Next Level Transformation
Gertrude Namirembe is a powerhouse! This inspiring woman raised the roof at Children of Uganda’s 2022 annual guardian’s meeting where she shared her spirited testimony.
Boldly, she expressed having “no sympathy” for any woman in attendance who was not an active participant in her own transformation. Gertrude (a widow who is single-handedly raising 7 grandchildren) was even less generous when speaking about how many guardians had abandoned their responsibilities during the COVID-19 lockdown.
She acknowledged the profound challenges, but was firm in her convictions and recognized Children of Uganda for empowering families like hers.
Gertrude is a tough woman, but she is also considered a living angel by local community members for taking in little Fred.
You see, Fred Kayiwa was found lost, wandering along the road when he was just 2 years-old. Local leaders in Kakuuto – Kyotera took him in and waited to see if his parents would come for him. Sadly, they did not. When Getrude heard about Fred, she felt incredible sympathy for the poor baby and volunteered to take him home. From that day forward, she has been his loving adopted grandmother and primary guardian.
Gertrude is a peasant farmer and a single mother with a big family, including several other school-aged children. She grows seasonal crops and raises poultry. Though she works hard for her family, she struggles financially to make ends meet.
In 2020, Fred was selected to join Children of Uganda’s sponsorship program – and shortly thereafter, the pandemic hit. Thanks to Fred’s sponsor, we were able to provide food relief, mosquito nets, clothing, healthcare, study packets and so much more for Fred and his family during the lockdown. And with support from our 100 Women Club, we were able to boost Gertrude’s poultry project to help her finally turn a profit.
Gertrude was most recently chosen (among 20+ other deserving families) to participate in our new Family Accountability and Sustainability (FASTrack) partnership program.
In FASTrack, sponsored students and their guardians rise together – becoming socially and economically self-sufficient, as well as contributing to positive and lasting community development. FASTrack partnerships provide holistic care and investments for an entire family in Uganda including Income Generating Activity (IGA) training and inputs for the guardian, livelihood support, counseling and medical care as needed.
And, we are excited to announce that a generous donor has stepped forward pledging $12,000 to partner with our FASTrack guardians – including Gertrude.
Gertrude is excited to take her small business to the next level and her goal is to start growing coffee – an ever-expanding crop in Uganda that is surging in return on investments.
All of the women in our program have dreams of their own; but, too many are lacking the capital needed to grow their businesses. You can make dreams come true and help secure a family’s wellbeing with a gift today:
