Abandoned at 23 years

“The sky is the limit for Gillian Ayebazibwe, who has already achieved so much.

Gillian’s life began with a rocky start when her father neglected the family, leaving her great-grandmother to raise five children.

Despite the hardships and challenges, Gillian, the second born in her family was a bright and determined child who excelled in school. She was cognizant of the fact that she had to be exemplary to her younger siblings.

‘My father, who I just started addressing as that because of the counseling I received from FAWE Uganda, never provided for the family. He was bitter because my mother was forced to marry him for his money after the death of her parents,’ Gillian tearfully expresses.

When Gillian’s great-grandmother passed away, Gillian’s future was bleak. Her mother cleaned people’s offices, fetched water, and carried bricks at construction sites to afford Gillian’s school fees for A’ level.

Gillian excelled and started to teach History and English in one of the remote schools in Kanungu District, which doubles as her home district.

The turning point was when her application was received by FAWE Uganda. After the impromptu visit to her home by the FAWE Uganda team, the organization took her on under the Mastercard Foundation scholarship until she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Education in Literature in English. In addition to the financial support, FAWE Uganda offered career guidance and mentorship.

Through Gillian’s dedication, hard work, but above all, hunger to change her family’s story, she landed a job as a teacher of Literature in English at Wobulenzi Ssaku Senior Secondary School.

As a teacher, Gillian is driven to inspire her students to fulfill their potential, despite the challenges they face. She goes out of her way to understand every student’s unique situation and helps them develop the necessary skills to succeed.

Teacher Gillian started a piggery project from the upkeep the Mastercard Foundation, through FAWE Uganda, gave her. She is now able to contribute 500,000 Uganda Shillings per month towards her family’s needs. She has also been able to open up a boutique for her mother in Kanungu town.

Gillian’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, anyone can overcome adversity and fulfill their dreams.”