Meet the Kids
Gloria Marica
Date of Birth: 25th December 2004
Background: A man (Muses Byamkamo) brought her to the orphanage after he found her on the border of Tanzania and Uganda. On dropping her off at the orphanage he stated he had tried to find her parents and that he promised to keep looking. However, he did not return. In the brief records it briefly mentions the physical similarities between Gloria and the man, and it is suspected that they are possibly related.
Character: Gloria is a diva in the making. Offer her a mirror or any toiletries and she will probably be your friend for life. Although at times she can be a little madam and throw strops, she can easily be coaxed out of them. Moreover, she is supremely intelligent. On arriving at Nazareth she spoke only Swahili but within a short space of time she became fluent in Luganda. Additionally she quickly picks up English and does not need phrases, sentences and so forth repeated very much before she has them. Finally Gloria adores Muzungu attention and one has to be careful she still allows other children to share a volunteer’s attention, as she can at times be very protective.
Byakatonda Joseph
Date of Birth: 19th March 2007
Background: the local chairman brought Joseph. The father (Umbria Moses) claims that Joseph is not his as the mother had been unfaithful, and ultimately he was not wanted.
Character: Joseph is adorable and although is incessant crying during bath time or when he feels he has not got enough food, his humour of often placing his pants on his head quickly makes once fall in love with this child. Generally good-natured, Joseph is a comedy act, who knows how to amuse.
Jane Nakabuga
Date of Birth: 10th February 202
Background: their father brought Jane in June 2007 with her sister Bernadette. The father has AIDS and had previously taken the sisters to their grandmother’s but she could no longer take care of them. Occasionally the father comes to visit.
Character: Jane is very helpful and as slightly older than the 4 year old, is often required to make the beds and bring the mattresses back in. She loves to sing and laugh. As she is both shy and slightly older than the toddlers she does not receive as much attention but this young girl deserves it all, as she can be a surprise at times in her eagerness to both learn and please.
Bernadette Nakazilowe
Date of Birth: 19th May 2000
Background: their father brought Bernadette in June 2007 with her sister Jane. The father has AIDS and had previously taken the sisters to their grandmother’s but she could no longer take care of them. Occasionally the father comes to visit.
Character: Fairly independent, Bernadette does not rely on volunteers for attention. She adores playing board games and this is a fantastic method to get to know her better. Both helpful and kind she is an asset to the orphanage.
Babirye Blessing
Date of Birth 16th October 2007
Background: Babirye was brought to the orphanage by a couple after being abounded by her parents. Unfortunately her twin died but she interacts well with the other babies.
Character: An easily loveable bambino, who is currently trying to be potty trained. She has an inedible range of facial expressions that provide endless entertainment to all.
Josephine Hope
Date of Birth: 9th March 2008
Background: The mother abandonee Josephine at the house for about 3-4 days before someone eventually found her and brought her to the local council. Mr. Kakeeto Patrick then brought her to Nazareth.
Character: She has recently started walking.
Maria Gurreth
Date of Birth: 9th August 2007
Background: Gurreth was left in the house and found by a Mrs Tushabe, who the bought her to Nazareth, as she could not care for the child herself because she is a soldier.
Character: Referred to by the volunteers as Gretty, this toddler has bags of character. She is beautiful with her huge eyelashes and charms with her facial expressions and the dedication in which she goes about tasks. Yet, she is irritating when she wants to be held in the way in which she desires and she can be very persistent that she achieves this.
Allan Torre
Date of Birth: 6th May 2006
Background: Records simply state that “the mother abandoned the child with the father. He does not have time.”
Character: Allan arrived incredibly malnourished and lethargic, who would not smile and instead cry a lot. A nutrition programme has ensured he has gained the necessary weight and although he is slowly coming out is his shell, Allan needs a lot of encouragement and much more attention, otherwise he will simply sit or sleep in a corner with his index finger tucked endearingly inside his mouth.
Emma Valentina
Date of Birth: 14th February 2003
Background: Emma was abandoned to Mubagizi Lawrence, who then informed the chairman of the local council. The chairman informed the Nyendo police and they suggested brining her here.
Character: Emma is deaf and shows signs of been autistic, (although she has not been diagnosed) in addition to suffering from epilepsy. Most of the time she lives in her own world but will clamber onto volunteers and latch on. Emma knows no sign language and despite attempts to teach her, she displayed no indication of understanding or remembering. This further suggests that there is also something wrong with her, which her deafness makes even more difficult to diagnose. As a result of her deafness she is often left alone by the other children. Ultimately she needs to go to a school, which has the facilities that Emma deserves, which Nazareth cannot unfortunately presently care for.
