Ugandans Adopt

Author: Aidah

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adoption open day event Video

Bonding, attunement and attachment in adoption.

Sarah Mirembe speaks at the get together

“Attunement is the perfect sync where my child will cry and I will know exactly why” Sarah Mirembe, child psychologist, Right to Improved Child Health (RICH Consult)

At our recent adoptive and prospective adoptive parents get together, we had an open forum where parents could share their worries and their joys about adoption. Sarah joined us and spoke on three key issues: bonding, attunement and attachment.

Adopting a child is an incredibly rewarding experience for many parents whether or not they have biological children of their own however, like most things, it doesn’t come without some worries. One of the biggest worries that parents can have is whether they’ll be able to bond with their adopted child.

Bonding or attachment refers to the emotional connection or the strength of the relationship between one person and another. In parenting terms, bonding is the relationship which develops between a parent and their child.

Bonding is crucial to the healthy development of an infant’s brain during the first two years of their life. It is most is successful when there is constant communication and contact between the mother or primary care giver and baby. In most cases, bonding is easiest when the child is adopted in infancy.

At Malaika Babies’ Home, once a child arrives they’re assigned one carer for the duration of their stay. This is so they can form attachments with their primary care giver and help to ensure healthy development. When an adoptive parent is matched with the child, there is a transitional period whereby the parent is able to spend time bonding with them before taking them home. This is also important for the child to transition the bond that they’ve developed with their carer. As all our children will have already formed healthy attachments this should be a time of great joy for both parent and child as they get to know one another. When the time comes to take their child home there should already be a strong bond developing between them which will only strengthen after more time together.

Carers at Malaika Babies Home

 

Could you give a child a loving family? For more information on adoption please send an email to [email protected] or call 0776110304

To watch the rest of Sarah’s presentation, click on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSS2dISFKPU

 

Categories
adoption

UGANDANS ADOPT: PARENTS’ GET TOGETHER

Last Saturday, Ugandans Adopt was delighted to host a get together for prospective and adoptive parents. When we started planning this event it was important to us that we make it as special as possible, especially as we were inviting prospective adoptive parents to join us for the first time. We chose Saturday morning to ensure all our guests could make it along as well as to keep it as relaxed and as informal as possible.

Parents interacting

 

For some time now, Ugandans Adopt has been organising regular events for adoptive parents however this time we decided to do something a bit different. We thought it’d be a great idea to invite prospective adoptive parents to give them the opportunity to hear firsthand from adoptive parents, as well as more from the experts and our team about the adoption process.

We were joined by our incredible social work team, including manager Aloysious and social worker, Maureen, who has been part of the team since 2010. The little ones were catered for and had plenty to keep them entertained with the help of Martha, one of our carers. We’d asked our guests to contribute to the fun by bringing a little something along with them so there were plenty of drinks and snacks for everyone, too.

Part of the Ugandans Adopt Team and Presenters at the event.

 

We included presentations from Carol Bankusha, Child Protection Expert, and Sarah Mirembe a renowned child psychologist who discussed the importance of attunement, bonding together and family life.  We were also lucky enough to hear from one of our adoptive parents as she shared her experience as a single parent: both the challenges and advantages. The interactive question and answer session that followed the presentations was informative (and eye-opening!) for lots our new guests. Recently we wrote a piece busting the most common myths and misconceptions  about adoption and fostering some of which were raised during the event, too.

We hope our guests had as much fun as we did as we’re already looking forward to the next one! It brought our Ugandans Adopt community together to celebrate and share the joy adopting a child can bring. Most importantly, it was a success because of the contributions of many, without which we wouldn’t exist. Thank you to everyone who came along and to everyone in the Ugandans Adopt community who made sure it was so much more than your average Saturday morning get together.

Check out more  photos of the event on our Facebook page @ Get together or  to find out about our next get together please call  0776110304  email [email protected].

 

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adoption Video

Fiona’s Rescue

On Friday  the 5th  of July  we told you that we had a new arrival at Malaika Babies’ Home, a beautiful little girl called Fiona. We received a call from the police station asking us for help and Maria, one of our social workers, went straight away. On that same Friday evening, NTV Uganda broke Fiona’s story on the evening news : Fiona’s story on NTV Uganda.

Fiona at the local police station

When children are abandoned it’s often in harrowing circumstances. We’ve had babies found in pit latrines, a bush on the side of the road, or even hidden in a plastic bag. Their mothers are usually in desperate circumstances and it’s heartbreaking these women feel they have no other choice.

When Maria arrived at the police station it soon became apparent that Fiona’s circumstances were very different – and even more shocking.

