Mayi N.’s Story

Mayimuna (Mayi) is 7 years old now, but she first came to Peters Heart Uganda two and a half years ago when we went out in her neighborhood to enroll new children for PHU support in education and health.

By the time we first met Mayi and her mother, the father had abandoned them and they were living in a single rented room. Though Mayi was school-age, without income her mother had no chance of sending Mary to school.

Peter’s Heart came in to help out by sending her to Muteesa II Memorial School and providing some medical help through Mengo Hospital. Initially, Mayi was a little selfish and unfriendly, a result of her hard early childhood and the abandonment of her father

The mentors wrote “we want to praise God for the progressive change that has been seen in her life since she joined the Peter’s Heart program. She has become very friendly, loving and socializes with others and helping out in activities both at school and at PHU office whenever they come for center days. Now she is able to participate in activities like washing dishes willingly, and the class teacher testifies about Mayi being cooperative at school.”

Academically, she has registered good results according to her recent term reports from Muteesa II School.

Through this process, the mentors have been able to help her mother, Hattie, acquire a job at the neighborhood restaurant where she works in the kitchen. She peels Irish potatoes for making chips and cleans dishes.

Mayi sometimes helps her mother in the restaurant.

Hattie is now able to support her daughter, Mayi, with some of the school fees which makes her feel proud and gives her dignity.

Also, this income has helped them get out of the flood area to a better room which is in a raised place where it does not flood. In their room, Hattie has been able to acquire household items like a good bed, a mosquito net, and a second mattress for Mayi who is now growing bigger. Their room looks so beautiful and clean.