Celebrating the International Day of Families

Today we celebrate the International Day of Families which as a charity that supports a Children’s Home in Uganda may seem a little strange. The truth however is that wherever possible, social workers at the Home work tirelessly and go to great lengths to give children an opportunity to grow and develop in a family setting. They trace for family members, assess family situations, work with families and elders of the community, and provide ongoing support so that as long as it is in the best interest of the children, they can be resettled with family members.

David’s Story

This is David (name changed). David arrived at the Home in May 2019 and needed temporary care. His mother had fallen on difficult times and they were both sleeping on the streets. They had been picked up by the Police and were then staying at the police station. David’s mother needed medical attention, and so David needed a place to stay.

As soon as David arrived at the Home he was taken for a medical check up and was found to be suffering with malaria and was severely anaemic. He was admitted to hospital for further medical treatment and a blood transfusion. David’s health improved and he was soon back at the Home receiving the care and attention he needed and deserved.

In October last year David’s mother was still receiving treatment in hospital, and so information was passed to Teddy (Social Worker) about David’s father. Teddy immediately started work to trace for David’s father and his family, something that David’s mother was doing before she fell ill. David’s father was located 290 miles away, and after numerous phone calls, plans were made to reunite David and his mother with David’s father.

Early November, Emmanuel and Teddy (social workers from the Children’s Home) went with David to collect David’s mother from hospital. They then boarded a bus for a 9.5 hour journey before taking public transport to the meeting place where community members had gathered to welcome them all, and were delighted to see David and his mother. They all left the meeting place and travelled on foot across the mountain path for 3 kilometres before reaching the village.

At their village they were welcomed by David’s grandparents and other community members, including the elders of the community. Everyone was so happy to see them as David’s father had been searching for them but had not been able to find them, all he knew was that his wife had left Rwanda to meet him in Uganda, but she didn’t have a phone.

David was reunified successfully with people who love him and have a sense of parental responsibility, and we celebrate the great work and dedication of Teddy and Emmanuel in making this resettlement and many others happen. As with all other resettlements, the social workers will continue monitor and offer support where required.

David’s resettlement story is one of many thanks to the dedicated team who work at the Home in Uganda, and on this International Day of Families, we thank them for the vital part they play.