Fiona was rescued by a local night guard after he heard a disturbance at the housing development he was working at. In a half built house, he saw a man kneeling over a body and reached into his jacket pocket to pull out a flash light. The man heard the noise, grabbed the child and tried to make a run for it. The night guard screamed loudly, calling out for help and instinctively hit him on the back with a stick. He dropped the child and fled.

The night guard initially tried to chase after him but he panicked that someone else might return for the child and hurried back to the house. He rescued Fiona, who was naked and scared, and travelled with her to the local police station. The night guard initially reported attempted murder and rape but when he returned to the site the next day he noticed local herbs on the ground where Fiona had been, deliberately arranged. These herbs are commonly used for witchcraft in the area, more specifically for child sacrifice rituals. The police later found a wallet containing more herbs as well as African charms and talisman.

Fiona is estimated to be around 18 months old. She is healthy, strong and looks  to have been cared for well up until the incident. It’s likely that she was kidnapped. Efforts so far to trace her family have been unsuccessful but our social work team is working closely with the police to aid the investigation and reunite Fiona with her family.

When we found Fiona she was frightened and confused. She became instantly very attached to Maria, and now follows her carer, Edith, around everywhere.

 

She is traumatised by her experience, scared of people she doesn’t recognise and will only play by herself. Now she’s safe at Malaika, we’re going to nurture and care for her – helping her learn to trust again – while we search for her family.

Although this is the first case like this at Malaika Babies Home, child sacrifice is not uncommon in some areas of Uganda. Below we bring you  of Fiona’s journey at Malaika Babies Home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiRL6UCl7-Y

Categories
adoption open day

Rainbow International School Fundraises for Malaika Babies Home

We’re receiving more and more support from local organizations, churches and schools who have seen the Ugandans Adopt campaign across the country and have been inspired by our message.

Aidah, the Ugandans Adopt Communications Officer in Uganda, was delighted recently when the Brownie Guide pack at Rainbow International School chose to support Malaika Babies Home.

“When we received the email from Rainbow international School we did not know how to react. There have been lots of schools visit Malaika Babies’ Home to learn more about the care centre and what makes it different. We’re lucky our schools often bring donations for our children, such a baby wipes and all the things we need day-to-day, which is very generous. But this email was different. Not only did they want to learn more about our center but they also wanted to fund raise. I was absolutely not only because we had been chosen but because this amazing group of young women gave me a glimpse of what the future holds.

Brownies visiting

The Brownies had organized different activities to raise money, including two car washes, a disco and a car boot sale. We were invited along to the car boot sale as it was their final event so Robert, our Executive Director, Victoria, one of our social workers, and I all went along to see how they were getting on (and to see if there were any bargains, too!) We were warmly received by everyone and they couldn’t wait to tell us about everything they had been doing to support us.

I could not help tearing up as the Brownie Rep proudly handed over the generous amount they had raised for children of their age (UGX 1,030,000). A week later they came and visited Malaika Babies’ Home and, despite all their hard work fundraising, they still brought along lots of gifts for the children as well.It was a joy to spend some time with this amazing group of girls; they were so inquisitive and asked so many questions.

Learning about Malaika Babies' Home

They were able to spend time

playing and bonding with the babies and we all felt the time to leave came too soon – there were even some tear as they waved goodbye!We’re very pleased to tell you that we’ll be seeing them again soon as they have decided to fund raise for Malaika Babies Home every year. Thank you so much to the Brownies at Rainbow International School the very deserving supporters of the month!”

For more photos of the visit go to : Rainbow International Brownie Guide pack visits Malaika Babies Home

Categories
adoption Uncategorized

Six Common Adoption and Fostering Myths busted by Ugandans

We have received a lot of feedback from our  Ugandans Adopt  supporters and have put together the 6 common myths  that we have encountered over time. We  do understand that there are lots of reasons why you might feel that adoption is not an option for your family or worries you might have about getting the support you need to adopt a child.Here are some of the most common adoption and fostering myths – and the truth behind them:
1. Only Foreigners can adopt.

Our adoption wall

Our very existence dispels this myth. The 35 Ugandan families who we have helped to adopt a child as well as the overwhelming response and support we have received from Ugandan families is proof enough. We however  do consider  foreign nationals  who have been in the country for 3 years or more as  legally they are considered as Ugandan residents.

2.     Adoption is expensive

Some prospective parents mistakenly believe that it is costly and therefore only attainable for the rich. In fact, we charge no fee for our involvement in and facilitation of the adoption process. Our goal is that every child is placed in a loving and secure family. Although we charge no fees, however, there may be charges incurred through third party agencies including  Probation Officer and other legal professionals, covering transport, interview time, and paper work/official certification. If you have any concerns, our social work team is able to offer guidance when it comes to any additional costs.

