2021 Annual Stories
-2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
YOUR IMPACT ................................................. 4 MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDERS ....................... 5 WATOTO CHURCH ............................................ 6 WHO WE ARE ................................................ 10 BABY WATOTO ................................................ 12 OUR VILLAGES................................................ 20 FATHER’S HEART ............................................. 26 EDUCATION ................................................... 30 MEDICAL ...................................................... 32 SPORTS ACADEMY .......................................... 34 WORSHIP ACADEMY ........................................ 36 WATOTO CHILDREN’S CHOIR .............................. 40 SUSTAINABILITY ............................................ 44 WATOTO NEIGHBOURHOOD .............................. 48 KEEP A GIRL IN SCHOOL .................................... 62 WHERE WE ARE ............................................... 65 FINANCIALS................................................... 66 Table of Contents Shakirah and Peter
Your Impact
Watoto Neighbourhood
4 Watoto
Baby Watoto
To each of you who has sponsored, donated, volunteered, prayed, or supported us over the years—THANK YOU! You are making a tremendous impact in the lives of those we are reaching together.
Last year, we rescued 44 babies. That means, 44 little lives were saved and given a new chance at life.
3,415
3,415 children are being raised in a loving family across our three villages. Here, they grow up with food, clothes, medical care, and an education as we teach them their value in Christ.
The stories and highlights throughout this report are just a snapshot of the countless lives transformed by your generosity. And we’re forever grateful!
Watoto Villages
44
975
We embraced 975 women with the love of Jesus, and equipped them with adult literacy, vocational training, business skills and job opportunities.
As we have been reflecting on the past 38 years and the vision God placed on our hearts almost four decades ago, we are more aware of the truth that the Watoto vision is not just about building beautiful church facilities filled with lots of people, but about raising transformational leaders who will bring the nature and character of Jesus into their communities and nation.
When we look at the successes, we are reminded that we could never do this alone. That’s why we’re excited to share recent highlights and stories from across Watoto. From our villages and Baby Watoto, to the girls we’re keeping in school and the mothers we’re reaching right in their neighbourhoods, these are just a few of the thousands of lives that have been transformed because of the love of Jesus and your partnership.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Your love inspires us. You are a gift to us and to every woman and child whose lives have been changed because of that love.
May God bless you, Gary and Marilyn Skinner Watoto Founders
Message fromOur Founders
We are grateful for you—for your generosity, sacrifice, friendship, and unwavering support.
Over the last two years, the significance of this vision has never been more real. We’ve seen the church grow tremendously as we’ve all been stretched to reach people in a new way. We’ve also seen incredible transformation in the lives of individuals and families throughout our Watoto villages, communities, and nation. God has been faithful, and we are so thankful for that.
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Watoto Church
using Watoto Church to reach the lost with the good news of Jesus Christ.
These weekly gatherings in our communities are the heartbeat of Watoto Church because this is where deep personal relationships are formed. It’s through these relationships that we can truly care for our community as we carry each other’s burdens, enjoy life together, and allow for the discipleship of Christ to flourish. Often in more intimate settings, we
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atoto is a lifegiving church that celebrates Christ and cares for Everycommunity.week more than 36,000 people gather with us in person at our 14 church locations in Uganda and South Sudan, along with over one million viewers who watch online and on TV. We give glory to God for how He is
As we gather to sing, dance, and hear the encouraging and life-changing word of God, we know we are also called to care for those around us. We do this through our over 2,700 small groups, also known as cell families.
Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo Associate Team Leader
“As a church, we need to be relevant to the needs of the community. We must pay attention to the things that break Jesus’ heart.”
-Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo
Pastor Brian Abaho
Our small groups have played a big role in the success of our Watoto Neighbourhood initiative. In fact, many of the vulnerable women we are currently empowering joined as a result of attending one of the small groups in their own Thisneighbourhood.wayof doing church
Pastor Eddie Mwesigye
truly discover the needs of our friends and community— sometimes this means painting a school, cleaning the side of a road, or visiting the sick.
the vital support of Pastor Eddie Mwesigye, who gives pastoral oversight to our team of pastors, and Pastor Brian Abaho, who oversees Watoto’s Worship Arts.
We know Jesus is the hope of the world. As a church, we will continue to encourage, inspire, and reach the lost with the love of Christ as we rebuild this beautiful Africa, together.
began with the vision God gave our founder, Gary Skinner, over four decades ago. Today, with God’s guidance, Senior Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo continues to build on this strong foundation as he provides vision and leadership to the entire ministry. And he has
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-Psalm
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“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people.”
Who We Are 113:7-8 (NIV)
B
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In 1984, Gary and Marilyn Skinner founded Watoto Church with a clear vision to transform lives in Africa with the love of Jesus. Not long after our first church service, HIV/AIDS
uilt on the belief that Jesus can make all things new again, Watoto is a place of hope.
devastated the continent. People began dying, turning children into orphans. It was clear— how could a church say they love Jesus and not do something about the pain and suffering around them? So, our work began. Now, almost 40 years later we’re seeing a new day full of hope.
