Holy Cross in East Africa
As a Holy Cross ministry, Eden Academy will be overseen in perpetuity by priests and brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross, of which there are over 100 from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Experts in Catholic education and the local context, these men are perfectly suited to steward Eden Academy for generations to come. Moreover, their link to the University of Notre Dame — also a Holy Cross ministry — will facilitate ongoing collaboration with the Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child. We hope that our model — Eden Education — will shape the way that Holy Cross serves throughout our parishes and schools in East Africa.
Founders – Fr. Innocent & Keenan
The genesis of Eden Academy, besides the generosity of our benefactors, comes from the collaboration of Fr. Innocent Mwesigwa, C.S.C. and Keenan Bross, C.S.C. Originally from Mbarara, Uganda, Fr. Innocent has served as the pastor of St. Felista’s parish in Utegi since 2019. During Keenan’s mission year at St. Felista’s, Keenan and Fr. Innocent both witnesses the great need for a deeper transformation of this community through Catholic education, beginning with our youngest children. As Eden Academy develops, Fr. Innocent will use his extensive local knowledge to serve as founding director, establishing our campus and putting our model, Eden Education, into practice. Likewise, while doing ministry in the United States, Keenan will continue to serve as a bridge for Eden Academy with the University of Notre Dame, the Holy Cross Mission Center, and benefactors for our mission.
Our School Board
The School Board includes the pastor, parish council chairperson, head teacher, local education leaders, and the Holy Cross provincial or delegate. Meeting quarterly, the board ensures financial accountability, supports collaboration with local leaders, and advises on the school’s mission.
Our Partners
Holy Cross Mission Center
Founded in 1923, the Holy Cross Mission Center provides strategic support for the international missions of the Congregation of Holy Cross in parish ministry, education, healthcare, and outreach services to communities in need.
Our work is anchored by our faith in Christ, inspired by the apostolic missionary vision of Blessed Basil Moreau, and responsive to the Congregation’s priorities on the global peripheries.
We align the generosity of our benefactors and institutional partners with the priorities of Holy Cross leadership to carry forth the international ministries of the Congregation of Holy Cross in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The pastor/director submits quarterly financial reports to the Mission Center to ensure transparency. The Mission Center meets biannually with donors to coordinate funding decisions, and donors are encouraged to conduct annual site visits to monitor progress and support the school’s development.
University of Notre Dame – GC-DWC
In March 2026, we began our partnership with the Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child (GC-DWC) at Notre Dame. Led by Professor Neil Boothby, the Global Center works around the world to provide pathways out adversity for at-risk children. In particular, they seek partnerships with the Catholic Church as one of the best-suited organizations around the world to support children. At Eden Academy, their contribution is invaluable. Drawing from their work in Telegana, India, they have provided us with a multilingual, play-based curriculum for pre primary students which we are adapting for use at Eden Academy. They are working virtually with our teachers to train and coach them as we co-design our model of education. And we are working with them to provide workshops and formation for our parents throghout the parish on best practices for Early Childhood Development at home, drawing together church, school, and home to place our children at the center of the life of our parish.