Watoto Newsletter | Quarterly

WWW.WATOTO.COM OCTOBER 2011

THE 2012 CHOIR tour COMING SOON www.watoto.com

Watoto Australia PO Box 782 SPRINGWOOD, QLD 4127 (07) 3208 3500 australia@watoto.com

Beautiful Africa: A New Generation – Join The Global Tribe Today.

W 1. LEARN ABOUT UGANDA 2. CHRISTMAS 2011 AT WATOTO 3. REACHING THE MOST VULNERABLE IN AFRICA

Karen’s Experience in Co-odrinating Watoto Children’s Choir Concerts I had previously organised a Watoto concert through a large regional church that already had an ongoing partnership with Watoto. Moving to a small country town meant I needed to start from scratch, spreading the Watoto vision and publicising widely to find an audience in this new community.

Exciting a community about a children’s choir they had never heard of and working with the local state school were challenges that caused me to wonder how ‘successful’ the concert would be. Our community had sustained significant damage in

the January floods and people had very generously opened their hearts, arms and wallets to support their neighbours. I wondered whether they would be opened again so soon and whether the strong Christian message would be met with closed minds.

The week leading up to the concert, I kept being told how much people were looking forward to the concert with teachers telling me how excited the kids were. Then the day of the concert arrived.

The response by the children at the school concert was overwhelming. At lunchtime the Australian kids wanted to be where the Ugandan kids were.

Soccer games were started and shy conversation

Watoto Australia • PO Box 782 • SPRINGWOOD • QLD • 4127 • (07) 3208 3500 • australia@watoto.com

continues on page 2

>>INSIDE

atoto is excited to present a brand new choir tour entitled Beautiful Africa: A New Generation. The dynamic, vibrant musical production by the Watoto Children’s Choirs is indicative of the new generation of leaders emerging out of Watoto.

The production comes to Australia in March 2012. As we prepare for this exhilarating stage performance, we need your help in several ways, especially with hosting the choir and spreading the word. Please contact us at choirau@watoto.com for more.

LEARN ABOUT UGANDA

REACHING THE MOST VULNERABLE IN AFRICA

W

atoto demonstrated its commitment to rescue, raise and rebuild the most vulnerable children, women and communities in 2010. The core values of the ministry are highlighted in the 2010 Watoto Annual Report that was released earlier this year.

Alan Penry the Chief Executive commented that, “2010 was indeed a tremendous year for Watoto because we saw the expansion of the programme in every area to enable us to reach the most vulnerable.

We also value the relationship of our sponsors and partners whose generosity makes it possible for us to reach children, women and communities.”

Accordingly, 2010 saw an incredible improvement in the provision of health care services in the

clinics in the children’s villages as well medical outreaches by international medical teams (volunteers).

Cervical and breast cancer services are now available for Watoto mothers and other girls.

Similarly, the Baby Watoto programme expanded with the addition of two new babies’ homes facilities in Suubi Children’s Village and Gulu, northern Uganda. Watoto now has the capacity to rescue and care for over 200 babies at any given time. The facility in Kampala can respond to any urgent call with 24-hour rescue services. In total, 119 new babies were admitted into Baby Watoto in 2010.

49 homes were added to the Watoto children’s villages in 2010, becoming home to 174 formerly vulnerable children who were res-

Watoto villages and surrounding communities. This was possible with the introduction of modern medical facilities, expansion of the

cued and are now being for by 49 new mothers.

The ministry also saw impressive growth in community transformation through trauma rehabilitation services in northern Uganda, improvement of quality of life for vulnerable women through Living Hope as well as the engagement of partners and sponsors across the globe. The Watoto Children’s Choirs and Restore Tour: Child Soldier No More live productions were also effective in reaching audiences with the message of hope and restoration.

The annual report is available on our website for public viewing. For the Australia specific report, write to us at australia@watoto.com.

1. A Ugandan recipe – Chapati Chapati is a local favourite in Uganda. It is flat, unleavened bread with some resemblance to a pita or tortilla. It can be served cut up into quarters and served as a side dish (particularly with any sort of curry/dipping sauce) or rolled up and filled with vegetables into a “rolex”.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted), 1 teaspoon salt, warm water, cooking oil, (optional) finely chopped onions (use the 1/2” purple kind), (optional) finely chopped garlic - Makes up to 34 chapatis Directions: Allow ingredients to warm to room temperature if they have been refrigerated • Mix flour, onion, and salt in a bowl • Slowly, mix in enough water to make a thick dough • Kneed dough for a few minutes adding a couple spoonfuls of dry flour • Cover bowl of dough with a clean cloth and let sit for about a half-hour • Pre-heat (medium high or high) and lightly grease a

skillet or fry pan • Divided the dough into tangerine sized balls • Using a rolling pin, on a floured board flatten the balls into sixinch circles • Lightly flour the chapatis before stacking while rolling additional chapatis • Fry until each side has golden-brown spots, flipping once • Cover the cooked chapatis until served. To keep warm, wrap the stack of finished chapati in a heavy plastic grocery bag or place in oven on lowest setting. Enjoy.

