2024 Summer – Watoto Neighbourhood

Catherine is a mother of seven. Sadly, her husband abandoned her after giving birth to her youngest three—triplets who aren’t even one year old yet. In an instant, she became a single mother with no source of income and felt hopeless. As a mother, she wanted the best for her kids, but instead she struggled to provide enough milk and food for her little ones, so they became malnourished and were in and out of the hospital frequently. And with no way of paying school fees for her oldest children, they weren’t able to go to school, leaving them vulnerable and their futures uncertain. Catherine was desperate and felt it was all just too much for her to bear.

At one of her darkest moments, a friend reached out and told her about Watoto Neighbourhood, hoping that they could help. With all the strength she could muster, Catherine walked to their offices and shared her story. It was at this moment she began to feel a peace wash over her. She was welcomed with open arms and as she attended discipleship classes, she began to understand God’s love for her and realise that He has a plan for her life.

As in Catherine’s story, the timely help from Watoto allowed her to set her burdens aside and no longer worry about providing meals for her children. She was able to start learning various skills to eventually be able to support her family independently. We believe that in the near future, Catherine’s family will be able to stand on their own feet and live with dignity. In the present day, Catherine is learning business skills and hopes to one day have her own small business. In the meantime, while she’s still getting on her feet, Watoto is supporting her with childcare for the babies and providing daily necessities for her family.

Watoto Neighbourhood is designed for widows and vulnerable women in Uganda and South Sudan. Since this programme started, we have reached over 6,650 vulnerable women, with countless children also were benefited indirectly. Throughout this year, we have recruited 1,214 mothers to participate our programme. It is not only provides material assistance, but also empowers these women with skills and a support network to transform their lives. By helping the mothers, the program is able to positively impact the next generation as well. Stories like Catherine’s demonstrate the profound, life-changing impact the Watoto Neighbourhood can have.

If you also feel moved to support more vulnerable families in Uganda, you can click here to learn more about Watoto Neighbourhood and take action!