Belinda's story
Written by Julie Winning.
I remember meeting Belinda in 2016 when she had just failed to get enough points in her A levels to continue to the next stage in her education. We wanted to find out what happened.
When we asked about her English results, she described her situation…
She didn’t have access to all the set texts.
There were over 60 students in her classes, so getting any help was difficult.
For IT lessons, not all the computers worked and availability was scarce.
Additionally, electricity was sporadic, so any use of the computer was unreliable.
She wasn’t complaining. This was just how it was.
That was school. But what she said next has stuck with us since that day. It frequently comes up in our conversations about education and has profoundly influenced our decisions about other children…
“Home isn't conducive to learning.”
Belinda’s bed, shared with her siblings. The bed is the width of the house.
Belinda’s sister, Linda, standing outside their home. Their mother takes in washing and sells samosas. On this day she had been sent home from school for lack of school fees. Her mother had to choose between paying rent or school fees.
Belinda convinced us that given the right opportunities she would succeed.
Through Karis and the support of her link family, she was registered at a boarding school to repeat her A level second year and improve her grades.
She ended up completing 2 academic years in the space of a year.
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Last month, Belinda graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Development Studies from Makerere University.
Now her sister, Linda, is now studying for a degree in Transport and Logistics at Makerere Business School.
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Through the generous support of supporters like you, two young women were given the opportunity to change the story of their lives.
We pray that she will be able to use her education to improve the lives of others and that she will find employment to help support her family.
We thank God for the answered prayer for Belinda and Linda, for the Karis team’s mentoring of the family and for the faithfulness of the link family in supporting and believing in Belinda, Linda and the rest of the family since 2009.
They are all a remarkable example of God's grace and blessing.
Help break the cycle of poverty in Uganda
Here are two ways you can be of practical help today…
Become a family partner
Register your email to start the process of becoming linked with a Ugandan family (or find out more information).Donate to our Further Education fund
Donate online using the reference ‘Further Education’. Or contact us for our bank details.