2. The Crested Crane The Crested Crane is the official bird of Uganda. The three colours of Uganda - black, yel-

of the Ugandan people. When in Uganda, you may be fortunate enough to see one fly over in the late afternoon – otherwise you can always get up close and personal with some at the Uganda Wild Life Educational Centre in Entebbe.

low, and red - are contained in its plumage. It is a friendly, gentle and peace loving bird, characteristics that are certainly true

Introducing Melissa Tully, Our Sponsorship Co-ordinator

T

welve months ago I was praying for doors to open

if the longing in my heart and the visions of working in Africa was His purpose for me. Weeks later, we received a phone call asking my family to host an Uncle and a group of boys from the Watoto Children’s Choir. My husband Rob and I, with our three children Saxon, Mikayla and Bianca, were delighted to have this opportunity. We’re also blessed to sponsor one of the boys who stayed with us.

After volunteering a few days in the office, I started full time employment and moved into the position of Sponsorship Coordinator just a few months later. Looking back, I can see

that God was preparing my heart for ministry with Watoto.

Watoto Children’s Choir is currently touring Australia and has

I believe that God strategically positioned me here for a move within this sponsorship ministry. Doors were opening faster than I could move and it was so exciting to see what God was doing.

His word commands us to care for widows and orphans; as His hands and His feet on earth, we must stand together and fight for the lives of widows and orphans all around the world.

At Watoto, our global sponsorship goal this year is to rally 11,000 new sponsors. In Australia we have a goal of 3000 new sponsors and we have 3 months left to make this happen. The

been very successful in mobilising new sponsors and raising awareness.

We pray for a supernatural increase of new sponsorships in these coming months that will see our homes filled, more children rescued and placed into safe and loving homes with families who care for them.

There is a long way to go and I urge you to consider partnering with us in any possible way to help sponsor more mothers and children.

Finally, I would like to thank you to each and every one of our sponsors for your gracious and humble support and com-

from page 1

occurred. Their enthusiasm was infectious.

That night as I watched the hall fill to standing room, parents would tell me how their children had come home persistently talking about the Watoto Children’s Choir and how much they encouraged their parents to bring them back that night. Watoto’s concert of hope spoke to the audience far better than any Australian Christian could in a community that has faced much heartache this year. Once again I have been reminded that God is Good.

Thank you Watoto!

3. Learn our Language The language spoken in central Uganda is Luganda (just say Uganda with an L in front).

We would love to teach you a couple of words that may help if you ever visit or host a choir team member.

• Oli Otya: pronouced Oli – oti – yar meaning - “How are you?”

• Gyendi: pronounced Geeyen – dee meaning – “I am OK” • Weebale: pronounced Web – bar – lay meaning - “Thank you” Practice makes permanent!

mitment to Watoto. May you be abundantly blessed and increasingly favoured as you set your hands to His work.

Blessings, Melissa.

We are thrilled to announce the Watoto Australia Page. If you are a Facebooker and want to keep up with what Watoto Australia is doing, pop over and us. facebook.com/watotoaustralia

CHRISTMAS 2011 AT WATOTO Make this Christmas special for your sponsor child

W

e know Christmas is still 3 months away, but if you would like to share a gift this season with your sponsor

child, mother or teacher, the simplest and most cost-effective way to do so is by sending a small monetary Christmas gift.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your gift gets to your sponsor in time for Christmas: 1) Forward your monetary gift of $30 or less through the Australian office.

2) Cheque/money order - Post your gift, labelled ‘Christmas Gift’ with intended recipient name to Watoto Australia, PO Box 2632, Mansfield Q 4122.

3) Credit Card - Contact our office on 07 3208 3500 to

process your monetary gift via Credit Card. Visa and MasterCard only.

4) Direct Deposit – You may deposit your monetary gift directly into the Watoto Australia Trust Account. BSB 014 254 Account 491 270 936. Including your donor number and ‘Christmas Gift’ as reference.

5) Do not send any monetary gifts to Uganda. The funds will be wired from Australia to Uganda to be given to the

recipient in time for Christmas.

6) The deadline for the gift is 30 October. Any monetary gifts for sponsored members received after this date will not arrive until after Christmas.

7) If you wish to send a Christmas Card to your sponsored person, please send direct to Watoto Child Care Ministries (Uganda), PO Box 26366, Kampala, Uganda. Any mail posted to the Watoto Australia Office will not be received by the intended recipient.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office on 07 3208 3500 or email sponsorau@watoto.com.

