Donna Coker
Founded by Gary and Marilyn Skinner, Watoto was birthed through Watoto Church, a thriving local church in Kampala, Uganda. Watoto is a holistic care program that was initiated as a response to the overwhelming number of orphaned children and vulnerable women in Uganda, whose lives have been ravaged by war and disease.
Watoto currently has 3 villages in Uganda, caring for just over 2,400 children who are placed in the care of a house mother. As well, abandoned and often premature babies find love and care in one of Watoto’s three babies’ homes. Watoto also helps HIV+ and former LRA abductees rebuild their lives through our their Living Hope and Watoto programs.
5 years ago, I chose to sponsor Micheal Okello at a concert in Beaubier, SK.
In November of 2011 I was contacted by one of the members of Watoto saying that the child I have sponsored was chosen to be in the Choir #53. I was invited to visit him at any of his performances in Canada during their tour.
So, imagine my joy when I read the Radville Star and learned they were going to be in Gladmar. I was so pumped to go!
I enjoyed my pictures and updates over the years and was so excited to receive the news I could meet Micheal during his tour with the Watoto Children’s Choir.
A nice group of Radville ladies joined me at the performance and it was such a pleasure to share that experience with them!
The Watoto Choir performance in Gladmar was exceptional and the experience was a one of a kind and wouldn’t be traded for anything! Meeting Micheal was almost like a dream, but it really hit home. The impact of such a small commitment can truly make a difference in someone’s life. Sometimes when I tell someone I sponsor a child they say, “I wouldn’t sponsor a child because I don’t know where my money is going!” I can now respond, “I know! I saw a healthy, happy young boy with high expectations of a great future!”
I can only hope that everyone could feel what that is like, “It is AWESOME!”