With all the great things God has already done through Watoto, there are new challenges we’re facing. So, we’ll keep working to bring healing to the new pains and hurts throughout Africa knowing God will lead, direct, and provide.
As we celebrate Christ and care for community, we’re grateful that Watoto is a family made up of people like you from all over the world. Together, we will continue to rescue the most vulnerable babies, raise future leaders, and restore dignity to women in our beholdAndthroughmoreTogether,neighbourhoods.wewillseelivestransformedtheloveofJesus.together,wewillthenew.
12 Watoto Baby Watoto
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Baby Kasey
Baby Audrey
Rescuing Uganda’s most vulnerable
A woman passing by a home that was under construction heard Kasey crying. She found him alone wrapped in a towel and reached out to authorities for help. Once abandoned, Kasey now wears a big smile knowing he has a future full of love.
Found abandoned in a bush just hours after she was born, Audrey was rescued and placed with us for the vital care she needed. Today, Audrey is healthy, happy, and dearly loved.
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the hope of the afflicted will never perish” (Psalm 9:18 NIV).
When she first came to us she was malnourished. But, after receiving medical care and lots of love, Esther gained weight and has even taken her first steps. Today, Esther is thriving and is growing up surrounded by the love of ThanksChrist.
to everyone who believes in the work God has called us to do. Your support makes it possible for babies like Esther to have a great new chance at life.
ike us, we know you believe life is a precious gift from God. Yet, millions of babies like Esther are orphaned before they reach their first Tragically,birthday.Esther’s mother died during childbirth, and she never knew who the father was. So, Esther was initially left with her elderly grandmother who was too sick to care for her.
Before Esther could take her first steps, she had little to no chance in life. “But God will never forget the needy;
LBabyEstherPsalm9:18
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MeetMiriam
“In every corner of my life I’ve had people who stood with me. I want to thank my sponsors for the love they’ve given me, and partners like you for your support. I am grateful to have passed through your hands.”
Today, Miriam is living her dream because someone like you cared.
Your partnership ensures vulnerable little ones, like Miriam once was, will get to grow up surrounded by love with hope for a bright future.
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2012
Although her life began in tragedy, Miriam found refuge and a loving family at Watoto. Sadly, her mother died before Miriam’s first birthday and her father died too. As a little girl, Miriam lived with her ailing grandmother who struggled to provide the basics needed for a healthy life.
iriam has a smile that lights up the room—and is a living example of the hope we find in Jesus.
Reflecting back Miriam said, “Life in Watoto was amazing.
I was given a family with brothers and sisters and my precious mum called Mama Joy who loved us Miriam’sunconditionally.”passion to help vulnerable children led her to study Social Work at university, leading her to serve as a nanny here.
M
MIriam and Baby Emilly
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Babies Loved & Cared For
1,531
Because of partners like you, over the years we’ve rescued 1,531 babies—and counting. Each one is a living miracle and a reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Throughout 2021, we provided 162 of Uganda’s most vulnerable babies with the nutrition, medical care, love, and protection they each needed to thrive.
Babies Rescued in 2021
At Baby Watoto, we care for some of Uganda’s most vulnerable babies. And throughout last year, we continued to see God meet our needs and provide for our little ones.
Last year, we rescued 44 babies. That means, 44 little lives were saved and given a new chance at life.
162
Rescued Since Inception
Our staff and volunteers served with all their hearts, especially during the challenging times, to ensure our babies received the love and care they needed to survive. And we’re grateful for the faithful support of you—our sponsors and partners who have been with us each step of the way. We couldn’t do what we do without you.
44
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Mama Lilly and Esther
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Our Villages
It’s thrilling to finally see life begin to return to normal. Today, as you walk through our villages you can’t help but notice an overwhelming presence of joy. You might find Laura and Denorah taking care of a pet rabbit,
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cross our three Watoto villages, we’re raising over 3,400 children—each one belongs to a loving family and grows up learning their value in Christ. And although the past few years have been difficult, when we look back, we marvel at how God provided and carried us through.
or a group of boys playing a friendly, yet competitive game of chess. These are clear reminders that no matter what a child goes through, kids everywhere are the same. They deserve to grow up with a family that loves them, an education, and to be free from worrying about where their next meal might come from. And because of faithful sponsors like you, our children are finally secure enough to enjoy playing with their friends and simply being kids. Thanks for your unwavering support that makes this possible.
A
Laura and Denorah
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Lucky
Sheila
The future is full of possibilities. Shelia loves reading and wants to become a lawyer one day. In the meantime, she enjoys helping her Watoto sisters look their best by styling their hair.
Raised in Watoto, Lucky has discovered he likes the challenge of games like chess that make him think. Chess gives him the opportunity to have fun with friends as he excels at the game using his wits.
Mama Christine and Joseph
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She reads aloud treasuring this moment with Joseph.
to provide for her two biological children. Unable to attend school, her kids were struggling too. Eventually, Christine was brought on as a Watoto mother and her life changed. She went from worrying about two children, to seeing God provide for the eight children He now entrusted with her. She’s thankful for this moment with Joseph. It’s a clear reminder how God can create a new and beautiful reality.
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She’s humbled when she thinks how God can use her simple act of reading and praying with her children to transform their lives. She knows each child has their hurts and pain, but more importantly she knows first-hand the healing and restorative power of Jesus, because she’s seen it in her own
Beforelife.
A
Raising Uganda’s future leaders
breeze glides over the table, gently lifting the pages of Mama Christine’s Bible. It’s a reminder that the busy day of cleaning, cooking, and looking after eight children is winding down. It’s also a reminder of God’s quiet and constant presence and provision in her life.
Christine came to Watoto, she struggled
One way we do this is through a program called “Father’s Heart,” where men like Derrick share the love of a father with our kids and consistently “show up” for them.
Father figures play an important role in a child’s life. While the children we’ve rescued might have lost their father—or never knew him—we make sure they grow up knowing they are sons and daughters of their heavenly Father, and that He loves them.
And we’re grateful to each of you—our sponsors, partners, volunteers, pastors, and staff in Uganda and around the world— who are feeding into the lives of our kids, making sure they grow up knowing their value in Christ and have a very present father figure to mentor and guide them.
Derrick’s involvement began in 2008 when he heard an announcement at Watoto Church inviting men to join “Father’s Heart.” After prayer, he answered the call and 14 years later he still continues to show up for the kids.
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Father’s Heart
Derrick
Derrick is one of several men who understand the power of being consistent in the lives of future leaders and helping them live a life full of God’s wonder and purpose.
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Entering the village, he’s met with a chorus of “Uncle Derrick!” It’s a familiar sight, not unlike a father returning home from work.
Hugs and high-fives are shared. The small gift is given to Mama Allen as Derrick turns his attention to the young men of the house. “How’s school? Are you listening in class?” He then visits with the kids for the next few hours.
It’s a clear bright morning. The newness of the day brings a sense of optimism and purpose. Derrick navigates the busy and bumpy Kampala streets. Just before turning onto the unpaved road that leads to Watoto’s Bbira village, he stops at a small shop. Dashing in he grabs a bag of noodles, some sugar, and Smiling,lollipops.hesays, “It’s for my Watoto home.”
We’re grateful to men like Derrick, and to all our sponsors who are part of our Watoto family across the globe. Thank you for helping us raise Africa’s future leaders!
Thanks for loving Watoto.
At Watoto, over that past 38 years, we have seen lives made new again. We have seen despair turn into joy. We have seen God heal broken places and bring restoration. We’ve watched children like Marvin, whose start in life was far from ideal, begin to flourish.
o matter what life holds, there is always hope. There is hope in Jesus who provides a brighter tomorrow.
In fact, today Marvin’s receiving everything he needs to grow up healthy and whole—an education, medical care, and most of all, he’s surrounded by the love of Jesus.
N
Because of your prayers and support, Marvin now has a future full of expectation and hope.
Education
2022, we all celebrated as government lockdowns lifted and our schools reopened. Our children are thrilled to be back at school learning alongside their They’veclassmates.also been able to return to extracurricular activities that are vital to their development. So far,
almost half of our students participated in an activity, including with our Sports and Worship Academies.
We’re grateful for your faithful support that helps make this all possible.
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Although students were not able to meet in the classroom last year, we continued to find creative ways to educate our children. And we’re thankful for our teachers who were flexible and willing to adapt to new techniques of teaching to meet the needs of the Instudents.February
Watoto is dedicated to raising Africa’s future leaders. And thanks to God’s grace and your support, we’re doing just that. In fact, in 2021 we had 2,770 students throughout our Watoto villages that were learning, growing, and working towards the bright futures God has for them.
David
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54
Shamim, Shukran and Teacher Alex
Last year, we celebrated as 54 of our students graduated university. And we are cheering on 492 of our young adults who are currently at university or a tertiary school studying to further their education.
Students in Our Watoto Schools
2,770
In 2021, 2,770 students throughout our Watoto villages were learning, growing, and working towards the bright futures God has for them.
Students Graduated University
Immunizations Administered
Medical
1,190
Last year, our team continued to protect our Watoto families from diseases like malaria. To help with these efforts, they distributed 1,190 mosquito nets across our villages.
Our doctors and nurses administered 1,743 immunizations for diseases like measles, polio, and hepatitis B to help keep our children and mothers healthy.
