Adder is 15 year old junior leader that was trained by Joy for Children. She was also previously on the sponsorship program until she finished her primary 7. Her mother is one of the members and leaders for Bukoto community support group for women. I first met the soft spoken young girl during one of the women’s group meeting in Bukoto slum community. Since it was school time I was quick to ask her why she not at school; I just had a foot surgery she explained while showing me her bandaged foot. We had a lengthened talk that ended while praying for quick healing.
The following week I met Adder and was happy to know that her foot was healing and that she was positive she would be going back to school soon. She had a notebook but had no pen, so I gave her an extra pen as she requested. I could see that she wanted to tell me something, yes, it was the bible verses had previously been shared by Esther (former Children’s Development Officer). Adder told me was that she treasures story about the Good Samaritan that she offered to share the teachings and lessons therein with me. When we were done, I asked if she could share these same teachings and lessons with the younger children who were playing nearby and without hesitation she said yes. As she taught, I could see the intent with which she did and the connections to her audience as the children were attentively listening to her captivating story and its lessons. She later introduced me to her younger sister who is currently on the sponsorship program.
Knowing that I had limited time with Adder since she was returning to school the following week, I asked her if she knew any of the other junior leaders and she offered to help me map out homes of those who stayed in Bukoto. We will then plan to have a general meeting after we have located them. I promised her that I will find time and visit her at school to follow up on her performance.
I took her mother’s contact with whom I kept following on her daughter’s recovery progress. Vicky, Adder’s mother, is a good friend of mine now who is as well my contact person for other parents/ guardians in the community who may be hard to get by.
We bless the Lord for her
Annette is the among the oldest member of the Mulago community support group for women. Her character and passion in doing community work proceeds her. Annette has raised and housed countless orphans in her life. With the little she has, she has opened her house for children who don’t have a roof over their heads, food to eat and clothes to cover their skins. In the women’s group, she was our top mobiliser and a key member on the advisory committee. She worked tirelessly to ensure that the group remains solid and her members never to miss out on any important meetings in the community.
She used her skills and abilities to ensure that children who come to her for food, shelter or clothes got them. She worked with community leaders, approached charity organizations and churches to raise resources for the children she never had any relationship with. She surely is a bless to many!
In 2018, Annette suffered a dreadful health incident. She underwent surgery which weaken her health and reduced her abilities to serve the community. She was bed ridden for at least more than 18 months under the care of her daughter. We walked this journey with her in prayer and when she was discharged our home visits focused on reminding her that there is hope and God above that will never fail.
This year, we are happy that she has been with us in our weekly community meetings. Even when she is unable to walk miles to mobilize people, she is contributing greatly to the women’s developmental discussions.
God has continued to work in her life and a major transformation in her health is giving us great hope. Hope, that once again, she will be completely cured and living to her full potential. We bless the lord, that Annette is part of our lives.
