By Abel Turinawe (Abel Rayana)
February 2025

When I lost both my parents as a child, I never imagined that one day I would be writing these words from the perspective of someone who has found purpose in helping others. Growing up without a mother or father taught me hard lessons—loneliness, hunger, and the feeling of being invisible. But it also planted a seed: I wanted to make sure no child had to face those struggles alone.

That seed grew into Children’s Dream Foundation Uganda. Founded in 2024, our organisation is small in resources but enormous in heart. Every day, I see children who remind me of my younger self. They need someone to believe in them. They need a uniform to wear to school, a meal to concentrate on, a hand to hold when life feels overwhelming.

My journey taught me that poverty and loss do not have to define a child’s future. With a little support, a child can dream again. And when I see our 20+ children walk into their classrooms with new books and confidence, I know that every step I took through the pain was worth it.

Because every child deserves a dream.