1,743
Providing medical care is a cornerstone of rescuing and raising future leaders, and throughout the pandemic God’s provision and protection have been overwhelming. The support of sponsors and partners across the globe made it possible for us to continue to ensure our children are physically healthy so they could focus on their studies, play with their friends, and grow spiritually and emotionally.
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Mosquito Nets Distributed
Lawrence, Lab Technician
To protect our mothers and children, during the peak of the pandemic we continued to restrict access to our villages to only essential workers and limited movement throughout our villages. We also focused heavily on health education and preventative measures to keep our Watoto families healthy and safe.
In addition to the physical health of our mothers and
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Our Watoto clinics strengthened prevention strategies and disease management through ongoing staff medical education to build in-house capacity, along with early screening, detection, and management of cases.
children, the unknowns of the pandemic started to cause anxiety and fear, so we promoted mental wellness and provided care with the support of a clinical Wepsychologist.thank
God for the volunteer teams that came through to support our medical team in a critical time, including a team from theycarewerechildrengenerosity,BecausesupportwhoaroundamazingWeSuubi1,608dentalwereDentalouryear.medicalustothefromdoctorsUniversitySoutheasternaswellasandnursesCanadaandUSwhotraveledUgandatohelpmeetthepressingneedslastAndthankstopartnerMUKSchool,weabletoprovidecheckupsforchildrenonourvillage.aregratefulforpartnerstheworldcontinuetoourefforts.ofyourourandmumsabletogettheandsupportneeded.
Josephine examining Nathan
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Emmanuel is a perfect example of someone whose life is being transformed by his coaches and his faith. He came to Watoto as a young boy and was shy growing up, but that’s changing. Coach Dibzo explains how Emmanuel is now assured of his identity in EmmanuelChrist.waspart of the Uganda National Team that competed in Egypt, and next year he’ll be competing in France. These opportunities are beyond basketball, they’re helping shape him as a person who knows he has purpose and is loved unconditionally—win or lose.
Last year, our coaches mentored 603 children through our Sports Academy—helping them not only in the game, but also in life so they can become future leaders.
Sports Academy
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168 Exploring Creative Gifts
Worship Academy
Through our Worship Academy, 168 students are exploring how they can creatively and passionately share God’s love with the world.
Our courses included “Creative Course,” an online class for advanced students that’s received an accreditation from Southeastern University
hrough our Worship Academy, last year 168 students explored how they can creatively and passionately express their love of Jesus through music, dance, media, and fine arts. We offered inperson and online classes to expand our reach, as well as connect our kids with highly skilled tutors all over the world.
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This is only possible because of the generous support of you—our global Wepartners.couldn’t do this without you!
now have a beginner’s course, giving an opportunity for some of our older students to teach our younger children. This beginner’s course provides a space to explore and learn the foundations of music, while helping with their development as artists and in all areas of life.
Plus, we were able to hire more tutors for our Bbira and Suubi villages near Kampala, along with hiring tutors for our Laminadera village in rural northern Uganda, ensuring our kids grow and learn equally no matter where they live.
T
through our partnership with Creative Lab WeAcademy.also
Marvin shared, “Watoto helped deepen my relationship with Christ and discover my God-given talents as I used them to serve his people. Now I get to see my students strengthen their skills and grow in their own walk with God. My heart is filled with joy!”
“Growing up in Watoto was truly God’s plan. Thanks to our sponsors for their support and love. We wouldn’t be where we are now if it wasn’t for God and them.”
-Marvin
of our Watoto graduates are now teachers within our Worship Academy, including Marvin and Edith. You might recognize them from when they traveled with the Watoto Children’s Choir as kids, or more recently as leaders.
38 WatotoAfew
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After the death of her parents, as a young girl Edith came to Watoto with her brother.
“I want to thank my sponsors and my whole Watoto family—you are my heroes. You changed my story.” -Edith
Edith went on explaining the impact Watoto has had on her life, “We went to school, and I got a chance to travel with the Watoto Children’s Choir. It’s here I gave my life to Jesus. And now I work at the Worship Academy as a vocal tutor. I love my job because I get to mentor my younger Watoto brothers and sisters."
“We were given the most loving mum who cared for us as though we were her own. Everything we ever wanted was provided for us.”
Watoto Children’s Choir
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or the first time, our very own Watoto Children’s Choir recorded and released a Christmas album “What Child Is This (Emirembe).” We also produced music videos to help celebrate the birth of Jesus and say “Merry Christmas” to our friends around the world.
Patrick and Wycliff
who toured the US, starred in “We Three Kings.” He played the role of a wiseman, and that’s perfect since he wants to be meteorologist when he grows Elizabeth,up.
You might recognize some of the children who performed on the album and appeared in the music videos.
Be sure to go to our YouTube channel and see them all in action.
Patricia, and Cynthia love singing and dancing and got the chance to share their skills through this project.
