Lillian Atholere
My name is Lilian Atholere, from Ntoroko District. I was born into a middle-class family, so primary education — even in a rural setting — was not a major challenge for my parents. I attended Margarita Primary School in Kasese for my primary education. I grew up with a passion to study, and that drive helped me top my class academically; it also helped me score 6 aggregates in my Primary Leaving Examinations.
A Scholarship, and a New City
At the time, the Woman MP for Kasese District was looking for girls to sponsor for secondary education, and I applied. Because she prioritized girls, I received the scholarship and joined St. Mary’s College Lugazi for my O-Level — the first time I had left my district, and my first time in Kampala. The scholarship covered only half my school fees; I had to cover the rest, along with other school requirements.
There was no room for failure — we were told repeatedly that the scholarship would be revoked for poor performance. This pushed me to work very hard, and in Senior Four I scored 13 aggregates, a first grade. My good performance earned me another scholarship. I took on sciences at A-Level, but things were not easy, and I missed out on a government university scholarship.
Working to Get to University
During my Senior Six vacation, I took a job at a secondary school, earning UGX 100,000, which I saved toward university admission since my parents could no longer support me financially — they had already struggled through O-Level, where they had to provide half of my school fees.
My mother enjoys reading newspapers, and one day she told me about an organization called FAWE Uganda that was advertising university scholarships, and she encouraged me to apply.
What FAWE Uganda Meant to Me
If it were not for FAWE Uganda, I don’t think I would have made it to university, because the challenges I faced during O-Level were tough. I almost missed registration for my UNEB exams for lack of finances, and I nearly gave up on studying altogether. I had also lost my confidence because of the embarrassment of repeatedly being sent home from school for non-payment of various fees. I faced hunger too, since my parents could not give me pocket money to buy food — which made me feel out of place at a school full of children from wealthier families.
“I am forever grateful to FAWE Uganda for giving me the opportunity to study and complete my education.”
I graduated with a Diploma in Nursing from Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery, and I plan to pursue further studies in Medicine and Surgery, specializing as an orthopaedic surgeon. I also plan to support the education of at least five girls from my district, from primary level all the way through university.