A life empowered by education

“FAWE Uganda has enabled me to be someone of substance and I now have a career.” Dorothy says proudly.

As the youngest of 4 siblings, Dorothy’s life has been transformed after being sponsored by FAWE Uganda.

Tragically, Dorothy lost her parents at a tender age and within a short space, 2007 and 2009. Dorothy’s good relationship with her aunt helped her through some difficult moments in her life for instance the aunt paid both her school fees and for her siblings despite having 4 children of her own. This was after Dorothy’s elder sister who had been looking after them after their parents’ demise got married and got more responsibilities in her new family.

Dorothy’s aunt later lost her husband in 2014 and cut off the support that was being rendered. This consequently made it difficult for Dorothy to continue accessing all the basic needs like clothing, feeding, paying school fees and rent for the entire family by herself.

A ray of hope came in when Dorothy’s aunt secured sponsorship for Dorothy from Emmaus Foundation Trust, owned by the late Father John Scalabrini. This bursary managed to take her till Senior 4. Dorothy’s desire was to join Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery however she didn’t make it and was instead admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor in Gulu. By this time paying tuition had become an uphill task and Dorothy dropped out.

No sooner had she left St. Mary’s Hospital than a family friend told her about FAWE Uganda’s scholarship opportunities. She applied and was later contacted and interviewed by the FAWE Uganda scholarship team where she came out successful.

“I was told to choose the school and course I wanted. I chose electrical engineering because it had always been my dream course,” Dorothy recounts with clear joy.

She received career guidance from the FAWE Uganda team and thereafter taken to Nile Vocational Training Institute where she successfully pursued a National Certificate in Electrical Installation System and Maintenance. Dorothy completed her course this year (2023) and has been retained by the company where she did her internship.

“With support from FAWE Uganda and Social Initiatives, my stay at school was worthwhile.” she proudly says.

“I made many beneficial friendships. I learnt to connect electrical equipment since FAWE Uganda bought me all the necessities that my course required ranging from overalls, safety shoes, a suitcase, blankets, a mattress and much more. My heart is full.” Dorothy adds.

“The bursary not only enabled me to continue with my studies but also natured me morally. During the FAWE Uganda annual convening in Mbarara, I learnt that morals cover 85% and education 15%. Without good morals therefore, no one can be successful in life even though they have a high level of education.” Dorothy says.

 Dorothy’s community has reaped from the benefits of her education. She has bought goats that earn them an income when sold and helped clear her grandmother’s medical bills using some of the stipend she received.

“Thank you FAWE Uganda and Social Initiatives for the support you offered to me, I am really grateful.”

Dorothy wants to advance in her education because she knows that upgrading her qualifications will give her a competitive advantage on the job market