3.      Adoption is a lengthy process

Some parents have come to us expecting to be given children as soon as possible. While we always aim to resettle children quickly, it is important we follow a thorough process. This includes an initial assessment, appearing before an adoption panel as well as spending time to bond with the child they will eventually adopt. We always advise our parents to look at the period leading up to the adoption as the “pregnancy” period. Just like it takes a mother nine months to carry a baby to term prospective parents should be willing to wait for these special children. This waiting period actually makes the experience extra special.

4.      Only married couples can adopt

One of the many single Mothers who have adopted from us.

Single people who are Ugandan residents can apply to adopt, as long as they are 25 or older. Single parents will be matched with children of the same sex, for example, a single Mother will be matched with a baby girl and vice versa. It is important the home you plan to share with your child is stable, that you have a strong family network as well as a stable source of income or job. For more information on the adoption requirements see: https://ugandansadopt.ug/faq/

5.      Adoptees can’t learn anything about their biological families until they are 18

Once your child is secure in your care you should let them know they have been adopted into your family. You may also wish to talk through some of the issues around their particular background if this is appropriate. Tackling the issues can sometimes seem daunting but it is better that the child grows up regarding adoption as an act of love instead of being told by someone else when it may come as a greater shock. Our social workers can help and advise you on the best ways to talk to your child about their origins and help them understand what adoption means

6.      All adoptees will have emotional or developmental problem

All a child needs is love.

There are some cultural perceptions surrounding children in the orphanages or children’s homes. There is no guarantee that a child from an orphanage or babies’ home will turn out problematic. How the family nurtures, loves and brings up this child will determine how normal and healthy this child is. Research actually suggests that development outcomes for most adopted children are similar to that of children in the general population. That is, adoptees do not show a high incidence of problems either in childhood or later in life. In some instances they turn out have a high self-esteem compared to their peers because of growing up in a stable and loving family.

We strongly believe that Ugandan Children belong with Ugandan families. It is important that our children grow up secure in their identity and traditions. To find out more about how you can join us please send an email to [email protected]  or call us on 0791777319

Categories
adoption

The Adoption Panel approves 4 adoptive parents

The Adoption Panel reading through the assesment reports
Adoption Panel during the last session

During its latest session, the adoption panel met and vetted four prospective adoptive parents. The Adoption Panel which is chaired by the Government of Uganda under The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development through Mark Riley comprises of Zainah Nakubulwa a supervisor with KCCA Probation Officer, Ruth Matoya a child counselor with Healing Talk, Christina Sempebwa   an adoptive parents, Rogers Mbazira of Viva Crane and Nandi Ketty a police representative attached to the Child and Family Protection Unit.

After the Social Work Team completes their assessment of the prospective parent this report is presented to the panel which then meets to review the report and meet the prospective adoptive parent. Upon approval by the panel, the parent is then matched with a child and the bonding process starts

This is what Amelo an adoptive parent posted on our Ugandans Adopt Facebook page  about her experience  with the  Adoption Panel , “I went through the adoption panel assessment last year. It was not as daunting as I imagined… Keep up the good work!”

Currently at Malaika Babies Home we have 25 children in our care. The social work team is in the process of working with families to resettle or find permanent foster care families for the rest of the children.

We are reaching out to other childcare institutions in Uganda to invite them to attend Panel if they have children who are available for adoption so the Panel can match them with our waiting list of Ugandan adoptive parents. Please contact [email protected]if you would like further information.

For more on the Adoption Panel, watch the video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCUn4xJnuts

 

 

 

Categories
adoption Video

Ugandans Adopt on NTV

Promoting National Adoption on NTV

As part of our media Campaign in 2012 we ran a comprehensive multi-media campaign in Uganda to promote national adoption and encourage Ugandan families to come forward to adopt children. Part of the Media Campaign involved a documentary and TV Talk Show that was aired on NTV. We bring you the highlights  in part 1, 2 and 3 below  :

Ugandans Adopt NTV Talk Show part 1

Ugandans Adopt NTV Talk Show part 2

Ugandans Adopt NTV Talk Show part 3

 

 

Categories
adoption

Why i do what i do

Aidah,  the Communications Officer of  Ugandans Adopt, shares her passion for her job and tells us why she does what she does:

“I have spent close to six months working with Ugandans Adopt and Malaika Babies’ Home each day brings something new. This morning one of our little ones, Hero left for his pre-settlement visit. We were all excited as we got him ready for his journey but he just wanted to wriggle away so he could crawl. Hero’s just learnt to crawl and uses every opportunity he gets to practice his new skill as much as he can! When we finally did strap him in, he gave us a resigned but cheeky look. These are some of the special moments that I never tire of.

