At 12, Brenda sold cassava chips to support her mother and siblings. In 2008, a passerby noticed her on the streets and asked why she wasn’t in school. Learning of her struggles, she offered Brenda and her siblings a place in an orphanage (institution), promising education and financial support.
Life in the orphanage was not what Brenda expected. She and other children were restricted from communicating with anyone. Instead of support, she faced harsh treatment. Caretakers used offensive language, making her feel worthless. “They would say horrible things, and I felt so bad that I didn’t want to attend classes,” she recalls.
Then, everything collapsed. Sponsors withdrew funding, and the orphanage shut down. Brenda and other children were left without resources or guidance. “When you are in an orphanage, the world watches and waits to see what becomes of you,” she reflects.
With no other options, Brenda dropped out of school and took on casual work to survive and support her siblings. The weight of responsibility was heavy. When her parents separated, she struggled with depression and trauma, feeling lost and uncertain.
Her turning point came when she was connected without social work and care experienced leader s team. She was given training and provided with capital to expand her family’s silverfish business. She also received counselling from a Child’s i psychologist, helping her heal, rebuild confidence, and regain her mental health.
Brenda’s experiences with mental health challenges ignited a passion for supporting others. Through our Youth Wellbeing Champion Programme, she trained to provide mental health support to care-experienced youth in her community.
At first, young people were reluctant to open up. But Brenda persisted. She shared her story, built trust, and encouraged discussions on mental well-being. Over time, seventeen young people, including Patricia Anena, confided in her, benefiting from her guidance.
Many of the young people she supports have faced suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, and self-doubt. With her help, they are rebuilding confidence and hope for the future.
"We share our courage, understanding each other through good and bad times. We explore our talents, connect, and find solutions together"
Brenda has also become a mentor. Young people seek her advice and guidance on how to navigate life’s challenges. A passionate writer, she has penned books such as My Uncle’s Wife and Return of Mothers and Dreamers. She dreams of publishing her work, seeing it adapted into plays, and building a chain of businesses to realise her full potential.
Brenda’s story highlights the urgent need for better support for care-experienced young people. Too often, children leave institutions without financial security, emotional preparedness, or community connections.
As we approach Care Day on February 21, Child’s i Foundation and the Association of Care Leavers Uganda (ACLU) are amplifying the voices of care-experienced young people in Uganda and beyond. Their stories must be heard. Their needs demand action.
Join us. Share Brenda’s story, comment, and advocate for a future where every child grows up in a loving, supportive community. Together, we can reclaim hope.
