Sponsor a Child, Transform a Life

When David’s father abandoned him, his life became a daily struggle. His mother worked tirelessly to care for him, but her health began to fail. Eventually, she was diagnosed with a mental illness, which required frequent hospital stays, leaving David without a stable caregiver. When David came to our shelter, his condition broke our hearts. A burn scar stretched across his forehead, and he carried the weight of painful experiences no child should endure. Yet, amidst his sorrow, there was a glimmer of hope in his eyes—a silent plea for love and security.
Welcoming David into our shelter marked the beginning of his healing journey. At first, he was quiet and withdrawn, hesitant to trust anyone. But with time, patience, and care, David began to feel safe. Slowly, he opened up, and the light in his eyes grew brighter. Now, David is thriving. He’s enrolled in nursery school, where he’s made friends and enjoys playing football during breaks. At the shelter, his laughter echoes as he watches cartoons with the other children, his favorite way to unwind.
David’s mother is still in recovery, and while we hope for the day they can reunite, we remain committed to providing him with love, stability, and care. Here, he’s part of a family that cherishes him. Every day, David reminds us why our work matters. His resilience, laughter, and joy inspire us to continue. No matter how dark the past, every child deserves a brighter future—and for David, that future is unfolding.

Irham is one of the children we rescued from the Karamojong women program, where he faced a life of neglect and emotional distress. His parents had turned to drugs, repeatedly abandoning him, leaving him vulnerable and without proper care. Irham often attended our feeding programs, but due to the language barrier, communication was a challenge. He only spoke Karamojong, a language so different from our local dialect that it was nearly impossible for us to understand him. As a result, we relied on sign language to communicate, and it took time for him to adjust. The breakthrough came when we enrolled him in a nearby primary school, where he began interacting with other children his age, making it easier for him to connect and understand. Although we still have no idea where Irham’s parents are, or if they are even alive, we are grateful to have rescued him from the streets. His journey has not been easy, and he continues to improve with the support we provide, including counseling to help him manage his temper—something common for children who have endured such hardship. Irham’s situation reflects the struggles of many children from Karamojong, whose lives have been marred by abandonment and the harsh realities of street life. We are confident that with the right sponsorship, Irham will be able to flourish in his studies and build a brighter future, free from the pain of his past.

Praise’s story is one of resilience and hope. Four years ago, her mother left her behind in search of a job in the city, promising to return soon. Days turned into months, and months into years, but her mother never came back. Praise’s case was eventually forwarded to the police’s Family and Protection Unit. The officers carried out an extensive search but could not locate her mother. They referred Praise to us, and we welcomed her into our shelter. It was a challenging time, especially in the beginning. She often cried at night, longing for her mother and knocking on the door, asking to go search for her. Her heartbreak was evident, but with patience and love, we began the delicate process of rebuilding her emotionally. Slowly, Praise started to trust us and see the shelter as her new family, embracing the bonds she formed with her new sisters.

Today, Praise is a bright and joyful child. Her favorite color is pink, and she has big dreams of becoming a programmer one day. She loves climbing trees, playing with dolls, and spending time with her friends at the shelter. Watching her smile and laugh reminds us of the incredible strength children have to overcome even the deepest pain. Praise has not only found a safe haven but also a sense of belonging. Her journey inspires us to keep providing love and care to every child who needs it, ensuring they know they are never alone.

My name is Brenda, and I am 11 years old. I want to be a teacher when I grow up because I love to teach, and being a teacher means knowing so many things. My favorite color is red, and I love cats. We see one every day at the shelter. Baby’s Day Out is my favorite movie of all time, and I like it a lot. In my free time, I love to dance and learn how to move my legs to the rhythm of the drums we play at the shelter.I’ve been at the shelter for a year now, and I love living here. There’s no pain here, and I’m happy to play with the other children. I want to go back to school and learn everything I can.

