Karen became aware of the Watoto organisation in Uganda helping orphans and abandoned children in the year 2000. Watoto’s motto is ‘Rescue, Raise and Rebuild’. Watoto’s mission is to educate children who will be the future of Uganda.
Every so often Karen was reminded of her desire to venture to Uganda and provide help to children in need. This went on for over a decade, then a New Year’s resolution at the beginning of 2016, Karen decided it was time to fulfil her desire to travel to Uganda to help children. Karen applied to Watota as a volunteer and was accepted in 2016. General volunteers help wash baby bottles and other supporting domestic duties..jpg)
After Karen arrived and it was realised that physiotherapy was her profession, the hospital moved her to perform physiotherapy while in Uganda. Watoto run homes for children aged from 0-3 years old and those 4+ years in other homes. Each home has one ‘mother’ and eight children. The children are raised and educated. After completing a trade and have a job or complete university and have a job, are they allowed to leave the house.
Watoto have 3 villages each protected by armed guards. Funding for the houses comes from all over the world. The children are well dressed as world wide monetary support is good. The houses also care for abandoned women and provide them training so they can become self sufficient. A medical clinic supports older children with sprains, dental and other medical support.