06/01/2026
FROM THE STREETS TO PURPOSE: MY STORY
For five painful years, the streets were my home.
Not by choice, not by desire—but by circumstance after the lost of my both parents.
Life on the streets was cruel and humiliating. Each day was a battle for survival. I searched through dustbins looking for leftovers, scraps, or anything that could earn me at least 100 Uganda shillings. That small amount meant everything to me. With it, I could buy a sack to use as a blanket at night, as we slept in road trenches, exposed to cold, danger, and fear.
But even that small hope was often taken away.
There were bigger, stronger street boys—full of energy and aggression—who would forcefully take whatever little money you had. If you failed to hide it well, you lost everything and remained with nothing but hunger and pain.
Every night was terrifying. They came for what we called “okukyekera”—an operation or check-up. Anyone found with money, scraps, or anything different was attacked and robbed. You were left helpless, empty-handed, and broken. Many strange and painful things happened on the streets during those years—things that still bring tears when I remember them.
Yet, even in that darkness, God was there.
In my fourth year on the streets, I made a small but sincere prayer. I said:
“Oh God, if You ever bring me out of this terrible life, I promise I will help others who are desperate and destitute like I am.”
I did not know how.
I did not know when.
But God heard that prayer.
Jesus Christ found me through His street evangelists. Where society had rejected me, Christ accepted me. Where the streets had destroyed me, Jesus restored me. Step by step, He lifted me from the dust and gave me responsibility, dignity, and purpose.
God is faithful.
Years later, He reminded me of that seed prayer I had made while sleeping in trenches. Today, by His grace, I am the Founder of DIVINE ALETAH CHILDREN AND YOUTH REHABILITATION CENTER UGANDA.
Currently, we are caring for 48 children and 15 teenagers. Most of them live with extremely poor guardians. As a ministry, we strive to clothe them, feed them, and provide education—not because we have enough, but because love compels us.
Honestly, the journey is not easy. Caring for these children daily is a great responsibility, especially when we do not yet have consistent supporters—no weekly or monthly partners to stand with us. This remains our daily prayer before God.
Therefore, with humility and faith, I call upon anyone whose heart is touched to stand with us with any little you can afford to save these innocent little engels. If you have any little you can contribute, please stand with us and help make a difference in the lives of these children. What seems small to you can become a miracle to them.
You are free to contact us.
And I truly believe that God will bless you abundantly for standing with the vulnerable.
Thank you .
Alex Bataliho
Founder, Divine Aletah Children and Youth Rehabilitation Center Uganda