I admire Aunt because she brings us happiness, and I want to be like her one day. I also enjoy washing clothes and digging in the garden. I take care of our shelter’s container garden, making sure to water the plants every evening. When we first met Brenda, she was very sad and didn’t talk much. It took her time to open up and get used to the other children. Brenda ended up on the streets because her father neglected her, and it was always the neighbors who gave her food.

Her parents’ separation led her to the streets, but now she is doing well and improving every day in her reading and writing.

He is 19 years old and loves the color red because it reminds him of the flag and its strength. He dreams of becoming a doctor to help children in need, inspired by the kindness he has received. "I love playing football during my free time," he says. His favorite movies are Black Panther and A Walk to Remember, which he watches whenever he gets the chance. He has been at the shelter for five months now, and it has become a place of comfort and safety for him. "My role models are Aunt Hajara and Aunt Diane; they work hard so we can eat well and have better lives," he shares. The shelter has given him something he never had at home: a sense of security. “I love the shelter because my father cannot hurt me anymore. I am safe here.

When he first arrived, his condition was heartbreaking. His eyes were swollen and red, and he was very sick, but the shelter staff ensured he got the care he needed. "I’m happy to be alive," he says with gratitude. He recalls the pain of his past, sharing how his father’s abuse drove his mother away. After marrying a younger woman, his father abandoned him and his siblings, taking everything from their mother. "My mother had no choice but to run, and now Aunt Hajara is trying to find her in the ghetto areas," he explains. Despite his hardships, he admires his mother for her strength and resilience. At the shelter, he has started to heal and find joy. "I am learning about God because we pray here, which never happened at home. My father never let us leave the house," he remembers. He cherishes the chance to attend school and have the things he needs to succeed. “I love the shelter so much and don’t want to ever leave. This is my home now.

She is 13 years old and wants to be a teacher. She joined the streets with her siblings, and it was difficult for her, as she had to be the adult and take care of them. However, they were forced to split up when a police raid caused every child to run in different directions. We found her in a sorry state, battling the guilt of losing her siblings, and she could hardly explain what had happened. As we learned about her journey, we discovered that she and her siblings had taken free rides on a fish truck that passed through their village, delivering and picking up fish to sell in the city. They hopped on the truck together, hoping to find a better life in the city.

I love the color pink because it shines on women," she says. She enjoys designing and knitting clothes at the shelter, and her favorite animal is a dragon. She dreams of studying catering and hotel management because she loves cooking and organizing things. Staying at the shelter has been the best thing for her—she feels loved and cherished, just like the other children. It makes her very happy to see them thriving too. She hopes to go back to school soon, to learn how to read and write on her own. She admires Aunt Hajara and her friends for all the help they give to children. Her grandfather, a humble and kind man, is her role model, and she remembers him fondly for the life he lived in their villag.

Calvin's life changed drastically when his mother was incarcerated, leaving him without a caregiver. In this time of crisis, we were asked to temporarily welcome him into our program. When Calvin arrived, his vulnerability was evident, and we recognized his urgent need for a loving and supportive environment. Since then, he has had the opportunity to visit his mother a few times. However, she worries about the emotional impact these visits might have on him, fearing the lasting memories could be difficult for him to process as a child. She continues to navigate her own challenges and is expected to remain incarcerated for several more years, until Calvin reaches his teenage years. Stories like Calvin's highlight the importance of compassion and understanding, driving us to improve the support we provide to children in need.

Many mothers, in their struggle to survive, find themselves in dangerous situations, leading to heartbreaking consequences for their families. Calvin, like so many others, has faced feelings of abandonment and the loss of a permanent, secure home. Since he joined us at the age of seven, we have ensured his school fees are covered and provided him with a stable environment. However, as the number of children we care for grows, sustaining this level of assistance becomes increasingly challenging. With the right sponsorship, Calvin has the potential to thrive academically and achieve a brighter future. Your support can make a meaningful difference in his life, helping him overcome his challenges and reach his full potential.