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Patrick, who wants to grow up to be a pastor, toured Brazil, Norway, and Sweden. You can see him as Joseph in the music video for the title track “What Child Is Wycliff,This.”
YouTube.com/watoto F
We know God has called us to share the good news of Jesus, along with all the good things happening in East Africa through Watoto. Over our nearly three decades of touring, we have seen Jesus use our story of hope to redeem lives all over the world.
Elizabeth
Patricia and Cynthia
Even though we have missed seeing and meeting you, and all our friends and partners around the world, we know God is doing something new for you and the Watoto Children’s Choir. This thrills us to our core. Since 2020, we’ve been hard at work writing and recording music. We cannot wait to see you very soon on our next tour.
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In
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Sustainability a time where many faced food shortages, we’re thankful we were able to provide nutrition, safety, and love for all our Watoto mums, children, and babies.
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Our farms also help strengthen our communities by providing jobs and creating opportunities that have a lasting impact. In fact, we have several Watoto graduates and 64 people from the surrounding neighborhoods working every day to provide food for our children. And we’re partnering with our schools to give our kids an early introduction to farming. It’s a great opportunity for some of our children to learn the business of agriculture and maybe one day run a farm of their own.
Watoto’s farms and sustainability efforts do a lot. They’re an important way we keep our families healthy—by providing nutritious food, like fresh vegetables, fruit, and eggs to the 3,801 children and mothers living on our villages. And our goats supply goat’s milk for our babies.
This is a miracle. God took someone begging for food and created a new person, transforming Ivan into someone providing food for others.
A
Recalling the moment his life changed, Ivan said, “My siblings and I were brought to Watoto. I found a family, food was available, and I could go to school.”
learning the ropes of farming, he’s proudest of being able to make sure his brothers and sister have food to eat.
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fter his parents died, Ivan experienced firsthand the pain of going hungry. At times he had to beg for food, often going without.
In 2021, several students participated in a course where they could develop and hone their farming skills, including Ivan. He is excelling and already taking on a leadership role over our Today,greenhouses.asheis
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“Watoto has given me the opportunity to pursue my dream career in agriculture. I know I’m going to change the world.
Emmanuel
To my dear sponsors, thanks for your love and support. You’re giving me the opportunity to become what God created me to be. May God bless you.”
Watoto is helping our future farmers by incorporating agriculture in our school curriculum and providing hands-on experience as well. Watoto Sustainability is a part of the bright tomorrow God has for all of us.
Ishmael
Like Ivan and Emmanuel, Ishmael joined Watoto as a child and knows what it means to go hungry. That’s why he is determined to become a farmer, ensuring none of his brothers and sisters know the pain of hunger again.
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Watoto Neighbourhood
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Mama Prossy with a client
others everywhere are the same. They want their children to be healthy and safe. They want them to have a better life than they’ve had themselves.
burst through the old shell of poverty. We are empowering mothers so they can provide for their children and rebuild their communities.
We celebrated as 208 women passed their adult literacy classes, many learning to write their names and read their Bibles for the very first time.
Women Passed Adult Literacy
MPandemic
3,468
The reality is millions of women throughout Africa have to bear the brunt of war, poverty, and disease. Uneducated, unloved, and unwanted, they’ve been robbed of dignity, left to suffer alone, unable to take care of their children. For many around the world, we are living in the most prosperous time in history. Yet, our sisters are suffering without hope. Watoto Neighbourhood is changing this. With the love of Jesus, we are seeing new hope
Relief Support
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The results are astonishing. Last year, we helped over 3,400 mothers with emergency financial support during the government lockdowns. This enabled them to get food and basic necessities for their families. And thanks to the generosity of people all over the world, we were able to invest in almost 1,000 small businesses that our recently trained ladies were ready to start. This means 1,000 women now have more control of their destiny.
We provided much needed financial help to 3,468 women who were impacted by the pandemic so they could buy food and basic necessities for their families.
208
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Mama Prossy
Not only is her salon staying busy, but she also put the area just outside her salon to good use by selling produce. This type of industry is making an impact. She walks in faith and trust, no longer worrying about tomorrow. She knows she is a daughter of God who loves her and will continue to provide her with practical ways to make a difference in her community.
A shop tucked away on a busy street is changing the life of a family and a community. Mama Prossy is a success story of God’s miraculous work through your generosity and Watoto. Learning basic business skills and her value in Christ were instrumental in Prossy going from someone needing help to someone able to provide and lift others up.
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Mama Sandra Mama Joan
Mama Daisy Mama Dorcas
small groups within Watoto Church. It was at these smaller weekly gatherings that their church family was able to offer Thesehelp.four
mothers were told about Watoto Neighbourhood. Here, they were given adult literacy classes, business training, and most importantly, spiritual discipleship where they learned about their value in Christ and how to forgive. Today, they have a strong connection at church, and in this community of empowered women we call Watoto Neighbourhood.
