tower in Burkina Faso
A new kindergarten was built with donated funds from the Utility Market in Selfoss, allowing us to admit two new age groups, 4 and 5 year olds. Skilled workers from Aveitan in Akureyri contributed all the labor and much of the cost to install this water tower and plumbing in the building.
2019
Solar cells in Bangladesh
A description of this important point in history.
2019
Homestays in Burkina Faso
New girls' and boys' homes were built in Lífland, and the girls moved in in October and the boys in December.
2019
Deeper boreholes and improved safety in Kenya
We received a grant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to improve the school's water facilities with a deeper borehole and to build and erect a security wall around the school grounds.
2020
New school building in Bangladesh
A new school building was built in Bangladesh and opened in January.
2020
Electrifying the school district in Burkina Faso
ABC received a grant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to electrify dormitories and various other buildings related to the school's operations in Burkina Faso with solar panels.
2020
Repairs in the Philippines
Considerable construction work was carried out on the school premises in Molfried Center. The roof was repaired and painted, the house was painted inside and out and repaired where necessary.
2020
Computer lab in Bangladesh
Funds were raised for a new computer lab in Bangladesh. 25 computers were purchased for students and 2 for teachers.
2020
Kenya new multi-purpose building and maintenance
A new multi-purpose building was built next to the dormitory, the kitchen facilities were painted and improved, a walkway was laid between the buildings, the toilet facilities were improved, and the playground equipment was overhauled.
2020
New car in Burkina Faso
A new Toyota Land Cruiser was purchased and delivered in December, replacing the old one, which was 21 years old and useless, but had served the school in Bobo faithfully for 11 years.
2021
The utility market and ABC office are moving
In early February 2021, ABC Barnahjálp opened Nytjamarkaðarðinn in new premises at Nýbýlavegur 6, after six years of successful operations in Víkuhvarf 2. Moves of this magnitude are extremely challenging, but ABC and Nytjamarkaðarðinn staff joined forces and completed this project with exceptional diligence and good cooperation. Following this, ABC Barnahjálp's office also opened an office in the same premises on March 1.
2021
Cold water in Pakistan
ABC Utility Market funded a new well, along with water pumps with cooling so that students and others can now have cold, clean water at any time of the day on the school grounds.
2021
Chickens and a vegetable garden in Kenya
Chickens were purchased and a chicken coop was built on the dormitory grounds. Students were trained in caring for the chickens and collecting eggs. A vegetable garden was also set up. These two small projects have improved the diet at the dormitory while students take responsibility and learn to care for animals and crops.
2021
School buildings expanded in Pakistan
There is a major development on the school grounds that is improving all the facilities at the school. The school building has been expanded and a new wing with three classrooms and one teacher's office has been added.
2021
Gift container sent to Burkina Faso
In the spring of 2020, we purchased a 40-foot container filled with furniture and clothing collected by the Utility Market, but both individuals and companies also donated gifts that went with it. These included bicycles, sportswear and sporting goods, a whole pallet of new shoes, clothing, materials for the sewing studio, tools and gardening equipment, water pumps, computer monitors and musical instruments. The container was shipped from Iceland in January and arrived at its destination in Burkina Faso on May 4th, to the great joy and delight of both children and adults.
2021
Computer lab in Kenya
A description of this important point in history.
2021
Tree planting begins in Bangladesh
The "Tree plantation program" project started in June in Bangladesh, with all students and staff of the school participating. About 500 different types of trees have been planted on the school's land, including Lemon trees, Betel nut trees, Rangan Flower and several forest trees.
2021
Visit from Kenya
Pius, a former student and current employee of MCE, with whom ABC collaborates in Kenya, came to Iceland with John, the executive director of MCE, in November. They visited and spoke to about 400 young people in schools and churches.
2022
Women's division opens in northern Uganda
We received a grant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to renovate and convert premises to open a maternity ward to improve access and quality of maternity care for mothers in the rural areas around Rackoko.
2023
Malaria ward in northern Uganda
We received a grant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to build a malaria ward in the organization's premises, which had been damaged in a storm a few years earlier.
2023
Opening of a tailoring school in Pakistan
With help from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we opened a tailoring school for young women in the vicinity of the school.
2024
Opening of dormitories in northern Uganda
We received a grant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to rebuild a dormitory on the organization's school grounds where classrooms used to be.
2025
New construction in Burkina Faso
We opened a new three-story extension to the secondary school in Burkina Faso, which was funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2026
New school building in Uganda
We opened a new school building in northern Uganda, 3 new classrooms, a teachers' lounge and school offices.
