Lotte’s Story

Lotte’s mother was shot and killed by rebels when he was a very young and he does not remember her. After his mother died, Lotte remained with his father for a few years, but his father’s new wife physically abused him, denied him food, forced him to work and taunted him about the death of his mother. Lotte’s father eventually sent him away and demanded that he no longer call him “dad”.  

Lotte was sometimes able to stay with his grandmother, but even she could not provide for him. At the age of 5, Lotte began trading work in nearby villages for food or a place to sleep at night. He would do things for people such as tending to cows, fetching water or digging in people’s gardens. Lotte explains that he has always had a strong desire to attend school. Although he could not pay school fees, he would sneak into classes just to hear the lectures.

Lotte joined the Peace for Paul family in 2013 and began his studies. He loves learning and says he is so lucky to go to school. Lotte is grateful to his sponsor and says “this is a turning point in my life! I am so happy for this new life and for a chance to work hard in school and to get good grades”.

Lotte loves playing football and hopes to become a doctor one day. During school holidays, he travels back to Northern Uganda and stays with the PFP resettlement liaison and social worker in the PFP house in Karamoja. Although Lotte does not have family he can safely stay with there, he is given the opportunity to know his homeland and to learn and be a part of his culture. He has the opportunity to visit cousins and other family members during the days there as well.