Ugandans Adopt

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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

Categories
adoption

A Mother’s love: Maria and Patricia’s Story

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

 

At Ugandans Adopt, we think all of our little ones are special. We couldn’t possibly choose favorites but sometimes it’s hard to describe how wonderful these little people are.

Patricia arrived at the  Babies Home after she was abandoned at Mulago Hospital. Our social work team spent over three months trying to trace her family, including placing adverts in local media. After they’d exhausted all possible leads we made the decision to try and find her an adoptive family.

Patricia was then matched with Maria, already a mother to a seven year old girl and a successful hairdresser. However, our social work team deemed her home unsuitable for a young baby and were unable to approve the match – but Maria was determined that nothing could keep them apart.

Patricia and Mum

 

It took three months, but Maria persevered. She managed to move to a new place which our social workers approved and, after spending time bonding with Patricia, she finally took her daughter home. We have  visited them over time and are always  delighted to find a very happy mum and baby. Patricia spends almost all of her time in mums lap or  next to her – it’s clear they absolutely adore each other. It is always wonderful to see the transformation in Patricia, too. At the Babies Home she was always a cheerful baby, although sometimes quite shy, but with her new family she seems almost ecstatic. She is  constantly smiling and Maria tells us she loves being pampered!

Thanks to Maria, who wouldn’t let anything stand in the way of  her love for her child, Patricia has the chance to grow up in a loving family. And thanks to Maria for helping us to make families, not orphans.

Categories
adoption Uncategorized

A Social Worker’s Perspective

Maureen Orogot  (pictured) is a Family Placement Social Worker with Child’s i Foundation. Child’s i Foundation runs Malaika Babies Home a short-term transitional care center for abandoned babies in Mengo. This is what Maureen had to say:

I believe that the best place for a child to grow up is in a family or community setting. Years of research has shown that children who stay in an institutional setting for any longer than 6 months can sometimes be damaged psychologically if they do not receive proper care. In a family setting, children learn to love and be loved and feel part of a family.

I would like to encourage all Ugandan Families to open up their hearts and homes to children. Especially to the children who have no one. In this way they will grow up with an identity, a home and a sense of culture and belonging.

Most people are apprehensive when it comes to adoption. Some of the prospective parents mistakenly believe that it is costly and takes a lot of time. There are also 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.

Some prospective adoptive parents are sometimes reluctant to answer sensitive questions. These questions are a very important part of the adoption process. We have now processed 32 adoptions and so far we have not had one placement breakdown and I believe this is because we do such thorough assessments. We need to find out as much information to ensure parents can meet the needs of a child and we support the parents every step of the way.

Some parents come to us expecting to be given children in the shortest period possible. Some drop out when we explain the whole process because it can take up to 6 months. We follow a process that includes assessment, appearing before an adoption panel and 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 makes the experience extra special.

Adoptive parents sometimes tend to withhold vital information during our assessments. This information is very important especially when it comes to matching them with the right children.  As social workers we do understand Parents’ fears . It is our duty to cater for both the parents’ and child’s interests in this case.  Whereas the child’s best interests are priority we also take the prospective parents’ interests are equally into consideration.

On some occasions we note that its only one party interested in the adoption. At times the spouse or family members are not interested and yet it is important for an adoptive parent to have strong support network which usually strengthens their ability to nurture a child whether adopted or biological.

Children are a gift and bring joy to a family regardless of their health status or nature of growth. Parents come to us asking for a normal child health. The most important thing is how the family nurtures, loves and brings up this child will determine how normal and health this child is.

It’s important to all Parents to know that children are a gift from God whether biological or adopted. Most adoptive parents ask for a particular age for a child which at times becomes an issue because when the process is being carried out the social worker is able to find out what age is appropriate for a certain family and where a child suits best. Because it’s always about the child’s best interest first.

Categories
adoption

Spreading the Adoption Gospel

Of Adoption and delayed Obedience at Refreshing Assemblies Muyenga .

Last Sunday, as it slowly drizzled  with rain we thought to ourselves  this is a blessing. Mother Nature was  rooting for us on this particular Sunday morning. The previous mornings had been characterized by heavy rain downpours – but not this morning. By 9am we were at Refreshing Assemblies church in the green and quiet suburbs of Muyenga hill.

As soon as we entered the church we could feel the close knit relationship of this congregation. We were greeted by an usher at the entrance and with warm smiles as we made our way in. We felt at home right away.

After the praise and worship session, Pastor Moses introduced us to the crowd. He spoke very graciously about our mission at Child’s i Foundation before I took the floor. As I held the microphone I felt calm as I couldn’t wait (and because I had spent half the night going through the presentation and my notes!) When the words Ugandans Adopt flashed across the screen I was ready.

                                                                  Part of the Ugandans Adopt Team at the presentation.

Our team was talking to the congregation about domestic Adoption and fostering in Uganda. We were taking the congregation through what it means to adopt, who can adopt and why Ugandans should adopt. And above all what it means to open up their hearts and homes to these abandoned children. How time flew fast

The highlight of the presentation was when we played Katie’s story  and saw  different emotions play out on the congregations’ faces. There was sadness, pain and then joy.Katie was abandoned a few hours after birth.However she found love and a family through adoption.

                                                                                    Katie and Mum.

When I finished, there was deafening silence. For a split second I was not sure what to expect until the congregation broke out into thunderous applause. It was the most rewarding experience.

Pastor Moses took over the pulpit and spoke about adoption and the church. He passionately appealed to the congregation to listen to their hearts, ending with “delayed obedience is disobedience.”

After the service we had a great time meeting the congregation members. The great news is most of the members asked for directions to Malaika Babies Home, our transitional care centre. The women’s group headed by Pastor Moses’ wife has pledged to visit Malaika as part of their outreach, too. Even better news is that we have two new prospective adoptive parents. Over all it was a Sunday well spent.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to Pastor Moses and everyone at Refreshing Assemblies church for welcoming us – and for pledging to support us in any way they can.

We would love to visit your church, school, organization or business to talk about Ugandans Adopt. If you would like us to come along and present or if you’re interested in learning more about adoption please email [email protected] or call us on 0794948309.