Walking Together to Build Brighter Futures

Watoto is one of Global Development Group’s longest-standing partners, a relationship spanning over 18 years and more than $56 million in funding. This trusted partnership for the J210 Watoto Village Project provides holistic care for children, young adults and women in Uganda. Throughout Watoto’s three villages, 3,272 children are being supported with safe homes, education, vocational training, livelihoods, and emergency assistance.

Each of Watoto’s three villages has a primary and secondary school. Suubi village is also home to Hope Vocational Technical Institute. Last year, 2,694 students received education through Watoto schools, including 552 Neighbourhood children — the sons and daughters of mothers supported through the Neighbourhood program. In addition to the school students, over 500 young people studied at university or specialised vocational courses, ensuring every Watoto child is equipped to thrive in life and lead with purpose.

This work is carried forward by 289 dedicated teachers, librarians, administrators, and support staff. Among them is Pauline, who has taught at Watoto for twelve years. “I became a teacher to be an encouragement to the children, reminding them that what they are going through now will eventually get better,” she shares. “I’ve seen some of my students grow up and graduate. I love seeing them reach their dreams.” Through this partnership, GDG continues to support monitoring, accountability, and feedback systems across the organisation, helping Watoto meet and exceed global standards. This frees up the local team to focus on what they do best: walking alongside those most in need, building better lives from the inside out.