Sophia - 18 years
2nd grade secondary school (Bwongyera Girls, Ntungamo). The income of Sophia’s parents is not enough to pay school fees for their four children. Therefore, they are supported by the foundation. “Auntie Rosette used to feel upset with my performace and telling me to work hard. I didn’t understand, until when I joined secondary school and saw young girls becoming beautiful girls and the competition is very serious. Everyone works hard to win and I am also inspired to work hard when the results come back and I see candidates celebrating who performed well. Thank you, auntie, for not giving up on us.”
Risha Martha - 17 years
7th grade Kashanda Primary School. When she was small, Risha already looked forward to living in the big city of Kampala one day. “I must admit that I am not a very smart girl, but I am proud of my auntie who keeps telling me to keep trying and not give up. I hope that one day I will also make you all proud. I really want to join secondary school like Elizabeth and the others, but in case I don’t get good grades please give me another chance in another school. I don’t want to stay at home when everyone else is at school to develop themselves.”
Gift Rachel - 17 years
7th grade Kashanda Primary school. Gift’s father died and her mother could not take care of her anymore. Before she went to boarding school, Gift moved to stay with her aunt Molly so that she could go to school. “I thank God that I am now in boarding school and maybe when I perform better next year, I will also join secondary school and stay away from my mother who has become an embarrassment to me. She is very sick, but she can’t stop drinking alcohol and now her situation is getting worse. I wish she can also be like auntie Molly and the other women in the village who are responsible.”
Lucas - 16 years
1st grade secondary school (Kyamate secondary School). Since he was young, Lucas wants to become an engineer. He is always busy collecting old batteries and repairing old radios. “Finally, I joined the school I loved and I am slowly making friends and getting used to the new school. The curriculum for secondary schools changed with our year so now most of the learning is a bit different but it’s okay the teachers explain to us everything. Other than attending classes, my best day is Visiting Day when we get visitors from home with some shopping, and I am part of the school sports team. Thank you, Auntie Rosette. First you paid our school fees, then you gave us bikes and clothes and a house with electricity. And now I am in secondary school. This is too much for us to say just thank you. I know you love us. I want you to know that we also love you.”
Brandon - 16 years
7th grade Kashanda Primary School. Brandon had a difficult time after his father passed away, but now he feels confident again. “Nothing made me happy like being promoted to primary 7 after home schooling which you provided for us. I feel sorry for the other kids who were in the same class with us before covid but didn’t get the opportunity to study during lockdown. Some kids used to discourage us and say that auntie Rosette is wasting time and money so this promotion came at the time when we really needed it. My aim right now is to get a first grade or second grade. Thank you all for supporting us always.”