Page 13 - GDG Annual Report 2021

Global Development Group 13 Annual Report 2021

Providing Support and Care

through Restrictions and Lockdowns

In Uganda and South Sudan, Global Development Group and 227 mothers received a financial boost to help keep their
partners with Watoto to bring hope and restoration to business afloat.
vulnerable women and children. While the past year has
J210 Watoto Village Project has continued to provide a family
brought new challenges and uncertainty, these projects have
home to children without alternative options. Since Watoto
worked tirelessly to ensure women are empowered to provide
Villages began over 5,000 children have been holistically
for their children and children continue to be educated.
cared for - finding mothers to care for them, education to
In recent years, J416 Neighbourhood Development Program inspire them, healthcare to strengthen them, and a place to
has empowered thousands of women with training to call home. In 2020 we welcomed 164 new children and 3,277
establish their own small business, creating avenues for each children were cared for by mothers in family-style homes
mother to provide for her own children. Lockdowns and across three villages, while 98 children were reintegrated into
restrictions have greatly impacted these mothers’ livelihoods. the community. And despite the challenges of lockdowns
In response, we worked to find ways to make sure they had and school closures, the mothers and teachers continued to
the means to pay their rent, feed their children and earn an pour love into each child, working to ensure their education
income. While their businesses were forced to shut down 522 continued and they felt supported and at home.
mothers received COVID-19 relief packages to make ends meet,

Before the pandemic, Scovia was
equipped with business skills that
gave her the confidence to start
her own business, and allowed
her to fill an area of need when it
came. During the pandemic, she
realised people were required
to wear masks, but many in her
community didn’t have one to
wear. Concerned and wanting to
help, Scovia discovered a way to
serve others—she made and sold
masks. This is a radical shift. When
times of trouble hit, Scovia was no
longer a victim, but instead she
was thriving and helping others.