Gemma’s story of hope

Based in the capital of Uganda, Kids Club Kampala has been bringing hope and love to vulnerable children in the slums of Kampala for the last 10 years. They help children who have been abandoned, provide them with emergency help and a safe place to live, whilst searching for and reuniting children with their families.

Gemma* was 8 when her mother became very unwell and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. As a result, Gemma was at risk of homelessness, so in 2018 she came to stay at Kids Club Kampala’s emergency care home. The hope was that Gemma's mum would recover but sadly a year passed and her mother was still unable to offer Gemma the consistent care that she needs.

With no other family options, Kids Club Kampala found a loving Ugandan family and took them through the process of becoming approved foster carers. This month the final approval and placement took place and Gemma has been able to move in with her new family! This family have the space in their hearts and lives to give Gemma the love she so desperately needs, along with the one-to-one attention and sense of belonging that is not easy to find when living in a group home. Gemma is also going to start attending school again, and is able to have continued contact with her mum.

Kids Club Kampala are delighted for Gemma and will be following up on her journey and how she settles in to her new family. They hope to be able to find suitable foster families for more children like Gemma in the future.

* Gemma’s name has been changed to protect her identity

Click here for more information on Kids Club Kampala.