Ivan, at just four years old, is the youngest child at the shelter, and his early years have been marked by trauma. His mother’s departure from his father triggered a series of problems, with alcoholism being the primary issue that destabilized Ivan both physically and emotionally. His father, who was often abusive and made frequent threats to take Ivan back, was in no position to provide the care Ivan needed. As a result, Ivan was left vulnerable and in desperate need of support.

When we first met Ivan, he was in a poor condition, requiring immediate medical attention and proper nutrition. Fortunately, with the care and resources available at the shelter, Ivan has made significant progress and is quickly regaining his health. Ivan loves to play football and enjoys spending time with his dolls. His joy is most evident when he's playing with other children. Ivan’s favorite colors are red and orange, and his dream is to become a football player. With the right support, Ivan’s bright future is full of potential.

Calton's family faced constant challenges, often struggling to put food on the table. Despite these hardships, he always wore a bright smile. However, everything changed when, as a young boy, he fell ill with mumps. His teenage mother did her best to care for him, but they couldn’t afford a doctor. By the time they sought medical help, it was too late—Calton had lost his hearing. The sweet sounds of birds singing and the laughter of his siblings playing outside faded into silence, leaving him feeling isolated in a world where he once thrived. Despite this significant challenge, Calton remained determined to go to school and learn alongside his friends. But keeping up in class proved difficult, and while his classmates laughed and played, Calton struggled to grasp the lessons, often watching from the sidelines.

It was during a community program that we noticed the sadness in Calton’s bright eyes. We took him under our wing, providing the medical care he needed and introducing him to sign language—a beautiful way to communicate without words. Initially, Calton felt nervous about using sign language, unsure if he could express himself effectively. But over time, he discovered it was a wonderful means of connection. As his confidence grew, so did his ability to communicate with those around him. Through sign language, Calton began to make friends and share his stories, feeling accepted and understood for the first time. However, Calton requires sponsorship to continue his education. With your support, he can access the resources he needs to thrive in school, fulfill his dreams, and break free from the limitations imposed by his circumstances. Together, we can help Calton overcome his challenges and build a brighter future.

Meet Aine, a girl of multiple gifts! Aine’s mother struggled to provide for her family due to limited finances, and as a result, Aine often had to help with income-generating activities to support her household. She washed clothes in the community with her mother, collected used plastic bottles from dumps for recycling, and sold vegetables at her mother's stall. Despite her hard work, Aine’s dream of going to school was always out of reach due to the lack of funds. Her aunt, hoping to give her a better chance, took her from the village with the intention of helping her attend school. However, when those efforts failed, things became even more difficult for Aine, eventually leading the police to intervene and recommend her to us.

Aine loves to play with dolls, and her happiness is evident when she is interacting with other children. Since coming to our program, she has found a sense of belonging and joy. Aine’s journey has been challenging, but with the support she now receives, there is hope for a brighter future where her dreams can come true.

Joshua first joined us during the Deborah’s Library program, which provided a meal and an opportunity for children to study with others. Many of the children who came during this time, including Joshua, were seeking both nourishment and a chance to learn. Joshua is one of the boys who successfully completed primary seven, but his mother struggles to provide for him and his siblings. At one point, Joshua became involved with dangerous groups, and his mother, unable to manage his behavior, asked us to take him in for his safety and well-being.

Since joining the shelter, Joshua has made remarkable progress. He is now preparing to start senior one and was the second-best student in his primary school. He has formed strong bonds with his shelter brothers, creating a supportive community. Joshua’s transformation is a testament to his resilience and the positive environment he now has, and we are proud to continue supporting him as he steps into the next chapter of his education.

Julius’s life has been marked by hardship from an early age. His mother, who suffers from epilepsy, was abandoned by Julius’s father when he was young. They moved into one of the most dangerous neighborhoods, where the living conditions were unsatisfactory and unsafe for a child. Julius had to endure the distressing sight of his mother’s frequent mental health crises, as she was often in and out of mental hospitals. Her condition made it difficult for her to provide the care and attention Julius needed.

