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
AT LUBBE FARM One of the strategic objectives for the sustainability department is to provide an educational environment for our Watoto children and the communities around the farm. There was needto construct a training center at the agricultural project located at the Lubbe Farm. This center consists of a dormitory for students and staff accommodation The structure’s construction and furnishing began in July 2014, with the Gazebo. In September, the first phase of construction on the house begun ending in December 2014. The second phase began in June 2015. We are happy to report that construction completed at the end of November 2015. “Two community training workshops in the gazebo are complete. Over 150 people attended these. We are also working with the Watoto Education Department to see how we can make the best use of the facility,” says Cynthia. We are so grateful for your generous investment towards the center and gazebo.
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Solomon Kato, 22, is the son of Florence Byakatonda, one of the women who joined Living Hope this year. In his final year of high school, Solomon is proud to be among the privileged children who are able to acquire education. “I especially enjoy Fine art because unlike most subjects, it is lively and engaging.” Solomon says. ‘In Uganda we don’t have many male hairdressers it is a job commonly done by women, men can do a job as fantastic as the women do.” He says. When he is not in school, Solomon takes a 10 minutes 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 it makes me feel the presence of God. I have to keep on practicing to be the best, so that i join the vocal classes next year. This will be a big step to improving my singing skills.’’ Solomon says. At home, Solomon finds joy in doing housework with the help of his 18-yearold sister Joan. Continued to page 4 ...
Continued from page 3 ... “I realize that at times mom needs a break so it is our responsibility to make sure all the house work is done so that when she comes home, the house is clean and sparkly.’’ Solomon greatly thanks Living Hope for enrolling his mom. 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 mom for what she has made us. She is absolutely the best mom in the world,’ Solomon says, with a smile. We are very grateful for your support and love, to extend your services to reach and empower more women join us at livinghope@watoto.com
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