Lamaro was volunteering via Global Volunteer Network specifically to learn the “ins and outs” of running an NGO in East Africa. During her placement at Happy Life Children’s Home in Roysambu, Kenya, Lamaro met 4 year old Caleb.

Every morning, Caleb desperately wanted to “play class”. Every morning, he would approach Lamaro and ask if they could play class together. The response was the same, “we can once I finish feeding the babies, making the beds, and mop the floors.” On the third day, this 4 year old made an executive decision: he grabbed a rag doll with yarn hair, quietly dip it in Lamaro’s bucket of soapy water and mopped the floor – and walls for some reason - alongside Lamaro. The walls didn’t need to be mopped but hey, Caleb just wanted to play class. During their mopping sessions, Caleb would repeatedly point to an object and say “And dees?” (And this), and Lamaro would reply with the English name. The game never got tired. Ever. Bonding over chores, colour games, the Lion King and crayons, Lamaro and Caleb became very good friends.

Caleb was a very curious and intelligent little boy full of love, resiliency, and giggles. To say he made a lasting impression is an understatement.

In the fall of 2007 he turned 5 and got the best birthday gift any child could hope for: being adopted locally and finally having a forever family.

“This organization is dedicated to my friend Caleb and the countless children worldwide just like him.” – Lamaro Holly Elissa

Our emphasis is woman and child welfare, protection, and empowerment.

All children deserve a safe space to grow, learn and play. All mothers, grandmothers, daughters and sisters deserve a safe space to raise these children, to earn a living, and to be free from discrimination and violence for simply being a woman.

We currently work to improve the welfare of vulnerable women and children affected by armed conflict in Northern Uganda with hopes to move into South Sudan in the next year.

“It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men.” – Frederick Douglas