Heart of Amazima: Meet Angela

 

Eight-year-old Angela Amoiti lives deep in the Ugandan village of Buyizia. As we travel on the washed out roads, Angela informs us this is her first time in a motorcar. Winding roads and thick trees hide the home where this beautiful girl lives with her mother, father, and sister Sarah.

Neighboring children meet us on the road and walk alongside the car to Angela’s home, which is comprised of two huts, one for sleeping, one for cooking. The living area is outside and there is no need for hallways and interior design when you live in warm air under wide African skies.

The outside of the mud house is painted with flowers and a wooden rack for drying dishes is set up just outside in the sun. Angela stands near by peeling a mango with a small knife as we take in all of the details of her home. She is kind enough to share.

Siraji is Angela’s Amazima mentor. He is in close contact with her family, visiting regularly and ensuring her overall health and well-being. Angela enjoys spending time with him because he makes her laugh. She also loves to ride her friend’s bicycle and play house with friends. When asked what her favorite thing of all to do in her free time, she responded that she loves to sing, especially at her church where she is a part of the choir. Singing time is also her favorite part of the Amazima Saturday program.

Before Amazima, it was difficult for Angela’s family to send both of their children to school and there was never a guarantee that there would be food for everyone. Because of Amazima sponsorship, Angela’s family is able to send their children to school without fear of not having enough money for food and clothing.

Angela’s parents are both waiting under a large tree outside of their home, with woven mats and wooden chairs at the ready, inviting us to sit down. Instantly a bowl of roasted ground nuts, a Ugandan favorite, is placed in front of us. The treat is still warm from the fire and we sit around chatting and eating crunchy handful after crunchy handful, and we get to know a little more about Angela Amoiti.

Angela and her sister are responsible for cooking, fetching water, washing clothes, and helping to farm the small plot of land that belongs to their family. Angela’s parents are considered “subsistence farmers,” meaning they do not farm for profit, only for the food they will eat. This is very common in many villages in Uganda, which leaves many families at the mercy of their crop from season to season. Angela’s family grows ground nuts, cassava (a root similar to a potato) and maize.

She may be from a different part of the world, but Angela is not so different from any other child. She loves her family and friends, enjoys sharing good food, and dreams about what her future will hold.

This is Angelina Amoiti and she is the Heart of Amazima.

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