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Daisy, Dorcas, Sandra, and Joan all share similar backgrounds. Growing up, they were not given the opportunity of an education. They are mothers who were abandoned by their children’s fathers. They each felt unloved from all their past hurts. Yet, each one found the love of Jesus through their
-Proverbs 17:17a (NIV)
e were never meant to go through life alone. God created us to be in relationship with Him and those around us. At Watoto Neighbourhood, we empower women so they can in turn embrace each other and engage with their community.
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“A friend loves at all times…”
Winnie and her baby, Blessing
“M
I learned about forgiveness, business skills and so much more. At the end of my classes I was given a package to help me start a business. I was able to buy food and
Winnie’s son, Cosmos, studies at home
Thank you so much for your love. May God bless you.”
-Winnie
y name is Winnie. After my husband died, life became so hard for me and my four children. I had to wash clothes for people for very little money. One day, I joined a small group at Watoto Church. This is how I learned about Watoto Neighbourhood where I experienced the love of Jesus and found hope.
pay rent. God has been faithful. Today, I have my own land, where I built my home. I am able to pay for my kids to go to school. And now I help teach others tailoring and life skills.
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“To all our sponsors, thank you. Before I was nothing and had nothing to my name. But now I can stand on my own and support my children.”
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Winnie’s tailoring shop
Winnie mentoring a young mother in her community
Herbert checks on a young patient
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My name is Herbert. I am a Clinician at our Watoto Neighbourhood Clinic. I help serve the medical needs of vulnerable mothers and their children, so that they can access medical care they otherwise could not afford. We also provide health education, nutrition support, psychosocial support, and
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home visits when needed.
I’m Edith. The clinic was licensed and opened in 2021. Here, our Neighbourhood mothers and their children are able to receive much needed medical services and health education for free. Our support allows the families we see to get diagnosed and given medicine so they can have peace and begin to heal. With the help of The AIDS
also seen a multiplication affect in the community. We teach women about health and hygiene, and they teach other women in the community things like the importance of washing hands, how to give first aid, how to prevent a UTI, how to prevent malaria and much more. This is helping extend our reach into our neighbourhoods and bring transformation.
At the clinic, we are able to treat many painful, yet simple ailments and have already seen a reduction in the rate of diseases. Our goal is to help keep our mothers and children healthy—this is part of restoring their dignity.
Edith giving a consultation
“ ” ”
Support Organisation, we are also able to provide nutritional treatment. Since we opened, the clinic has already begun helping improve the health of those in our We’vecare.
“
Josephine and her children are living testimonies of the healing and restoration that come from knowing the love of Jesus. It’s our prayer that you know the difference
No matter what you’ve been through, or what you’re going through now, there is hope for tomorrow. Jesus’ love will never let you down and it is because of this love that we can face tomorrow.
E
ach day is a new opportunity to dream. No matter what happened yesterday, we know Jesus offers all of us hope and hope is critical to life.
you’re making, but also, we want you to know the same love and hope you see in the stories we share.
Josephine’s daughter, Peace
of her profits in a small plot of land for farming. And now she’s in the process of buying some Thankslivestock.toGod,
she is now thriving—and so are her kids. She’s also transforming her community. In 2021, she was elected as the Women Counsellor where she lives. God is giving her influence and she’s now helping women who were like she used to be.
Josephine near a recently constructed pig pen
60 Josephine’sWatoto
husband died leaving her to raise five children alone. Immediately, she started taking on various jobs to survive, like washing clothes and digging.
During the pandemic she was given relief funds and learned how to make masks. She began selling them and invested some
She shared, “In 2018, a friend of mine who was already part of Watoto Neighbourhood invited me to come and get help because life was really hard for me and my children.”
This was a turning point. Josephine learned more about the love of Jesus, how to forgive, how to become an even better mother, and critical business skills that she instantly put to good use.
61Annual Stories
Josephine’s son, Pius
Keep A Girl In School
In addition to providing sanitary products to 10,924 vulnerable girls, we provided hygiene education, discipleship,support.and
Salvations
62 Watoto
When a girl stays in school, we all win. Receiving an education allows for a life full of possibilities. It’s heartbreaking to know millions of girls throughout Africa drop out of school simply because they cannot afford sanitary pads. Together, we are changing this—and keeping girls in school.
Girls Received Pads
10,924 1,547
As we teach practical things like hygiene, we never neglect to share about the life changing love of Jesus, and last year 1,547 girls received Christ as their Savior.
63Annual Stories
From the generosity of our global partners to local leaders and school leadership who provided venues for discipleship classes and hygiene education, we continued to see God’s provision during our community outreaches.
We’rematter.thrilled
to share 1,547 girls gave their lives to Christ. That’s 1,547 girls that could have become another statistic, but now have a new life full of purpose thanks to your continued support.
