How One Compassion Graduate Is Now Bringing Clean Water to Thousands: James' Story

I would describe poverty as a prison cell. When I was growing up, it felt like there was no way out. In my family we ate once a day, if we were lucky. And when there was no food, we drank water to survive. We didn’t care how clean it was, as long as it was water.

From the age of four I was walking a six-kilometre round trip just to fetch water for my family. I was often sick, my education was inconsistent, and life felt uncertain. School was seen as a luxury, not a right, and I didn’t know if I would ever get the chance to fulfil my dreams. But I thank God that in his grace, he had a plan.

My name is James, and this is my story.

My church was empowered to move

Life before Compassion was very difficult. Growing up in Banda, rural Uganda, life was defined by hunger, illness and survival. There was no guarantee of food, clean water or healthcare. I was just a young boy walking long distances with a heavy burden on my shoulders.

But change was sparked when my local church and Compassion came into my life. What started as practical support became the foundation of hope, education, faith and purpose.

When I joined the Compassion programme, I was given access to regular meals, healthcare, school support and people who genuinely believed in me. For the first time, I had stability. I could show up at school with a uniform. I had friends. I had hope.

Dorcas, my centre tutor – she was really, really kind. It built my self-esteem. The narrative changed completely – it shut down all the noises that existed in the background.

At one point, I was asked to write down what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote that I wanted to be an engineer. That simple act of naming a dream was the first step towards a future I had never considered possible.

From that point on, Dorcas called me “Engineer James”. That dream which I desired, she envisioned it, she prophesised it and I was an engineer as early as those years when I was in the programme.

James and Dorcas

The freedom God gave me is now multiplying

Those words gave me the skills and encouragement to become an engineer.

Today, I work with Compassion globally, providing technical guidance and oversight for water-intervention projects that reach individuals and families across all 29 countries where Compassion is ministering.

In Uganda, over the past seven years I’ve been part of more than 73 water interventions, serving more than 500,000 people. One community I worked with used to be known as the people who drink urine because they had no clean water. When we installed a borehole there was a transformation, they became known as the people who drink water. Clean water improved health, reduced illness, increased school attendance and restored dignity. That’s more than infrastructure; it’s life-changing impact.

James at the water intervention

Introduced to a hope that endures forever

The programme didn’t just support my physical needs; it shaped my spiritual journey. Through the local Compassion church partner, I discovered a relationship with Jesus that grounded every part of who I am. My faith grew through the people who walked alongside me, encouraged me, and challenged me to see my worth and purpose. Today I still pray and worship at the same church, serving on the church council and development committee.

James' church

I invite you to move with compassion

When I think about Gillian who sponsored me, I’m reminded that she didn’t have any idea how far her support would reach. She just said yes. Gillian followed Jesus’ lead and came alongside a young boy in rural Uganda. Today I’m living proof of how one decision can ripple into hundreds of communities.

If you’ve been moved by my story, know this: the life you help change today is not just one life - it’s a legacy of transformed families, flourishing communities and renewed hope.

When we follow Jesus’ lead and care for children like he does, the impact is profound.