For a Cause
AIDS has run a ruthless rampage in Africa. So many have died... So many children have been left orphaned and vulnerable... So many people have suffered... And with each devastating loss, Africa collectively cries out, “Who will look after our children?”
Watoto is the Swahili word for "children". Watoto is a Church based organisation that cares for orphans and widows in Uganda. Their goal is to raise the next generation of Ugandan leaders. Watoto places children in families rather than in large, institutional style orphanages. This ensures that children receive the individual love and care they require.
Watoto cares for children by placing the most vulnerable children into new families. Each family consists of 8 children and a mother who cares for them. Watoto also supports the living relatives of orphans such as grandparents, uncles or aunts, by ensuring the children receive food clothing and education while living under the protection of their own family. Watoto employs several social workers who, with the approval of the Government of Uganda, locate and select the most vulnerable children. These children are some of the 2 million Ugandans who have been orphaned due to AIDS and war.
Many Watoto mothers are widows. Some of them have children of their own. Watoto supports these women by giving them the opportunity to fulfil their roles as mothers. Each mother is responsible for the daily care of 8 children. Watoto creates entire communities where children can learn and grow in a safe environment. These villages contain houses, schools, a medical clinic, a church and community hall, a clean water source, roads and electricity.
For more information on Watoto please visit their website at www.watoto.com.
