What does the word Watoto mean?
Watoto is the Swahili word for "children".
What is Watoto?
Watoto is a Church based organisation that cares for orphans and widows in Uganda. Our goal is to raise the next generation of Ugandan leaders.
How did Watoto begin?
In 1994 Kampala Pentecostal Church began rescuing orphans. Watoto was born out of the need to place parentless children into loving families. Through Watoto, these children receive the message of Jesus Christ and His salvation, a spiritual awakening, an excellent education and a family. To date, Watoto has over 1500 children in holistic care and this number continues to grow yearly.
What makes Watoto different from other organizations?
Watoto places children in families rather than in large, institutional style orphanages. This ensures that children receive the individual love and care they require.
How does Watoto care for children?
Watoto cares for children in 2 ways:
- Watoto places the most vulnerable children into new families. Each family consists of 8 children and a mother who cares for them.
- Watoto 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.
Where do the children come from?
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.
Where do the mothers come from?
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.
What are Children's Villages?
Watoto creates entire communities where children can learn and grow in a safe environment. These villages contain houses, schools, a medical clinic, a church & community hall, a clean water source, roads and electricity.
What is Watoto Gulu?
Watoto's newest project is based in Northern Uganda's largest town, Gulu, where the Lord's Resistance Army has abducted more than 30,000 children. Watoto is setting up a children's village and a rehabilitation centre for children who are returning from rebel camps. Click here to find out more.
What is "The Bulrushes"?
The Bulrushes is a home for abandoned and orphaned babies in Kampala's city centre. Here infants under the age of 2 receive the special care they need before they move to one of Watoto's Children's Villages.
Who are the Watoto Children's Choir?
The Watoto Children's Choir travel internationally to help raise an understanding of the plight of Africa's orphans. Watoto's performances are a soulful blend of native African rhythms, contemporary gospel music and ethnic dance. During their concerts, audiences are encouraged to donate towards one Watoto's many projects in Uganda.
How do I book the choir?
To find out how you can book the choir to perform in your community pleaseclick here .
How can I help Watoto?
You can sponsor a child; book the Watoto Children's Choir for a performance in your community; make a donation or even visit Africa.
What countries does Watoto operate in?
All of the children in Watoto are from Uganda. We also operate offices in Australia, Canada, UK and the USA.
Who makes decisions at Watoto?
Watoto has a board of directors in each country it operates in. Additionally, an international board of directors oversees the policies that drive the day to day functioning of Watoto. These boards of directors are made up of individuals who are passionate about helping Watoto fulfil our goal of raising the next generation of Ugandan leaders.
How can I sponsor a child?
You can become a sponsor by clicking here .
How can I make a donation?
You can make a donation by clicking here .
Can I visit Africa?
Yes. Each year many people travel to Uganda to build houses, schools and clinics at Watoto's Children's Villages. It is simple to organise your own trip, and a visit to Uganda is an exciting opportunity for people of all ages. You do not need to have any building experience, as you will be working alongside a professional crew of Ugandan builders. To find out more please click here .
How can I promote Watoto in my community?
You can promote Watoto in your community by booking the choir , or by organising a local fundraiser .
Can I copy the Watoto model in my own country?
Yes, you can. Please click here to find out how.
What is the Watoto Conference?
Watoto Conference is an international event that aims to assist African pastors and community leaders to implement the Watoto model throughout the continent. The conference also helps to create partnerships between pastors in the West and their counterparts in Africa to address the continent's orphan crisis.
In 2006 Watoto hosted it's first ever Watoto Conference.
