As the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll, Paul Ampire worried about how he would continue his secondary education without the necessary school fees. Yet, the pandemic proved to be a blessing in disguise. With schools in Uganda closed, Paul seized the opportunity to work on banana plantations and other side hustles to earn the much-needed money for his tuition and scholastic materials when schools would reopen.

“I worked on other people’s banana plantations. After working for a while, I bought a goat, then sold it for 300,000 Uganda Shillings. However, this was not enough to pay the full school fees. For the remaining amount, I was forced to work different side jobs during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2022, and luckily, I managed to raise it,” Paul narrated.

As the new school year approached, he decided to switch schools. He believed his dream school would offer better education than his previous one, which he described as a small poor school.

“One morning, after walking approximately 10 km, I arrived at Muntuyera High School-Kitunga, my dream school. I told my story to the headmaster. He enrolled me, and I went back home. Later, I paid 490,000 Uganda Shillings, which I had saved towards school fees. I was very excited,” Paul shared, beaming with joy.

Finally, Paul started studies at his new school, but he was uncertain about how he would get the next tuition and other requirements. One afternoon, Paul got an opportunity to meet the headmaster of his new school, who asked him if he had brought all school requirements. “I have black shoes which I have been using since Senior One. When they get old, it’s only God who knows how I will get others. I sleep on a one-and-a-half-inch mattress. I have a blanket and no bed sheets, but I am managing,” Paul explained confidently.

The headmaster understood Paul’s situation. He knew he needed help to complete his course. He contacted Cemelia Initiatives Africa, which offered to pay Paul’s partial tuition and provide scholastic materials, and the school decided to support him with the remaining school fees.

Paul could not believe the news when the headmaster told him about the support from Cemelia Initiatives Africa and the school. “This scholarship has solved my troubles. I am now assured of my school fees and scholastic materials in a big school which offers quality education. I now have a future,” he said excitedly. “I feel very, very happy that I can think of joining A’ level after O’ level,” he added with a smile on his face. “I pray that this support continues.” Paul concluded.

Paul is now a Senior Four candidate preparing to sit his O’ level exams in October 2024 at Muntuyera High School-Kitunga in Ntungamo district. He never gave up and was rewarded.

Trini Kakande
Communications and Media Student
Richmond American University in London.