From Orphan to Rotarian in Spirit and Action - Chris Ochaloi, Rotary Club of Central Soroti, Uganda

Posted by Mukund Nori

on Jul 13, 2011

Christohper Ochaloi grew up in rural northeastern Uganda in the district of Kaberamaido. He was orphaned as a teen and faced many serious challenges as a boy. He realized the importance of a solid education, and although he thought it was unattainable, he earned a scholarship at the Uganda Christian University in Mukono. He graduated with a degree in divinity in 2006 and became a chaplain and teacher at a school in Kaberamaido.

Chris grew up in rural northeastern Uganda in the district of Kaberamaido. He was orphaned as a teen and faced many serious challenges as a boy. He realized the importance of a solid education, and although he thought it was unattainable, he earned a scholarship at the Uganda Christian University in Mukono. He graduated with a degree in divinity in 2006 and became a chaplain and teacher at a school in Kaberamaido. Chris also took on the care of his niece and nephew, after his sister and her husband both died from HIV/AIDS. These children would not have been able to attend school, or even survive, without his care. This is a situation with which, he as an orphan himself, was familiar.

Chris was instrumental in starting the Soroti Central Rotary Club in 2008. He currently serves as the club secretary and is a Paul Harris Fellow. In addition, Chris is in the final stages of earning his masters degree at Kampala International University in Nonprofit Management and Development.

Chris has identified all 14 locations that are now recipients of borehole wells...and clean/safe water. This work has been done with Call To Care Uganda, St. Andrew's Church, the Association of Women's Business Leaders, six Connecticut Rotary Clubs and Rotary International. This program has helped over 10,000 people.

In addition to being a primary caregiver for Calvin and Josephine, a Rotarian, and a student, Chris has mobilized committees in all villages who now have wells. He shared his dream for a children's center to bring aid to the children of the rural district of Kaberamaido with Call To Care Uganda. Together, they have worked tirelessly to form an idea into what is now a key project for Call To Care Uganda, on which Chris sits as the "Chairman of the Uganda Committee." He is also on the Board of an NGO called Kaberamaido Child Care Organization or KACCO (pronounced ka-cho), which he started.

Chris is married to his wife, Grace, and they have a two-year-old daughter, Martha.