2007 Memory Portraits

“Rebecca aka Becca is the first born of Betty, a young mother who had her first child at the age of 13. Becca’s other siblings are Ceasar and Gloria. The children and their young mother are all staying at the El-Shadai home. Betty is trying to improve her situation by taking tailoring and design classes. Becca’s father does not recognize her as his child.

She is a very shy girl but she loves trying to speak different languages. She also loves playing with dolls.” Rebecca’s Story from El-Shadai Home, 2007

“Edward aka Eddy was born in Mombassa. He was brought to Uganda to live with his grandmother. His mother was a prostitute in Mombassa and she died of HIV/AIDS, his father (who he has not seen or known) was from Germany, America or Britain. Eddy went through difficult times and was rejected and abandoned by relatives and his people because of his “mixed” color. He resorted to watching films and sleeping in video halls and discos. He began searching for anyone who could help him and found Stephen, who accepted him into El-Shadai Family. Eddy doesn’t like to be reminded of his parents and thinks of El-Shadai as his real family. He is adjusting well now and is focused on his education. He is currently near the top of his class and wants to become a lawyer so that he can advocate for the underprivileged.” ~ Edward’s Story from El Shadai, 2007

“Sam was left an orphan when both his parents died of HIV/AIDS. His mother was originally a prostitute in the Kampala slums. He was rejected and abandoned by family members after the death of his parents and forced to live on the streets. At the age of six, he was begging for food and money at tourist locations. Sam, known as the ‘Mayor’ of the streets, was a street boy for many years before being brought to El-Shadai family home. He met Stephen and desired to leave street life so that he could return to school.

In his future, Sam hopes to become a pastor or a person who can help others in many ways.” ~ Sam’s Story from El-Shadai Home, 2007

Sam with his portrait from Larry

“Sarah is from a remote and primitive tribe in the eastern region of Moroto district. She came with her mother to the Jinja slums after the death of her father and spent 8 years on the street eating and picking food from garbage to survive. Her mother eventually went to the capital city of Kampala and left Sarah in a Masese slum before coming to El-Shadai.

Sarah loves singing and dancing traditional African tribal dances and enjoys sharing her talents with others.” ~ Sarah’s Story from El-Shadai Home, 2007

“George was born in Bugembe, close to the El-Shadai home. George’s parents are alive but because of polygamy the father has many children who are not cared for. The parents divorced and the children remained with the mother but is unable to support them. George had no choice but to live on the streets until coming to the El-Shadai home.

George is a vibrant boy. He loves playing games, especially football. He also enjoys singing and is an excellent chess player.” ~ George’s Story from El-Shadai Home, 2007

George receives his portrait from Josh

“Gloria is the third born of Betty, a young mother who had her first child at the age of 13. Gloria’s other siblings are Rebecca and Ceasar. The children and their young mother are all staying at the El-Shadai home. Betty is trying to improve her situation by taking tailoring and design classes. Gloria’s father does not recognize her as his child.

Gloria is good at imitating older children and is very quick at learning new words and has a great pronunciation of English words. She wants to join all of her brothers and sisters in school and start her education.” ~ Gloria’s Story from El-Shadai Home, 2007

“Joan was taken to her grandparents deep in the village of Kalungami after she was neglected by her mother and rejected by her abusive father. She was treated as a house girl with constant chores. Education became a challenge as well, because of the long distance she had to travel to attend school. Joan came to the home where she joins her siblings. She shares the same father with Peace, Frank, and Fred and the same mother as Peace. Joan witnessed and experienced much domestic violence and rejection and is still undergoing counseling to recover from the trauma.

Joan enjoys music, dance and drama. She wants to become a nurse in the future.” ~ Joan’s Story from El-Shadai, 2007

“Anthony lost his father when he was two years old. His mother remarried but the stepfather rejected him. In addition, he was affected by problems with rebels and cattle rustlers in Northern Uganda. Anthony was taken to a village where he had endured much torture, to the extent that he developed chronic ulcers on both legs for five years. He has since been treated and is now completely recovered. He is currently studying at Busoga junior in primary six and is the proud speaker for the school (2,500 students).

Because of his skills in math, he would like to become a bank manager.” ~ Anthony’s Story from El-Shadai, 2007

“Frank shares the same history as his brother Fred. His mother died after being kicked in the stomach by her alcoholic husband. She was seven months pregnant when she died. His relatives were not taking care of him apart from manipulating and abusing him. Until coming to El-Shadai, he had almost no parental care and had only seen neglect. His father would often beat him because he resembled the mother.

Frank is active, although reserved and in need of counseling due to the torture he faced during his childhood. He loves running and playing football and anything with music. He is performing well at school and he wants to become a Pilot.” ~ Frank’s Story from El-Shadai Home, 2007

“Emmy is the first born from a family where the father died of AIDS and left his mother with no hope. His father died of AIDS, but did not tell Emmanuel’s mother about his illness until after he had infected her. El-Shadai home now financially supports his mother who is now receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS and the children. Emmy has gone through physical and psychological torture from which he is still recovering and receiving counseling.”