LEARN ABOUT UGANDA

REACHING THE MOST VULNERABLE IN AFRICA

W

atoto demonstrated its commitment to rescue, raise and rebuild the most vulnerable children, women and communities in 2010. The core values of the ministry are highlighted in the 2010 Watoto Annual Report that was released earlier this year.

Alan Penry the Chief Executive commented that, “2010 was indeed a tremendous year for Watoto because we saw the expansion of the programme in every area to enable us to reach the most vulnerable.

We also value the relationship of our sponsors and partners whose generosity makes it possible for us to reach children, women and communities.”

Accordingly, 2010 saw an incredible improvement in the provision of health care services in the

clinics in the children’s villages as well medical outreaches by international medical teams (volunteers).

Cervical and breast cancer services are now available for Watoto mothers and other girls.

Similarly, the Baby Watoto programme expanded with the addition of two new babies’ homes facilities in Suubi Children’s Village and Gulu, northern Uganda. Watoto now has the capacity to rescue and care for over 200 babies at any given time. The facility in Kampala can respond to any urgent call with 24-hour rescue services. In total, 119 new babies were admitted into Baby Watoto in 2010.

49 homes were added to the Watoto children’s villages in 2010, becoming home to 174 formerly vulnerable children who were res-

Watoto villages and surrounding communities. This was possible with the introduction of modern medical facilities, expansion of the

cued and are now being for by 49 new mothers.

The ministry also saw impressive growth in community transformation through trauma rehabilitation services in northern Uganda, improvement of quality of life for vulnerable women through Living Hope as well as the engagement of partners and sponsors across the globe. The Watoto Children’s Choirs and Restore Tour: Child Soldier No More live productions were also effective in reaching audiences with the message of hope and restoration.

The annual report is available on our website for public viewing. For the Australia specific report, write to us at australia@watoto.com.

1. A Ugandan recipe – Chapati Chapati is a local favourite in Uganda. It is flat, unleavened bread with some resemblance to a pita or tortilla. It can be served cut up into quarters and served as a side dish (particularly with any sort of curry/dipping sauce) or rolled up and filled with vegetables into a “rolex”.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted), 1 teaspoon salt, warm water, cooking oil, (optional) finely chopped onions (use the 1/2” purple kind), (optional) finely chopped garlic - Makes up to 34 chapatis Directions: Allow ingredients to warm to room temperature if they have been refrigerated • Mix flour, onion, and salt in a bowl • Slowly, mix in enough water to make a thick dough • Kneed dough for a few minutes adding a couple spoonfuls of dry flour • Cover bowl of dough with a clean cloth and let sit for about a half-hour • Pre-heat (medium high or high) and lightly grease a

skillet or fry pan • Divided the dough into tangerine sized balls • Using a rolling pin, on a floured board flatten the balls into sixinch circles • Lightly flour the chapatis before stacking while rolling additional chapatis • Fry until each side has golden-brown spots, flipping once • Cover the cooked chapatis until served. To keep warm, wrap the stack of finished chapati in a heavy plastic grocery bag or place in oven on lowest setting. Enjoy.

2. The Crested Crane The Crested Crane is the official bird of Uganda. The three colours of Uganda - black, yel-

of the Ugandan people. When in Uganda, you may be fortunate enough to see one fly over in the late afternoon – otherwise you can always get up close and personal with some at the Uganda Wild Life Educational Centre in Entebbe.

low, and red - are contained in its plumage. It is a friendly, gentle and peace loving bird, characteristics that are certainly true

Introducing Melissa Tully, Our Sponsorship Co-ordinator

T

welve months ago I was praying for doors to open

if the longing in my heart and the visions of working in Africa was His purpose for me. Weeks later, we received a phone call asking my family to host an Uncle and a group of boys from the Watoto Children’s Choir. My husband Rob and I, with our three children Saxon, Mikayla and Bianca, were delighted to have this opportunity. We’re also blessed to sponsor one of the boys who stayed with us.

After volunteering a few days in the office, I started full time employment and moved into the position of Sponsorship Coordinator just a few months later. Looking back, I can see

that God was preparing my heart for ministry with Watoto.

Watoto Children’s Choir is currently touring Australia and has

I believe that God strategically positioned me here for a move within this sponsorship ministry. Doors were opening faster than I could move and it was so exciting to see what God was doing.

His word commands us to care for widows and orphans; as His hands and His feet on earth, we must stand together and fight for the lives of widows and orphans all around the world.

At Watoto, our global sponsorship goal this year is to rally 11,000 new sponsors. In Australia we have a goal of 3000 new sponsors and we have 3 months left to make this happen. The

been very successful in mobilising new sponsors and raising awareness.

We pray for a supernatural increase of new sponsorships in these coming months that will see our homes filled, more children rescued and placed into safe and loving homes with families who care for them.

