About OIGOK

Advancing a society through the success of its children

Operation International Gift of Knowledge, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 2014, that exists to help advance the society of Uganda through the success of its youth. By giving children the skills of literacy, the change ripples into stronger communication, economic security, and brighter futures.

Our Mission

Education, health, and nutrition for every child we reach

To serve by providing children suffering from extreme poverty with educational, medical and nutritional access — so they may discover their God-given talents, enhance their quality of life, and achieve self-reliance.

Our Vision

Literacy that breaks the cycle of poverty

By providing the skills of literacy to Uganda's children, the change can ripple into increased communication, economic security, and the advancement of technology and financial structures throughout their society.

Our Cause

Why education in Uganda

In Uganda, many people compete for a limited number of good jobs, and without a decent education it is very hard to find one — or to have the confidence to start your own business. Getting access to education in the first place can be a huge challenge.

The government introduced free universal primary education in 1997 and universal secondary education in 2007, but demand far outstrips the available places. It is not uncommon for a free government classroom to hold well over one hundred students, with very few facilities and over-worked teachers. For families who want a quality education, the only other option is private school — and the fees are beyond the means of families in extreme poverty.

Even where school is "free," each child must arrive with books, a uniform, and smart shoes — or risk being sent home. For a family in extreme poverty, those costs decide whether a child learns at all. That is the gap your sponsorship closes.

See the education reality & children

Leadership & Team

The Board of Directors

The Board of Directors defines and protects OIGOK's mission, guides new policy, and ensures every activity aligns with our objectives — reviewing and approving items such as the annual budget and new opportunities.

Nadere Johnson, President of OIGOK

Nadere Johnson

President & Founder

Nadere has a heart for impoverished children and a strong belief in the transformative power of the Church. A U.S. Air Force veteran and graduate of the Art Institute of Atlanta, he built a career as a professional photographer with studios across the U.S. and in Germany. A member of Love First Christian Center in Riverview, FL, he has served in mission work locally and abroad. He founded OIGOK in 2014 and is deeply committed to releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name.

Nelson Richardson, Vice President of OIGOK

Nelson Richardson

Vice President

Growing up in Epworth Children's Home, Nelson saw firsthand the challenges children face — sparking a lifelong passion for community service. He studied audio production and design, then built a career as an AV/IT specialist, including serving as a System Administrator for a U.S. Senator. In 2018 he founded Vsoul Photos. After a decade supporting OIGOK in a technical capacity, he now serves as Vice President, advocating for youth development and educational empowerment.

David Mugambwa, Chief Operations Officer, OIGOK Uganda

David Mugambwa

Chief Operations Officer — Uganda

A proud resident of Kampala, Uganda, David leads OIGOK's work on the ground. His life reflects resilience, faith, and dedication to family and community. He is committed to uplifting others — especially children — through education, empowerment and compassion, striving to inspire hope and build a brighter future for his community and the generations that follow.

Brittanie Richardson, Treasurer of OIGOK

Brittanie Richardson

Treasurer

Brittanie is a detail-driven professional who studied audio production and design before rising through retail leadership. Today she is a Senior Fraud Specialist in risk management at a fintech company and the administrative assistant at Vsoul Photos. Her deep understanding of risk operations and money management ensures OIGOK's funds are allocated and executed correctly. Outside work, she is devoted to creating a nurturing environment for her children.

Brittney McClain, Attorney and Board Member of OIGOK

Brittney McClain

Attorney & Board Member

Raised in a family of educators, Brittney has always valued education and regularly tutors and mentors young women. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology (University of Virginia), an MPA (VCU), and a J.D. (University of Richmond), and practices international trade, commercial litigation, and environmental law in Washington, D.C. A passionate advocate for "green" living, she's excited to offer her knowledge and skills to pass on the gift of knowledge.

Jackie Moore-Barrett, Operations Manager of OIGOK

Jackie Moore-Barrett

Operations Manager

A Hampton, VA native and retired Newport News educator, "JackiB" holds degrees from Norfolk State University and Hampton University. A longtime ministry leader, she has led multiple missions trips to Nairobi, Kenya — teaching, evangelizing, and serving children's orphanages. She sits on several nonprofit boards and is CEO/Executive Director of Diversified Ministry for Cultural Exchange. Her motto: be a game-changer — "only when we are changed can we be agents of change."

Dr. Tina Washington, Board Member of OIGOK

Dr. Tina Washington

Board Member

A graduate of East Carolina University with a Master's from Capella and a PhD in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Washington believes everyone has hidden strengths to overcome any obstacle life presents. As a counselor she helps people recognize their power to grow and make healthy choices — the same conviction behind OIGOK's belief that, given the chance, any child can reach a future of self-reliance.

Lydell Scott, OIGOK Consultant

Lydell Scott

OIGOK Consultant

Born in Baltimore, Lydell earned a B.A. in Urban Studies from Rutgers University and built a distinguished career in civil rights and human relations — including 15 years directing Frederick County, Maryland's Human Relations Department. A writer, poet, and church leader, she has authored curricula, grants, and training manuals and led landmark fair-housing and anti-discrimination efforts, earning recognition from the Maryland General Assembly and Delegate Elijah Cummings.

Accountability

Your gift, verified in person

Every year, our leadership travels to Uganda to lay eyes on the children themselves and confirm that every dollar is being used exactly as intended. We meet face-to-face with our partners on the ground, visit the schools, and review each child's health care, grades, and overall progress.

It's how we keep our promise: your investment goes precisely where it's meant to — educating, nourishing, and caring for the children you sponsor. We are proud to operate as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and your donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Our Promise to You

Four commitments to every sponsor and partner

Partnership is at the center of what we do — a collaborative, mutually beneficial relationship for the purpose of releasing children from poverty.