In Uganda and across the region, many children from vulnerable families are placed in institutions with the hope of receiving an education or better care. But the reality is often different. In fact, research shows that 80% of children in orphanages have at least one living parent.
Rose was just four years old when she was separated from her family and placed in Peace Portal, a local care institution. Her mother, Erusa, hoped it would give Rose a chance at an education she couldn’t otherwise afford.
“While at church, our pastor shared that there were kind-hearted people willing to support our children’s education,” Erusa recalls. “Out of my six children at the time, I could only send one, and I chose Rose because she was the eldest.”
For eight years, Rose lived in the institution. While she went to school, she missed her family deeply—especially her siblings. Her mother visited occasionally, but the separation left a lasting emotional gap.
Rose’s story is not uncommon. Many children in institutions struggle with loneliness and the deep impact of being away from the people who love them most. Children thrive best when they grow up in safe, supportive families.
In 2020, thanks to a collaborative effort between Child’s i Foundation social workers, Peace Portal which was transitioning, the Government of Uganda, and community volunteers , Rose was safely moved out of institutional care and reunited with her family.
The institution she once lived in is now being repurposed into a community hub, helping to keep families together and connected to services and support.
“I was happy to receive my daughter back home, as I would take a long period of time without seeing her. She has also got the opportunity to bond with her siblings as she is always caring for them.”
To support the family’s stability, Erusa received finance and business training and seed funding to open a small retail shop through our Income Generating Activity (IGA) programme. With determination and hard work, she’s grown her business, built a proper home with sanitation, and even works extra hours on nearby farms to increase her income. Her goal is to expand her shop and continue building a better future for her children.
“I feel so happy to be back with my siblings!” says Rose. “We have so much fun together and keep each other entertained!”
Now, Rose has completed her primary education and is thriving at home—where she truly belongs.
This story is not just about Rose, it’s about what’s possible when governments, communities, social workers, and families work together. It’s a reminder that reunification is possible, and that every child deserves the love, safety, and support of family.