There is a long way to go and I urge you to consider partnering with us in any possible way to help sponsor more mothers and children.

Finally, I would like to thank you to each and every one of our sponsors for your gracious and humble support and com-

from page 1

occurred. Their enthusiasm was infectious.

That night as I watched the hall fill to standing room, parents would tell me how their children had come home persistently talking about the Watoto Children’s Choir and how much they encouraged their parents to bring them back that night. Watoto’s concert of hope spoke to the audience far better than any Australian Christian could in a community that has faced much heartache this year. Once again I have been reminded that God is Good.

Thank you Watoto!

3. Learn our Language The language spoken in central Uganda is Luganda (just say Uganda with an L in front).

We would love to teach you a couple of words that may help if you ever visit or host a choir team member.

• Oli Otya: pronouced Oli – oti – yar meaning - “How are you?”

• Gyendi: pronounced Geeyen – dee meaning – “I am OK” • Weebale: pronounced Web – bar – lay meaning - “Thank you” Practice makes permanent!

mitment to Watoto. May you be abundantly blessed and increasingly favoured as you set your hands to His work.

Blessings, Melissa.

We are thrilled to announce the Watoto Australia Page. If you are a Facebooker and want to keep up with what Watoto Australia is doing, pop over and us. facebook.com/watotoaustralia

CHRISTMAS 2011 AT WATOTO Make this Christmas special for your sponsor child

W

e know Christmas is still 3 months away, but if you would like to share a gift this season with your sponsor

child, mother or teacher, the simplest and most cost-effective way to do so is by sending a small monetary Christmas gift.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your gift gets to your sponsor in time for Christmas: 1) Forward your monetary gift of $30 or less through the Australian office.

2) Cheque/money order - Post your gift, labelled ‘Christmas Gift’ with intended recipient name to Watoto Australia, PO Box 2632, Mansfield Q 4122.

3) Credit Card - Contact our office on 07 3208 3500 to

process your monetary gift via Credit Card. Visa and MasterCard only.

4) Direct Deposit – You may deposit your monetary gift directly into the Watoto Australia Trust Account. BSB 014 254 Account 491 270 936. Including your donor number and ‘Christmas Gift’ as reference.

5) Do not send any monetary gifts to Uganda. The funds will be wired from Australia to Uganda to be given to the

recipient in time for Christmas.

6) The deadline for the gift is 30 October. Any monetary gifts for sponsored members received after this date will not arrive until after Christmas.

7) If you wish to send a Christmas Card to your sponsored person, please send direct to Watoto Child Care Ministries (Uganda), PO Box 26366, Kampala, Uganda. Any mail posted to the Watoto Australia Office will not be received by the intended recipient.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office on 07 3208 3500 or email sponsorau@watoto.com.

WWW.WATOTO.COM OCTOBER 2011

THE 2012 CHOIR tour COMING SOON www.watoto.com

Watoto Australia PO Box 782 SPRINGWOOD, QLD 4127 (07) 3208 3500 australia@watoto.com

Beautiful Africa: A New Generation – Join The Global Tribe Today.

W 1. LEARN ABOUT UGANDA 2. CHRISTMAS 2011 AT WATOTO 3. REACHING THE MOST VULNERABLE IN AFRICA

Karen’s Experience in Co-odrinating Watoto Children’s Choir Concerts I had previously organised a Watoto concert through a large regional church that already had an ongoing partnership with Watoto. Moving to a small country town meant I needed to start from scratch, spreading the Watoto vision and publicising widely to find an audience in this new community.

Exciting a community about a children’s choir they had never heard of and working with the local state school were challenges that caused me to wonder how ‘successful’ the concert would be. Our community had sustained significant damage in

the January floods and people had very generously opened their hearts, arms and wallets to support their neighbours. I wondered whether they would be opened again so soon and whether the strong Christian message would be met with closed minds.

The week leading up to the concert, I kept being told how much people were looking forward to the concert with teachers telling me how excited the kids were. Then the day of the concert arrived.

The response by the children at the school concert was overwhelming. At lunchtime the Australian kids wanted to be where the Ugandan kids were.

Soccer games were started and shy conversation

Watoto Australia • PO Box 782 • SPRINGWOOD • QLD • 4127 • (07) 3208 3500 • australia@watoto.com

continues on page 2

>>INSIDE

atoto is excited to present a brand new choir tour entitled Beautiful Africa: A New Generation. The dynamic, vibrant musical production by the Watoto Children’s Choirs is indicative of the new generation of leaders emerging out of Watoto.

The production comes to Australia in March 2012. As we prepare for this exhilarating stage performance, we need your help in several ways, especially with hosting the choir and spreading the word. Please contact us at choirau@watoto.com for more.