Orphaned at the age of 5 years old, Ivan was left in the care of his aunt Ida, now a ROTOM supported senior. Before Ivan joined ROTOM, he had completed secondary four and was out of school for three years. Completing his secondary education would eventually allow him to join a university or a vocational institute; however, the family’s financial situation would not make this a reality for him. So in 2020, ROTOM happily welcomed Ivan into our program and helped connect him with carpentry work after a one-year training. Today, we are ecstatic to report that he is successfully employed at the largest carpentry shop in his village! He is now able to meet his own needs – all the while taking care of his aunt, alongside ROTOM.
Ivan shared with us, “the life I was living before joining ROTOM was full of hardships. Before I couldn’t support my aunt. But now she can call me anytime and I am able to support her where I can. She can no longer go to the garden because of her old age. So I pay someone to dig for her such that she has some food security. I have also bought her some goats to keep. I’m hoping that these will be a great source of income in the near future,” he says. His dear aunt Ida exudes, “I am so grateful to ROTOM for supporting Ivan and I. I call him my son and I am so proud of the man he has become. He is a hard worker and takes very good care of me and he makes me smile in so many ways.”
Despite the challenging life of Ivan, your generosity has made all the difference for him and his aunt. Ivan’s story dramatically changed because ROTOM has stepped in and offered help at a time when he needed it the most! We couldn’t do this without your unwavering support. Your faithfulness is working in the lives of hundreds of children just like Ivan.
Around the world, too many children begin their lives at a disadvantage simply because of who they are and where they are from. It doesn’t have to be this way. In ROTOM’s context, hundreds of orphaned and vulnerable children have been left in the care of older persons, who are disadvantaged in so many ways. ROTOM is currently supporting 253 children through your generosity. We’re providing safe spaces where children can grow in relationships while learning their potential and value in life. We have seen despair turn into joy! We have watched children who’ve had it rough growing up, begin to flourish. This has given us incredible joy! The entire ROTOM family would like to thank each one of you who sacrificially donate to support the children left in the care of older persons.
I can go on and on but never come to an end. One thing is for sure though, every story we tell is the result of God’s love and people like you doing their part to change a life. So, from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU! To learn more about sponsoring a senior, click here.
Gratefully,
Kenneth E. Mugayehwenkyi
September 2022 ROTOM Uganda Newsletter