Compassion at work!
David's mother, a Karimojong woman was seen with six-month old twins on the streets of Wandegeya, a busy place in Kampala not so far from the city center. Her dire situation was brought to the attention of Compassion by their Child Survival Programme Implementer at the time. Eyang together with her severely malnourished twins were found to be living in Katanga slum together with two other older children. The twins themselves were at the verge of death.
Immediately, the twins and their mother joined Compassion International's Child Survival Programme. This left the problem of housing (for the entire family) and care for the older children. A house was rented for them in Kagugube - for a start.
A sigh of relief or culture clash?
Was it time for a celebration – a sigh of relief?
What happened in Kagugube was a shock for the neighbors. The children – given their background, did not know how to use latrines or be in a hygienic environment.
Apparently, as told to us by David’s mother (at that time) when asked, their accepted cultural practice did not encourage the proper use of latrines and often, they defecated anywhere. Of course, the community was not going to take this lying down.
Moreover, Eyang Pascal (David’s mother) brought other Karimojong women and children to live with her. As much as this was an act of kindness on her part, this just escalated an already terrible situation. This meant that theirs was an extremely filthy environment.
The final strike was when the community realized that, given their acclimatization to the streets, they were prone to relieving their neighbors of their properties. They were therefore forced out of the house.
In search of a place called home!
Another house was found and rented for them in Makerere Kivulu. This being close to Deliverance Church, Makerere Hill campus, meant that this family could be visited regularly and their progress constantly monitored. Also, the close proximity meant David could frequently visit the church where Pendeza Uganda offices are also located. What could be read from his young face was that the boy was tired of the street-life.
Frequenting the church premises meant that David was not spending enough time as a beggar on the streets. Her mother disapproved of his presence at the church vicinity as opposed to helping contribute to their income through begging. He was always in trouble with his mother and received regular beatings. He has sustained scars on his body due to this.
At 6 years old, the boy did not have a name. His current name was given him after the Pendeza Uganda Executive Director and founder asked a few friends who knew Kiswahili to help pick a good one. Pendeza (translated to mean Love) and David from the Bible was the name chosen for him. After watching Pendeza's complex life, Pendeza Uganda together with the help of the staff at Deliverance Church Makerere Hill decided to start making a monthly contribution to his welfare.
Those who knew Pendeza David back then say that he was an extremely insolent child who knew no language and often communicated using a simulation of improper sign-language. A badly mannered lad, Pendeza was known for picking food from people's plates without asking. This coupled with uncleanness and fearlessness, it became obvious that he needed rehabilitation
A journey towards rehabilitation!
Dwelling Places was the place he was taken since he was unfit for a conventional school. By the time this happened, Pendeza had made friends with a few people at Deliverance Church Makerere Hill who looked beyond his poor upbringing, but loved him the way he was. More notable was Wagner Wandera.
From 2012 to 2013, David was at the rehabilitation center and made steady transformational progress. He learnt life skills, and started relating with people a lot better than before.
By the time he left Dwelling Places, he was a totally different person. He was taken to a boarding school where he settled in well enough and caught up quickly.
Back home though, his mother failed to adhere to the Child Support Program regulations, and soon dropped off, returned to the streets – causing a lot of distress to the team that had attempted to make her life better. She relocated to an unknown location.
This left David in a sad situation once again. He now needed a stable home.
Being in school was easy. When the school break (holiday) started, it was always hard for David to return to his mother who was still in need of rehabilitation. Efforts of making his mother abandon her begging habit were futile
In 2016, a CDC caregiver who was a beneficiary of the Child Survival Programme accepted to take care of Pendeza David. Nakabugo Jane had taken good care of, and loved him
Jane is a widow who sometimes receives help from her daughter, a casual laborer. Jane has shared her meager resources with Pendeza David. He is now a social, enthusiastic, jovial and well-disciplined boy.
A home, FINALLY!
Since the last update, Pendeza David has since got a new foster family that is supported by our partners and well-wishers.
Pendeza Uganda has been with Pendeza David all the way. We now support this family too.
When the time came to formalize our operations, it was only right that we took on Pendeza's name, as a reminder that there are many children and families in need of our love and support - both by our presence in their lives and contributing financially.
You can also be a part of the Pendeza Uganda’s story by joining us to support children like Pendeza David.
Ways to support Pendeza David and other children include.
- Financial support for a family
- Financial support child in terms of paying for school fees and other school needs
- Giving of items/gifts( cloth, shoes, beddings, food school bags
- Volunteer with us
- Prayer support
- General financial support for our program activities.
Together we can transform lives and communities!!!!!
Compiled by Christine Namumbya Walubo
