FAMILY BACKGROUND

Bill was born in Uguru, Unyama on December 12th, 1999. Bill is one of 5 siblings, he has 2 sisters, Carol aged 14 yrs, Franka aged 16yrs and 2 brothers Tony aged 11 yrs, and Paul aged 7 yrs. 

Bill is a good student who regularly attends his primary school. He has moderate to good health. He is a good pupil, and doesn’t cause any problems in class. He works hard at his school work, and plays well with others. He would like to become a Doctor when he grows up. However, if the teachers mention his parents to him, he will say they have died; he then drops his head, withdraws and is very quiet

Ocitti Godfry, Bill’s Father, was one of sixteen people killed by the LRA in a massacre which took place on 19th, September, 2002. This took place, prior to people of Unyama moving to the IDP camps.  

Akello Lucy, Bill’s Mother, was then left with 5 children to bring up on her own. She and her children left the IDP resettlement camp, and returned back home. Lucy was a strong and brave woman, who stood up for Lucy successfully identified the truth. Her neighbors were being attacked and robbed by a mentally ill army soldier. She was able to identify him, and went to the army officials to tell them what was happening. She requested their help, in capturing this soldier who was robbing and attacking her neighbors. The army sent a soldier with Lucy back to her village to try and identify the mentally ill soldier. Le man, however, this mad soldier tried to fire a shot and the army soldier, but the bullet struck her instead. As a result of the bullet wound she was taken to hospital, but a week later died as a result of this gunshot wound.  

PRESENT CARE

The children were then left in the care of their maternal Uncle – Orach, Biteck Cosmas. Bitek is a farmer by trade. Bitek has four of his own children, and was also taking care of seven of his brother’s children, the father of who had also been killed by the LRA.  Now that Bill’s mother had died this meant Bitek had the responsibility of looking after 16 children: - 4 of his own, 7 from another of his brother’s family, and 5 from Bill’s father - Ocitti Godfry. Due to the large number of children Bitek is unable to house them all. He has taken in two of Ocitti, Godfry’s children – Bill and Tony. The remaining siblings Paul, Franka and Carol are living with their Maternal Grandfather. However, Bitek has the full responsibility of feeding, clothing, and educating all 16 children.

We are happy to report that Bill and 5 other children orphaned by AIDS and the war were taken into the Home of Children of Hope in Gulu, Uganda in November 2009. The children are adjusting well, learning English, attending school and are happy and healthy. Their favorite sport is soccer and they all help daily with chores in the Home.