When we learned that Julius was left alone in the tiny room they lived in during one of his mother's most recent episodes, we knew we had to intervene. We took him in, offering him a safe and secure environment where he is now showered with love and care. Julius is thriving in the shelter, and for the first time, he feels protected and supported, free from the constant fear and instability he had known in the past.

Kaye is one of the most humble and respectful boys at the shelter. We have been sponsoring Kaye for the past three years, alongside his mother, who has been facing significant health challenges. Due to her illness, Kaye has had to frequently leave school to take care of her, which has caused interruptions in his education. Understanding the situation, we stepped in to cover the necessary bills and ensure that Kaye remained in a stable environment while his mother focused on recovery.

Unfortunately, Kaye's mother's health is still not in a condition that would allow him to return home. Her relatives feel it would not be suitable for Kaye to witness his mother in her current state, so we are keeping him at the Hideout Center until he is ready to return to his family. We remain committed to supporting Kaye during this challenging time, ensuring that he has a safe space to grow and thrive while his mother continues her recovery.

Born in northern Uganda, this young boy’s life was torn apart by the brutal war that ravaged the region for many years. His mother was tragically killed during the conflict, and in the chaos of survival, he was separated from his father. The war created an environment where running and hiding for survival became the only way of life. Many families were torn apart, and this boy was no exception. He found himself fleeing with others who shared the same path, unsure of how he eventually made it to the city. His journey, marked by pain and loss, led him to the streets of Kampala, where we discovered him several years ago. By the time we found him, he was already living on the streets, sick, wounded, and vulnerable.

When we rescued him, we immediately took him to the hospital for treatment. As we tried to understand his story, we encountered a language barrier that made communication difficult. With the help of a translator, we learned about his past—his struggles, the trauma of war, and the painful loss of his mother. After a month in our care, we noticed that his behavior was still struggling, and we were advised to take him to a mental health facility for further treatment. We did so, ensuring that he received the care he needed until he was stable enough to live with the other children in our program. Over time, he has made significant progress, and we are proud to say that he has successfully completed his primary education. Now, with hope and determination, he is preparing to join secondary school, where we are confident he will continue to thrive and overcome the challenges of his past.

Maureen's life began with significant challenges when her father denied responsibility for her at a very young age. Her mother, struggling with a meager income, worked hard to care for Maureen, as many women in their community do. Despite the hardships, Maureen's mother did her best to provide for her daughter, but the lack of resources made it difficult for Maureen to have a stable life. Today, Maureen is thriving at the shelter, where she continues to grow and develop, gaining opportunities that were once out of reach.

Maureen is currently attending a boarding school, where she excels in her studies, especially in science. Her dream is to become a nurse, and she is grateful for the support she receives at the shelter, which has given her the chance to pursue her ambitions. Maureen is also an active participant in shelter life, willingly helping with chores like washing dishes. Her favorite color is white, and she is determined to make the most of the opportunities before her as she works toward her goal of becoming a nurse in the future.

Luckay is a vibrant 5-year-old who joined us at the age of 4 through our feeding programs. His constant smile immediately drew us to him, prompting us to learn more about his background. Luckay's life took a sudden turn when his mother's house caught fire, and he was brought to the city by his cousin. However, after arriving, the cousin left him with an older relative who could not care for him, leading to Luckay finding his way to the streets. Eventually, he was brought to our shelter, where we have been caring for him since 2022.

Since joining us, Luckay has continued to grow and thrive, just like the other children at the shelter. He has found a sense of stability and joy in his new surroundings, and he now enjoys the companionship of his shelter brothers. With the support and care he receives, Luckay is making significant progress and developing into a happy, confident child. We are grateful to be part of his journey and to provide him with the opportunities he needs to succeed.