Watoto News 2016 - AU

FIRST QUARTER 2016 NEWSLETTER

GREAT STRIDES In March, 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 mum, 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 people” 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 mum and dad (A father figure from the Father’s Heart Ministry started by Watoto Church) 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 Watoto 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 Ministries 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.

in September and ended in December 2014. The second phase began in June 2015. We are happy to report that construction was 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 centre and gazebo.

TRAINING CENTRE AT LUBBE FARM

GREAT OCEAN ROAD CHALLENGE 2016

rewarding and fun filled couple of days with a huge sense of accomplishment and teamwork as the riders crossed the finish line. Fundraising is so much more than money, it is the time, effort and voice that people give to a cause that makes the biggest difference, and we are so appreciative to our team who gave so much!

The Great Ocean Road Challenge is run by 25000 Spins, an organisation dedicated to eliminating childhood poverty around the world.

This is the second year Watoto has taken part and we are excited to continue this partnership in the years to come and see our team continue to grow! If you would like to be a part of the team in 2017 we would love to hear from you!

Please email australia@watoto.com for more information.

INTRODUCING CHOIR 79!

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 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 began in July 2014, with the gazebo. The first phase of the construction on the centre began

Last month, ten passionate Australians took up the challenge of cycling 300kms along the Great Ocean Road in support of Watoto. This incredible team trained hard to make this event a success and collectively raised over $20,000 to change the lives of vulnerable women and children in Uganda. From all reports it was a

Watoto is currently changing the lives of over 3,000 orphaned children in Uganda. Amongst them are 18 gorgeous and very excited children who have just arrived into Brisbane Australia.

Choir 79 touched down on our shores at the end of March, embarking on a 6 month tour of QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS and SA bringing audiences their incredible production ‘Oh, What Love’. Visit www.watoto.com/seethechoir for performance details in your area, as you won’t want to miss the opportunity to see the choir live and hear their incredible testimonies of God’s grace. We would like to introduce you to 2 of the precious children who are touring with us this year.

Emmanuel’s father died in 2008, leaving him and his siblings in the care of their mentally ill mother. She was unable to care for them and they often went without food and schooling.

When the authorities became aware of the children’s case, they asked Watoto to take them in and provide care and protection. Emmanuel is now part of a loving family in a Watoto home with a housemother who showers him with love and affection. He is receiving an education and is always thrilled when he learns new things.

WATOTO SCHOOLIES

CELEBRATION OF A LIFE TIME

Emmanuel Joey was born prematurely at a hospital in Kampala, Uganda. She weighed just 1.5kg. She was abandoned by her mother who was unable to be located so the medical staff requested Watoto take Joey in to Baby Watoto. She spent the first few weeks in an incubator but soon began to grow up and become healthier each day. When she was old enough she graduated into a Watoto village where she now lives with a loving housemother and Watoto brothers and sisters.

Joey

Watoto Australia is excited to be taking a group of schoolies over to Uganda each year to celebrate the end of their schooling years.

Estimated cost: $5,000 AUD Includes: return economy airfares, accommodation, transport, meals, activities, entry visa, local guide.

For more information visit www.watotoaustralia.com.au/schoolies ___________________________________________ Price is approximate as it is based on the fluctuating USD and flight prices. Each individual is expected to fundraise an additional $300 USD to go towards the team’s volunteer project. All money fundraised for the project is tax deductible.

THANK YOU It is encouraging when young people have their parents 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 obtain education every day.

“I especially enjoy fine art because it is lively and engaging,” says Solomon.

He never gets tired of 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 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.’’

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 support a Living Hope lady, email us at sponsor@ watoto.com

BOOK THE CHOIR Watoto Australia PO Box 782 Springwood, Qld 4127 (07) 3806 0311 choirau@watoto.com

WATOTO CHURCH AT WORK

WWW.WATOTO.COM