2 May 2011
As part of Kidz 'n Ova, an annual praise and worship festival organised by Watoto Children's Church, 62 children from Watoto's Suubi Children's Village on 28 April 2011 visited Mpigi Health Centre III in a bid to spread love to their community.
According to Matthew Mutebi, the Children's Church Coordinator at the village, "The festival is meant to show that children are able to do more than people think they can. That children can also impact their communities when given a chance to reach out."
"The children were given a tour of the health centre and saw different departments in the hospital like the theatre, dispensary, maternity wards and the children's ward which they enjoyed the most," says Matthew. Some of the activities the children carried out included mopping the wards, cleaning the toilets and trenches, slashing the compound and helping patients clean their laundry.
The hospital staff and patients were very grateful for the visit. Catherine Nanfuma, one of the nurses said, "They have impressed the (sick) children, prayed for them and given them gifts. I hope they can come back again."
Sarah Nalubuuba, one of the patients said the children have shown a heart of kindness and above all, have shown a great example by cleaning the centre.
One of the hospital cleaners, Divinah Nankumba who has worked at the health centre since 1986 commended the children saying, "It is good that they have come to help out because the work is too much and some patients don't have people to visit them."
Kevin Birabwa, one of the Watoto children was grateful to be a part of the team saying,"It's an opportunity for me to be helpful to the community we live in. We went to encourage the sick, so they are filled with hope."
Watoto is passionate about raising each child as leader and responsible person, contributing to the development of their communities. As such, a number of initiatives are set up to train, nurture and develop children's talents and abilities so that they grow up whole and functional.