Our little Hero safely strapped in

There are times when I have accompanied the Social Work Team to collect a child who has been abandoned when I could almost breakdown but, fortunately, this is always short lived. In our care, the babies are so quick to blossom and, above all, love again. Each child’s story is unique and I have gained a little something from every child I have gotten to know at Malaika.

Holding on
Little Saul holds on

What makes my job worth it is not just seeing a child go home but knowing, after our social workers conduct follow up visits, how truly happy they are in a loving family. It always brings a smile to my face. It is why I do what I do.

Happy Families

At Ugandans Adopt we strongly believe that every child belongs in a family. We would not be doing what we do without our supporters. Thank you so much from all the team at Ugandans Adopt for helping us make families not orphans.”

Find out more about how you can adopt or how you can help  contact Aidah on  0791777319  or send an  send an email to [email protected] 

 

Categories
adoption open day

CEO Lucy on Malaika Babies’ Home Third Birthday

We celebrated Malaika Babies Home 3rd birthday. Special thanks to our Communications Manager Aidah Agwang, Immaculate Atwine our Care Home Manager and Maureen Orogot for organizing such a great day.

Over 50 guests came to celebrate with us including other babies homes around Kampala including Sanyu Babies Home, Dwelling Places, An Open Door, Kaja Nafasi, Abana Ministries, Youth For Christ Uganda and Action For Children.

We were very happy to see Zaina, Michael and Agnes from Kampala City Council Authority Probation service – they work around the clock giving us care orders and we could not do our job without them.

Many children are referred to us by the Police Child Protection Unit so we were delighted to see Ketty Nandi, Stella and Carol. In the middle of the party we gave them, Carol Bankusha and Zaina a sneak preview of the video of the ‘Working Together’ Conference which will be releasing soon.

 

Police Officer Ketty Nandi

A few years ago adoption was practically unheard of here in Uganda, thanks to the government lead Ugandan’s Adopt campaign it is becoming more and more popular. We could not do this without the help of the media and we’d like to thanks Esther Namirimu and Penlope Nankunda from the New Vision, Sarah from UBC radio and Eseza from WBS who produced a children’s show all about Malaika!

Ugandans Adopt 100 babies

We were very happy to see adoptive parents Amelo and Christina who bought with them friends who have been inspired by their adoptions and filled our expression of interest form to start the adoption process. We don’t actually have any children currently available for adoption and a waiting list of Ugandan families who have been assessed and approved by the Panel waiting for a baby so we hope the babies homes around Kampala will work with us so more children grow up in families in Uganda.

Adoptive parent Amelo with her beautiful daughter.

Other wonderful guests included Julian from NSSF and Edith from Crane Bank, Social Workers from Mengo Hospital and Rubaga Hospital, our Local Councilor came to show his support and celebrity Barbara ‘Barbie’ Kyagulanyi wife of musician Bobi Wine bought donations and cuddles for the children.

Barbie cuddling a baby at Malaika Babies Home.

You might be wondering how we managed to get such incredible images capturing the day? That’s because Steve Greenaway www.stevegreenaway.com a remarkably kind and generous photographer from Australia is over for 10 days volunteering his expertise to work with me on a very exciting campaign which I cannot wait to share with you. Child’s i Foundation relies of people like Steve and you giving us your love, time and money and we cannot do this without you. Thank you.

 

 

Categories
adoption Uncategorized

HAPPY THIRD BIRTHDAY MALAIKA BABIES HOME

On Wednesday the 15th May 2013, the children and Staff of Malaika Babies Home celebrated their third birthday with an open day.  Malaika Babies Home in Mengo has provided emergency short-term care to over 130 babies. Over the past three years they have successfully found families in Uganda for 100 of these children through resettlement and domestic adoption. Their Social Work team put a lot of time and resources into tracing families and as a result 66% of these children have been resettled with their extended families.

Birthday Cake

 

 

 

 

The open day which was crowned with the cutting of the cake by the children at Malaika Babies Home was attended by  many guests including staff from other babies’ homes around Kampala, the Police Child Protection Unit, Probation officers, Social workers and adoptive parents who bought their children along to the celebration.

Nandi Ketti (carrying the baby) a Police Officer, Zainah a senior probation Officer and a guest at the Open day

Among the well-wishers was Barbie, Bobi Wine’s wife who donated an assortment of items to Malaika Babies Home. “It has been a wonderful day and we are very grateful for all the support of our supporters, the Probation, Police and other children’s homes” says Immaculate Atwine, the Manager of the Babies Home “Only by working together we can find families in Uganda for abandoned children

Barbie at Malaika Babies Home.

To see The New Vision’s article on the above, click on the link below:

Ugandans Adopt 100 babies