We have asked the members of our leadership team to answer ten questions about their lives. (If you’d like, share your answers with us as well.) The AidChild magic is created by the efforts and partnerships of so many. We hope these will offer you insights into the layers and nuances of our work. (Look for more soon, and see Henry’s below.)

Ssenyonjo Martin
Senior Accountant 
(Pictured in AidChild’s Headquarters Offices in Masaka)

1.  What is your earliest childhood memory?

Joan Mutesi
Nurse Practitioner, Nkumba Clinic and Home

1. What is your earliest childhood memory? 

I remember when I was about four years old, my mum asked me to pretend to go for a nap after lunch–with my elder siblings.  She had a party that she was going to. But since she wanted to take only me, and she didn’t want the others to complain, she asked me to then sneak out of the house quietly so that none of them noticed, and we went.  I had so much fun at the party, but going back home everyone was annoyed and none of them was willing to talk to me.

2. If you had the choice to eat anything in the whole world, what would it be? 

I would eat matooke [Uganda delicacy of steamed plantain bananas], rice, and chicken.

3. You are happiest when you are doing what?

Praying, worshiping, fulfilling my obligations especially at my work, and when I meet my goals.

4.  Whom do you admire most in this world, whether living or dead?

I admire my mum for she has been a role model of strong woman and of what a loving mother should be to me.

5.  When power is off, what do you like to do most?

If am around people, I like to tell stories, but if am alone, I dose off.

6.  When power comes back on, what do you do first? 

Watch movies, listen to music.  I switch on the television or radio immediately.

7.  What do you most value in a friend?  (What traits or characteristics?) 

I always value friends who are honest, kind, trustworthy, faithful, truthful and loving.

8.  What talent would you most like to have?

I would like to be a flight attendant.  And why?  I always admire it for opportunities to travel around the world, meet new people with different cultures.

9.  Tell us one of your best memories about something that happened with one of our kids.

I remember the first time I arrived at our Masaka home, I met this incredible child name Kawalya Joseph, aged one year and half. On our first eye contact, something amazing happened as I held him in my arms.  He felt so comfortable as he lay on my chest even though I was a stranger to him.  It was so touching that as I carried him on my laps, we had a special bond.  In just a few minutes, he had started to sleep off.

10.  What did you have for breakfast this morning? 

I took coffee and bread.

Jjumba Henry
Lead Educator, Masaka Center (pictured here with our dear Simon Peter).  

1. What is your earliest childhood memory? 

My earliest childhood memory is following my big brothers to primary school and studying in Primary 1 classes without the knowledge of my parents.  I was supposed to be in nursery school.  This went on for a month.  The teachers later persuaded my parents to let me skip nursery and I remained in Primary 1.

2. If you had the choice to eat anything in the whole world, what would it be?

I would choose to eat game meat for a whole month!

3. You are happiest when you are doing what?  

When I am involved in an activity that is going to positively change or influence those around me and society.

4. Whom do you admire most in this world, whether living or dead? 

I admire Nelson Mandela for his commitment to change.

5. When power is off, what do you like to do most?

To play a game like football or rugby.

6. When power come back on, what do you like to do first?  

To listen to loud music indoors.

7. What do you most value in a friend? (What traits or characteristics?) 

I value honesty and reliability in a friend.

8. What talent would you most like to have? And why?  

I would like to have the talent of speech because speech has the potential to change people and society.

9. Tell us one of your best memories about something that happened with one of our kids. 

I remember little Cathy, 5, standing up one day during an interaction with all the kids and telling them to each take their medication on time like she does.  Most of the big kids were surprised that Cathy would say that (I inclusive).

10. What did you have for breakfast this morning?  

With the kids, I had a boiled egg, a banana, bread, soy porridge with milk. And it’s been another bright day!