Mama Harriet, senior mother at Komamboga Children’s Home, Uganda
I was born in 1964 in Jinja. I started school there but we didn’t have enough money to complete my education, so I helped to make money for the family by selling charcoal and soap from a factory, while looking after my sister.
Later I did some secretarial training, worked in a sewing factory making protective clothing, and as a shopkeeper, but they were not very good positions.
A pastor at my church, who was on the board of directors at Komamboga Children’s Home, told me about the job of ‘auntie’ at the Home and recommended that I applied for it. I remember, on the day I went for the interview I was suffering from pneumonia and felt really ill but was so happy to be given the job.
I started working at the Home in 1999 and stayed for 20 years. I have seen many generations grow up and leave the Home, been to many graduations and weddings, and I am very proud of all the children.
With my retirement gift I have been able to buy a house with a small piece of land.
THANK YOU, Mama Harriet, for everything you have done for us over the years.
Here are some things that the children have said about you:
