MARCH -2016 NEWSLETTER
GREAT STRIDES This month, Watoto celebrated the graduation of 16 children from a number of universities all over Uganda. Among these, was the very first child rescued by Watoto in 1994.Found at only 18 months old, Jessica Namuli has grown into a strong and lovely 22-year-old. “When I tell my story, most people see it as a sad story. But for me, it was God’s first step to lifting me up. This graduation is not just a graduation to me. It shows me how far God has lifted me up and I’m so glad he used you,” she shared during her speech. Jessica graduated from Makerere Business School with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She got very emotional as she thanked founders, Gary and Marilyn Skinner, and everyone who has been a part of her journey at Watoto. “I can’t thank you enough,” she said through her tears. “My entire life has been at Watoto. My mom, my friends, everyone I love is here. Everything I have, I got from Watoto. My first shoes, my first school, I owe it all to these peoples” she said. “I told my friends that the only way was to graduate and be the best there is. It’s the only way to show how grateful we are. This is the first of the steps we are taking to be the citizens you have raised us to be,” she continued. Jessica’s Watoto mom and dad were right there with her, to revel in this major milestone. “When I came to Watoto, I knew she was the reason I had come. To me she was a seed child, full of so much potential. She still is and I can’t wait to see what else is in her future. Many people think that pain is a bad thing, but pain brings life to a story,” said her father and Head Master of ID Raymer Primary School, John Albert Emuna. A very proud Gary Skinner gave the fresh graduates a word of advice for their future. “Nothing makes me more proud than to tell you
that you have made my investment in Uganda worth it. Just as you have worked for this graduation, I want you to work even harder for the next steps. Sometimes the road gets rough, but the most successful people are those who learn to navigate the rough path.” Watoto Child Care has rescued more than 4,000 children since Jessica. This has all been possible because of your faithful support. Thank you for taking this journey with us.
TRAINING CENTRE One of the strategic objectives for the sustainability department is to provide an education environment for Watoto children and the communities around the farm. To facilitate this process more effectively, we saw the need to construct a training centre at the agricultural project, located at the Lubbe Farm. This centre consists of a dormitory for students and staff accommodation. The structure’s construction and furnishing was funded by donors from UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. Thank you St. Luke College, Australia;
Denbigh Rotary Club, UK; and Kain Foundation, Australia. “We have already completed two community training workshops in the gazebo. Over 150 people attended these,” Cynthia Muhumuza, Team Leader: Watoto Agriculture.
PARTNERSHIP TRIP Are you a church or business leader looking for a mutually-beneficially partnership with a tried-and-tested organisation with influence and vision overseas? In October 2016, we’re taking a team of leaders to Visit Watoto Church – a church with a ministry over 30 years and a dynamic congregation of over 24,000 that is growing leaders to influence the nation of Uganda and beyond. This trip is an opportunity to discover how partnership with Watoto can grow both our work in Uganda and your organisation in the UK. Contact our UK Country Director, Paul Houiellebecq at paulh@watoto.com to find out more.
6-YEAR-OLD HERO
One of our youngest supporters, 6-year-old Daisy Bray, from Shepperton, Middlesex, decided to sell her old toys for the children of Watoto. Her mother, Jess, said, “Daisy has been a massive supporter of Watoto since she attended her first Watoto Children’s Choir concert at the age of 2. She knows most of the words from the Beautiful Africa and Oh, What Love albums.” In 2015, the Bray family hosted choir members Luke, Moses, Jairus and Uncle Richard in their home and it had a huge impact on Daisy. When the family planned to sell their old toys, Daisy chose to support Watoto. Jess said, “I asked Daisy what we should do with the money we raised from her old toys and without hesitation she said, ‘the children of Africa!’ On the day of the sale, she wore her Watoto T-shirt and told everyone we met who she was raising money for.” We love Daisy’s heart for Uganda’s children. Thank you Daisy. Have you been fundraising lately? Send your pictures and stories to europe@watoto.com; we’d love to hear from you.
WORSHIP ACADEMY UPDATE
THANK YOU
One of the awesome Watoto projects, which UK teams and donors have been supporting, is the development of Worship Academies in the Watoto villages to provide music education and creative arts training. With some 40 students registered in the beginner level age group (8 to 13), many of whom have also expressed interest in Dance and Media, it looks to be an exciting year. Watoto graduates from Suubi and Bbira villages will form the leadership team to mentor and disciple students and the development of dance studios and music practice rooms is underway. There are still needs for equipment, facilities, prayer and support as this exciting project continues. If you’d like to be involved or find out more, contact europe@watoto.com.
WELCOME CHOIR 76
Choir 76 is currently on tour in Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, Jersey and the UK. They’ve been having so much fun sharing Oh, What Love and getting to meet Watoto supporters, both old and new. Find out where you can see them perform LIVE at: www.watoto.com/the-choir/see-the-choir
It is encouraging when young people have their parents to support their dreams. Solomon Kato, 22, is the son of Florence Byakatonda, one of the women who joined Living Hope this year. Solomon, now in his final year of high school, is proud to be among the privileged boys and girls who are able to acquire education every day. “I especially enjoy Fine Art because it is lively and engaging,” says Solomon. He never gets tired helping his fellow students with their art sketches, giving it his best. Solomon wants to be involved more in Music, Art and Hairdressing in the near future. ‘In Uganda we don’t have many male hairdressers. I think there should be a balance, and I believe men can do as fantastic a job as the women do,” he says. When he is not at school, Solomon takes a 10-minute ride to Watoto Church where he spends his time listening to the band so he that he can learn from them. ‘’Music is one of my passions. Every time I sing or play a tune, I really feel the presence of God. I have to keep on practicing so that I can join the vocal classes next year. This will be a big step to improving my singing skills,’’ says Solomon. At home, Solomon finds joy in doing housework with the help of his 18-year-old sister Joan. “I realise that at times mum needs a break. It is our responsibility to make sure all the house work is done so that when she comes home, it is clean and sparkly.’’ Solomon greatly thanks Living Hope for enrolling his mum. She is a great woman, a pillar of the family who has done a lot to make sure they stand strong as a family. “I am proud of my mum for what she has made us. She is absolutely the best mum in the world,’ Solomon says, with a smile. We are very grateful for your support and love. To empower more women join us at livinghope@watoto.com
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