Restore Tour: About

Welcome to RESTORE TOUR: Child Soldier No More.

This is a tale of the tragedy and the triumph of the child soldier and the greater community of northern Uganda, who have endured some of the worst atrocities known to man. As we meet the people and hear the true stories of many, we hear one single story - a story of conflict, struggle, forgiveness and restoration.

Every testimony is true, as told by the individual.

Upon seeing this production, it is our hope that you would partner with us on the journey to restore northern Uganda and her people.

ABOUT NORTHERN UGANDA
Northern Uganda and specifically Gulu, where Watoto is in operation, is becoming liveable again after an unrest that has ravaged the community for more than 20 years. At the height of the war in 2004, more than 2 million people were displaced and forced to vacate their homes and live in IDP (Internally Displaced People’s) camps. It is estimated that more than 20,000 children were abducted from northern Uganda by the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) rebels and turned into child soldiers to terrorise their communities.

Girls as young as 9 years old were turned into sex slaves with lifelong implications as child mothers. Alongside the HIV/AIDS pandemic, northern Ugandans also suffered from disabilities and other injuries sustained from gunshots, landmines and mutilation.

(*Sources: The State Of Uganda 2009 Population Report, Uganda Population Secretariat: Strategic Plan 2006-2015, 2005/06 Uganda National Household Survey)

ABOUT WATOTO
Watoto is an holistic care programme that was initiated as a response to the overwhelming number of abandoned and vulnerable children and women in Uganda, whose lives have been ravaged by war and disease.

The Watoto model involves physical care; medical intervention including HIV/AIDS treatment; education – formal and technical; trauma rehabilitation and spiritual discipleship.

It is positioned to rescue an individual; raise each one as a leader in their chosen sphere of life; so that they, in turn, will rebuild their nation. For further information, please visit www.watoto.com.