Our History

Patiko Baker’s Fort Project was founded in 1999 by 3 young women from refugee backgrounds. Starting of as a Saturday Club for young people extending to school holidays. It delivered creative workshops, theatre, dance, homework support to local youth, growing from 8 young attendance to 68 within 6 month. The Charity then extended its services to support the parents of these youth people many of whom were migrants. A women’s coffee morning started, then legal support, benefit form filling to referrals. We progressed to providing a food bank, supporting victim of human trafficking and the those with no recourse to public funds. Liaising between local organisations, the council and community engagement, we walk alongside individuals and families.

Why The Name Patiko Baker’s Fort Project

Many times we have been mistaken for being a Bakery and we are sure our name triggers curiosity and intrigue. Of course we could have had a much simpler name but the link between our name and our beginnings is vital.

In the 1860’s a British explorer and missionary named Samuel BAKER (later Sir Samuel) went to Africa. His explorations at that time took him along the river Nile and into the northern parts of Uganda including a place called PATIKO. It is on this land that over 140 years ago Sir Baker stopped slave trading in that region and built his historical FORT on that land of PATIKO.

Sir Samuel Baker is well remembered by the founder for stopping slave trade in the local community thereby relieving trauma to many young people and women who would have been torn from their families.

One of his greatest and long-standing achievements was his contribution to the establishment of education of young people in Africa. Inspired by this fact, the first members of the organisation felt it appropriate to reflect his work and dedicate the projects to the values that he stood for. Supporting those who are marginalised, empowering those who lack of a voice as well increasing awareness and understanding amongst people of different faiths, cultures and social background.