12 March 2012
Last week, we celebrated the news proclaiming six Watoto students from Hope Senior School at Suubi Children’s Village among the top performers in the country (Uganda National Examination Board).
Derrick Lusiba is 19 years old and joined Watoto in 2001. Derrick is grateful to God for attaining such success. Although he found the candidate class tense, he says he was always sure of his success because of the preparation he injected into his learning.
Despite all the strain he says, “… it was cool being in the senior class because I was among the older kids in school. It was fun being an example to the rest.”
He hopes to join university and major in Accounting and Finance.
Nicholas Senkumi is 21 years old and has been at Watoto since 2000. He came to us from a slum in Kampala, where he says the conditions were very bad and not even the mere necessities of life were met. “There was no love in that place,” he says. He didn’t think he could ever make it in life.
But since coming to Watoto he says, “Everything I need has been provided; my spiritual and physical needs are met. I’m so loved and this has given me the will to succeed.” He is thrilled with his achievement and thanks God for bringing him this far. He is aspiring to join the Watoto Worship Band soon, while attending university and pursuing a Law Degree.
Gladys Naava is 19 years old and has been at Watoto since 2001. “Because of Watoto, I gave my life to Christ. Watoto has equipped me with all I need including life skills," she says.
Gladys was overjoyed to learn about her results and says, “I always asked God to never let me dwindle below 20 points. He has answered my prayer so I’m more than thankful to Him.” She hopes to join university this year, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and hopes to work for an international media agency and then run her own.
Paul Kawuma is 19 years old and joined Watoto in 2002. He describes his life at Watoto as a dream come true. Before Watoto, he had no place to call home.
After mock exams during the school term, Paul didn’t think he would make it since he had scored poorly, but nonetheless he persisted in trusting God, studying conscientiously, making use of group discussions, and pushing against all odds to achieve success. His advice to other youth, "Above all, put God first and trust in His faithfulness." Paul hopes to pursue Finance at university.
Kennedy Katumba is 20 years old and joined Watoto in 2007. Although living with relatives, he was ill treated and lived on the streets most of his life.
“I’m satisfied with my results and I owe it all to God,” he says. Kennedy is positive and hardworking. He is passionate about leadership and engineering and hopes to cultivate both skills.
Esther Atukwase is 18 years old and joined Watoto in 1999. She says her life at Watoto has been full of love.
Esther is grateful to God for bringing her this far. She was always sure would succeed in the examinations, because she was well prepared. She would like to pursue Surveying and Accounting in her higher education and hopes to achieve great success in whichever fields she eventually settles.
To every one of our sponsors, we want to thank you for helping us raise the next generation of Africa's leaders. God bless you.
For those who would like to join in and help change the story of an orphaned and vulnerable child in Africa, go to www.watoto.com/sponsorship.