Nakaweesi Bridget
Date of Birth: 12 December 2006
Background: Bridget’s father brought her saying that he would be back but never returned.
Character: Bridget has suffered from polio and is currently being treated for TB. She cannot walk and does not interactive with the other children. She does not talk and will cry when she wants her food. Yet, now that she has the medicine to treat the TB she is beginning to smile, which cannot be overstated as she would previously just slum forward all day.
Ivan Abel
Date of Birth: 27th December 2008
Background: Ivan is the youngest child in the orphanage and on his arrival he was incredibly malnourished, however, he is slowly beginning to gain weight.
Makanga Ponsiano
Date of Birth: around 09/2004
Background: His grandfather brought him to Nazareth Orphanage in 2005 as the mother was apparently still a student and the father he claims had run away.
Character: Makanga is somewhat like a lonely puppy. Unfortunately there are no boys similar in age, and he is often left out in games and general interaction. As a result he can compensate by bossing some of the younger children around. However, he is a wonderful child, who simply craves attention.
Andrew Kinsambwe (Needs a Sponsor)
Date of Birth: 11 December 1988
Background: His grandparents bought him to Nazareth in 1991. Both parents died in 1992.
Character: Andrew is one of the few older children and he is incredibly helpful. Although very independent he always helps with looking after the babies. Recently a new baby arrived and was in very bad health. Andrew personally cared for Ivan around the clock and consequently is referred to as dada by Ivan. He is an avid Arsenal supporter.
Daudi Lofton
Date of Birth 7 April 1993
Background: Brought to Nazareth in 1996. He has problems with his speech and hearing but doctor’s found nothing wrong with his ears. This is peculiar as he clearly has difficulty hearing. He has been diagnosed with epilepsy.
Character: As a result of his difficulty of hearing Daudi struggles academically.
Daudi is also one of the few older children and he is a superb help with manual labour. He can often taunt the other younger children, and takes things too far. On the contrary his relationship with the baby Gretty is charming and he takes particular care and interest in her development. He is an incredible aid, in particular with some of the babies.
Kato Ssentamu/ Wasswa Mawejje – Twinds
Date of Birth: 14th June 1999
Background: a person named as Abudala Mukiibi brought Kato with his twin brother. The man stated that the twins had stayed with their stepmother and that she had abandoned them. The father is believed to be alive.
Character: The twins are reserved and quite timid. They are incredibly helpful and do not complain when given menial tasks. In contrast with many of the other children they do not seek attention from the volunteers but enjoy their company in-group activities.
Kemigisha Grace
Date of Birth: 31st May 2004
Background: Grace’s Mother brought her to Nazareth, who claimed she was going to look for a job. However, she never returned to collect Grace. Grace has one sisters but she lives with another father. Grace’s father died when she was one.
Character: Grace is amazing with all the other children. She adores them all and loves to play with them. Moreover, she is a bright girl and one of the top students on her class. Yet, she can be distracted at school and teaches frequently report that she has to apply herself more. Grace declares that one day she will be a lawyer but her relationship and doting on the children, in particular towards Ivan suggest she will have a career in child development.
Birimuye Josephine
Date of Birth: 15th September 2005
Background: There is minimal information about Josephine’s background. A lady not related to her brought her to Nazareth in 2006. Josephine’s mother brought her to the lady, who then could not care for her anymore.
Character: Often referred to as Fina, and although only a 4 year old she is more suited to be described as a young adult. Over the past year her character has changed hugely; she no longer seeks volunteer attention and without even being asked does the dishes and sweeps the floor, (unheard of in most children her age). She has a partially close relationship with Gloria and Gift and the three of them are all about to start school together. Finally Fina is very intelligent, if you explain something once, she has usually got it. Her English if nurtured has the potential to be fluent.
Gift Nampiia
Date of Birth: 16th November
Background: Her father (Mike) brought her after the mother abandoned them, who then later died. The father declared that he could not care of Gift, although he still lives in Nyendo with many of his other children.
Character: Gift is a superb natured child and is debatably the most considerate out of all the children. On occasion she can be bullied by some of the other children about her big belly, which can upset her. Her closest friendships are with Gloria and Fina, as previously stated all similar ages, each displaying incredible potential.