what is WTACA?

WTACA Ministries is a Christ-centered nonprofit organization based in Escalon, California, committed to serving vulnerable children in Uganda through faith, education, and compassionate care. Rooted in the belief that every child is created in the image of God and worthy of love, dignity, and opportunity, WTACA exists to share the hope of the Gospel while meeting practical needs.

Through the support of faithful donors and partners, WTACA funds the Van Tyler WTACA Christian Academy and the WTACA Orphanage, located in the Kayunga and Kamuli Districts of Uganda. Together, these programs currently serve approximately 1,300 day and boarding students and 88 orphans.

WTACA provides children with safe shelter, nourishing daily meals, medical care, and a quality Christian education—resources that many families in rural Uganda simply cannot access on their own. In communities where poverty and abandonment are common and government support is limited, the ministry offers stability, discipleship, and a clear path forward grounded in faith.

Beyond caring for immediate needs, WTACA is deeply invested in long-term transformation. The ministry employs local staff, grows food within the community, and continues to expand educational facilities, strengthening both individual lives and the surrounding community. Through education, stewardship, and faith, WTACA seeks to break cycles of poverty and raise up the next generation with hope, purpose, and a foundation in Christ.

Walking

To

A needy

Child

Africa

Meet the Founder

Tyler Van Vliet is the founder and President of WTACA Ministries. A local dairy farmer from California’s Central Valley, Tyler felt a calling to serve children in need and use the resources God had entrusted to him to make an eternal impact.

What began as a simple desire to help has grown into a thriving ministry that touches the lives of thousands of children each year. Tyler is closely involved in the mission and the day to day direction of WTACA, ensuring the organization stays rooted in faith, integrity, and responsible stewardship. A core value of the ministry is directing donations primarily toward on-the-ground programs rather than administrative overhead, allowing support to directly benefit the children and communities served.

Driven by his faith in Jesus Christ and a heart for service, Tyler’s vision is not only to provide education and care, but to raise up children who know they are loved by God and equipped to build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Work With Us 
Who We Are

“These 48 children—some who had lost their parents, others who had been abandoned—were living in circumstances most of us can hardly imagine. Yet they were filled with joy, and I could see the love of Christ shining in their eyes. Jesus tells us, ‘Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for Me,’ and in that moment, the Lord made my purpose clear. Since then, I’ve been giving this work everything I have.”

- Tyler Van Vliet (Founder)

Our USA Team

Tyler

Farmer in Central Valley, California

Farming is what I do but Wtaca ministries is my job and I've devoted my life to this ministry and building the Kingdom of God. 

Founder & President

Matthew

Uganda

Married to Sarah with 2 daughters, Heavenly and Bella. 

Vice President & WTACA Director
Treasurer & Secretary

Vonda

Vonda has been married to her husband, Mike, for 36 years and is the proud mom of three sons, two daughters-in-law, two grandsons, and two more grandbabies on the way. With a heart for stewardship, she helps manage bookkeeping for her family’s dairy and farming business, co-owns a fitness center, and supports WTACA through faithful behind-the-scenes work.alongside her son, Tyler.

“I’ve been to Uganda twice, and plan to return every year!   It’s been truly amazing seeing what the Lord is doing at there!”  Seeing what the Lord is doing there has deeply impacted her, and she’s passionate about being part of the work God is unfolding through WTACA.

Board Member

Lisa

 Lisa has been married to her husband, Jake, for 20 years and is the proud mom of two children, Isaac and Starlyn. She has had a heart for missions since she was a young adult, beginning with her first trip to Greece, where she felt God’s clear call to serve those in need.

After meeting Tyler and hearing the heart behind WTACA, “we are called to be a blessing to those who are in need and that’s exactly what WTACA is about. Showing God’s love and kindness and really being the hands and feet of Jesus. I’m honored to be a part of something that is bigger than us and to see all the miracles and answered prayers that our Heavenly Father is doing and is continuing doing. We are blessed to be a blessing.” She is passionate about being a blessing to others and helping WTACA show God’s love through kindness, service, and living out the Lord’s calling on her life.

Uganda Team

  • Mathew Bazanya

    DIRECTOR

  • Mr. Kayiwa Tom

    MEMBER

  • Nviiri Paul

    SECRETARY

  • Bazaanya Ibra

    MEMBER

  • Mrs. Nambi Rashidah

    TREASURER

  • Mr. Waisanka Hakim

    MEMBER

  • Mr. Tumwebaze Brian

    CHAIRPERSON

  • Mr. Bazaanya Philip

    ADMINISTRATOR

  • Mr. Arinaitwe Maurisio

    STAFF REPRESENTATIVE

Who We Are

  • To unite God’s people across nations to raise up Christ-rooted schools, strengthen communities, and advance His Kingdom through the lives of every child we serve.

  • To nurture and empower vulnerable children in Africa through Christ-centered education, essential care, and discipleship, equipping them to thrive and transform their communities for God’s glory.

  • When We Give, God Multiplies.

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!