SERVICE ABOVE SELF Richard Manya is a Watoto graduate. “Ever since I was a child, I wanted to join the army for the love of my country. I was late for the recruitment at the time of my graduation, so I decided to still serve by joining the police force. I love what am doing;” he says. Richard currently serves in the Uganda Police Force and just
months in, he has already been placed in charge of a police post in one of the districts. He joined the forces in April 2014 after he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Law. Richard joined Watoto in June 2000 after losing his mother to HIV/AIDs and being abandoned by his father with no one to care for him. The local community contacted the police, but they
failed to find any relatives. Watoto was then contacted and soon Richard was brought into a loving home. The group graduating from tertiary level this year were the pioneers of Watoto’s ID Raymer primary school. This year’s graduation was historic celebrating the first primary class, the first grade seven students in a Watoto primary school. Over 25 students graduated with honours from different
WHAT WE DO ORPHANED CHILDREN | VULNERABLE WOMEN | COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION
universities and tertiary institutions. “You are a fulfillment of a dream that God put in our hearts 20 years ago, a dream to rescue and raise vulnerable children,” said Marilyn Skinner to the graduates. None of this would have been possible without your faithful support. Please encourage others to do the same through child sponsorship at www. watoto.com/sponsorship
JOYS OF UNITY Watoto’s Hope Junior School 1 and I.D Raymer Primary School came together to participate in their first ever music, dance and drama competition. The event was held at Watoto’s Suubi Village on 10 April 2015. Split between the different
school colours red, yellow, blue and green the pupils participated in different activities such as dance, drama and singing. “It is a healthy challenge allowing students to explore and express their gifts and talents;” said Dorcas Kibirige, Watoto Education Team Leader. The green team emerged as the overall best performers of the
day, un-rivaled in almost all the categories. As anticipated, they broke out in jubilation after their victory announcement. “This is the first of many music, dance and drama festivals. If you have lost do not give up, work harder next time;” encouraged Mr. Ivan Muwaya, Watoto Head Teacher.
HATCHING A FUTU In a small room carpeted with coffee husks, Juliet Namujanga rears over 100 local chickens. She provides them with food and water and in return they provide her with enough eggs to run a profitable business. Juliet says she loves her work because she is able to sustain her family even though she is a widow. ‘’I can now save money for my family through the bank which is something I never thought I could achieve,’’ says Juliet. As a ministry of Watoto Church, the ladies embody a core value of the church, excellence. Taking the example of Proverbs 31, the ladies at Living Hope learn to be diligent through the educational program, which covers discipleship,
David and Pauline Pearson with Choir 69 in the UK.
URE business and practical skills training. After just a few months, the time has come for them to put these skills and knowledge to work on their own. It’s not always easy, but many women like Juliet are thriving in small business setups. In one day Juliet is able to get four trays of eggs that she sells to shops and neighbours. Juliet says this business has taught her to work well with people. She has discovered that genuine friendship and humility is key to establishing a client base. Juliet plans to expand her business by building more rooms to house the chickens, as eggs are always in demand. Through
WATOTO CHOIR 69 AT CCPAS her egg venture, Juliet has learned not to allow anything to discourage her. “I’m very thankful for everything I learned during my time of training at Living Hope. Now I’m able to provide for my needs. That is what I always wanted to be - a strong, independent woman,” she says. More than 214 women from the 2014 intake recently completed their discipleship and business training. In the next few months we will be empowering them with a practical skill that they can use to build their own small business. To help Living Hope to empower more women, email us at livinghope@watoto.com
The Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) is an independent Christian charity based in the UK. CCPAS has been advising on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults since 1983 and its focus is on giving professional and compassionate advice and support to churches, charities and individuals. They have pioneered many policies that have been adopted by major denominations and the government. CCPAS are long standing partners with Watoto UK and have given immense support over the years with the Choirs that have toured in the UK. They have helped equip the UK staff members with vital knowledge in the area of safeguarding. In April 2015, CCPAS moved
to new premises and invited the Watoto Choir to perform from their new concert ‘Oh, What Love!’ and also be part of the honouring of founder David Pearson and his wife Pauline. What a great celebration it was! Not only did the choir perform, they had the privilege to hear about the commitment and love of this organisation towards the welfare of children. The choir mingled with the guests, family and staff of CCPAS with great confidence. The choir continue to be fantastic and enthusiastic ambassadors for Watoto and the reality of God’s transforming Love. CCPAS were delighted to have the choir join them on their special milestone day.
WATOTO EUROPE PO BOX 64946 LONDON, E4 OEF +44 203 225 1048 EMAIL: EUROPE@WATOTO.COM
SPONSOR BABY WATOTO TODAY Baby Watoto exists to provide quality care, love and stimulation to the most vulnerable babies and toddlers in Africa. This foundation is a vital part of the overall mission of Watoto, to rescue the most vulnerable, raise them, and help them to become Africa’s future leaders. Partner with us by sponsoring Baby Watoto at www.watoto.com/ sponsorship.