Although school closures caused by the pandemic affected our Keep a Girl in School initiative, we were still able to conduct outreaches within the communities we serve, providing sanitary products, hygiene education, discipleship, and support to 10,924 vulnerable girls in Uganda and South Sudan.
The pandemic had a major effect in Uganda causing a spike in teen pregnancies, dropout rates, and genderbased violence. This made our efforts even more important than ever.
And because of your love and support, our team continued to come alongside these precious girls and remind them that their lives
64 Watoto
quiet dignity surrounds Mary as she sits in the front of the class. She has a
Iaffordandcareparentschangedsharing,Maryisforstories.totoafford“MynotherfullthatinShebrothersschool.consistentlytheold,Atforsaysher—adeterminationpleasantaboutqualitythatsheisdestinedsomethinggreat.sixteenyearssheisawareofchallengesofattendingShehas13andsisters.understandsbeingschoolisaprivilegewillunlockherpotential.Butdeterminationisaboutheralone.parentscan’ttosendusallschool,soIstudychangetheirIwanttoprovidethem.That’swhyschoolsoimportanttome.”explainedherreality,“KeepaGirlinSchooleverything.Mystruggledtotakeofmeandmybrotherssistersandcouldn’tsanitarypads.Asagirlhadtofindaway.Iwould Mary A
often have to use cloths during my period because that’s all I had. So, Keep a Girl in School is everything to me. They helped me stop worrying every month about my periods or where I would get the money to buy pads, so instead I could focus on my “Thankstudies.youto our sponsors for consistently helping and supporting us.”
Take South Sudan.
65Annual Stories
Watoto began in the 1980s in Kampala, Uganda. As the ministry grew, so did the need to facilitate support. Today, we have 11 support offices throughout the world where our partners and sponsors live. Each office is regulated by a local Board of Directors, ensuring good practices are followed at all levels.
a look at the map below to see where our work is taking place throughout Uganda and
S.UGANDASUDAN WATOTO CHURCH 13 LOCATIONS throughout Uganda 1 LOCATION in Juba, South Sudan WATOTO VILLAGE 3 VILLAGES Bbira, Suubi, Laminadera BABY WATOTO 2 LOCATIONS Suubi, Gulu MEDICAL 3 LOCATIONS Bbira, Suubi, Gulu KEEP A GIRL IN SCHOOL LOCATIONS throughout Gulu & Juba NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTER 2 LOCATIONS Kampala & Gulu 1 LOCATION Juba WATOTO FARM 4 LOCATIONS Buloba, Suubi, Lubbe, Bobi Where We Are UGANDA Gulu SOUTH SUDAN JubaKampala
Practicing accountants: N. Kagoro A. N. Muraya* F. Okwiri* Paul Ssali Ugandan *Kenyan Associate of Deloitte Africa, a Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF WATOTO CHILDCARE MINISTRIES REPORT ON THE CONSOLIDATED AND SEPARATE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In preparing the consolidated and separate financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. The Directors are responsible for overseeing the Company’s financial reporting process.
Financials
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated and separate financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of Watoto Childcare Ministries and its subsidiary as at 31 December 2021 and of their financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended and are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards for Small and Medium-sized Entities and the requirements of the Uganda Companies Act, 2012.
Basis for Opinion
Responsibilities of the Directors for the Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements
Other Information
Opinion
The Directors are responsible for the other information, which comprises the “Report of the Executive Director” and appendices. The other information does not include the consolidated and separate financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the consolidated and separate financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the consolidated and separate financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements, or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed on the other information that we obtained prior to the date of this Auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
The firm is licensed and regulated by Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the consolidated financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda Code of ethics (ICPAU Code of Ethics), which is consistent with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, together with other ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Uganda, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
The Directors are responsible for the preparation of consolidated and separate financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards for Small and Medium-sized Entities and the requirements of the Uganda Companies Act, 2012, and for such internal controls as Directors determine are necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
66
We have audited the accompanying consolidated and separate financial statements of Watoto Childcare Ministries and its subsidiary, set out on pages 13 to 36 (of our full 2021 Financial Audit Report on watoto.com/Financials), which comprise the consolidated and separate statement of financial position as at 31 December 2021, and the consolidated and separate statement of comprehensive income, consolidated and separate statement of changes in reserves and consolidated and separate statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:
• Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
• In our opinion, proper books of account have been kept by the company, so far as appears from our examination of those books of account; and
• Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated and separate financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements
• Conclude on the appropriateness of the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern;
As required by the Uganda Companies Act, we report to you, based on our audit, that:
The Engagement Partner responsible for the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is Norbert Kagoro, Practicing Number P0053. of Uganda
• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the organization’s internal control.
