‘THANKS TO THE SCHOLARSHIP, I CAN GIVE MY BABY A BETTER LIFE’

Leah Ajolo is a Fashion & Design student at Nile Vocational Institute. Thanks to a scholarship from Gered Gereedschap, she can pursue this education. We spoke with her about her experiences.

‘I come from the Teso Sub-region in Eastern Uganda, an area greatly affected by the issue of teenage pregnancies. Unfortunately, I was also a victim of this situation; I became pregnant shortly after taking my ordinary level exams.

With seven other children at home, my parents struggled financially. As the eldest daughter, I felt the pressure to support my family, but due to my pregnancy, it seemed like my chances of further education had slipped away. Eventually, my parents decided that I should enroll in a national certificate course at NVI, hoping that after graduation, I would be able to help them with the education of my younger siblings.

Despite this, I found it difficult in my first year. The financial situation of my parents, who were poor farmers, made it a challenge to gather the required school fees. I was often sent home to collect school fees, and there were long periods when I had to wait before returning to school because my parents couldn’t gather the necessary resources in time.

At a crucial moment, Gered Gereedschap came into the picture. This scholarship has really helped me because it ensured that I could stay in school and continue my studies. I am determined to sit for my final exams in December 2024. After graduation, I hope to find a job or even start my own business. My dream is to support my family and take good care of my baby.

In addition to the financial support, Gered Gereedschap also provides our institute with the necessary sewing machines that are essential for our learning. These resources have enriched my educational experience and helped me develop the skills needed in the fashion and design sector.’