4 August 2022 Kampala ______________________________
• We have obtained all the information and explanations which to the best of our knowledge and belief, were necessary for the purposes of our audit;
• The company’s consolidated and separate statement of financial position (balance sheet) and consolidated and separate statement of comprehensive income (profit and loss account) are in agreement with the books of account.
Norbert Kagoro Partner
• Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the Directors;
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF WATOTO CHILDCARE MINISTRIES (Continued)
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated and separate financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.
We communicate with the Directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements
67
Deloitte & Touche Certified Public Accountants
Operating Expenses 9 (51,309,063) (39,079,178) (51,810,849) (39,079,178)
Total Expenses (56,682,501) (46,167,755) (57,150,666) (46,167,755)
Administrative Expenses 10 (5,373,438) (7,088,577) (5,339,817) (7,088,577)
Income 6a 52,882,840 59,880,999 52,834,607 59,880,999
Expenditure:
Operating (Deficit)/Surplus (3 ,779 , 661) 13,713,244 ( 4,316,059) 13,713,244
To see the full 2021 Financial Audit Report for Watoto Uganda, please go to watoto.com/Financials
Group WCCM Notes 2021 2020 2021 2020 Shs‘000 Shs‘000 Shs‘000 Shs‘000
Net Finance Income 6b 2,798,172 922,447 2,795,755 922,447
68 Financials
CONSOLIDATED AND SEPARATE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
Net (Deficit)/Surplus for the Year (1,001,489) 14,635,691 (1,520,304) 14,635,691
The financial statements were approved by the Board of the Directors on 19th April 2022 and signed on its behalf by:
Held to Maturity Investments 16 30,338,232 25,120,052 30,338,232 25,120,052
CONSOLIDATED AND SEPARATE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021
Financials
Group WCCM Assets Notes 2021 2020 2021 2020 Shs‘000 Shs‘000 Shs‘000 Shs‘000
Capital and Reserves
Current Assets
Amounts Due to Related Parties 17(b) 3,913,352 3,365,456 3,998,072 3,365,456 Sundry Payables and Accruals 21 4,373,712 5,776,584 4,351,590 5,776,584 Deferred Income 20 466,200 464,286 466,200 464,286 8,753,264 9,606,326 8,815,862 9,606,326
Bank and Cash Balances 19 9,314,009 10,743,427 8,890,488 10,743,427 46,719,531 47,984,666 46,286,041 47,984,666
To see the full 2021 Financial Audit Report for Watoto Uganda, please go to watoto.com/Financials
Samuel Oule Okiring, DirectorEdward Mwesigye, Director
Intangible Assets 13 2 20,408 2 20,408
Investment in Watoto Limited & others 14 1,040 1,040 1,040 1,040 41,587,237 42,176,653 41,564,510 42,176,653
Inventory 15 294,662 223,442 294,662 223,442 Receivables and Prepayments 18 2,223,125 2,891,015 2,213,156 2,891,015
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Current Liabilities
Property and Equipment 11 41,025,592 41,757,645 41,002,865 41,757,645 Operating Lease Prepayments 12 560,603 397,560 560,603 397,560
Accumulated Surplus 79,553,504 80,554,993 79,034,689 80,554,993
Amounts Due from Related Parties 17(a) 4,549,503 9,006,730 4,549,503 9,006,730
Total Assets 88,306,768 90,161,319 87,850,551 90,161,319
Non-Current Assets
Equity and Liabilities
Total Equity and Liabilities 88,306,768 90,161,319 87,850,551 90,161,319
PHONE: +55 (41) 3039 7102 EMAIL: BRASIL@WATOTO.COM
EMAIL: UGANDA@WATOTO.COM
PHONE: +256 (0) 779 676 559
WATOTO ASIA
WATOTO GERMANY
EMAIL: SWEDEN@WATOTO.COM
WATOTO UGANDA (HEAD OFFICE)
Global Support Offices
WATOTO NETHERLANDS
PHONE: +31 614 591 196
PHONE: +1 813 948 4343 EMAIL: USA@WATOTO.COM
PHONE: +852 2639 9797 EMAIL: ASIA@WATOTO.COM
PHONE: +47 977 61 010
EMAIL: NORWAY@WATOTO.COM
WATOTO BRASIL
PHONE: +1 888 9WATOTO EMAIL: CANADA@WATOTO.COM
WATOTO SWEDEN
WATOTO NORWAY
PHONE: +46 10 221 61 73
EMAIL: NEDERLAND@WATOTO.COM
WATOTO CANADA
WATOTO UK
PHONE: +44 203 225 1048 EMAIL: UK@WATOTO.COM
PHONE: +49 152 553 00 288 EMAIL: GERMANY@WATOTO.COM
WATOTO USA
WATOTO AUSTRALIA
PHONE: +61 (3) 9645 6547 EMAIL: AUSTRALIA@WATOTO.COM