Support Children Orphaned by HIV in Uganda

“Education is important because it transforms a child who has lost hope,” Molly heartfully acknowledges.  She should know.  Education has given her the power to write her own future.

“I want to be hardworking like my mom,”  Molly says with the quiet perseverance of a woman beyond the years of 22.  The third born in a family of six, Molly’s mother had no choice but to work hard.  Forced to flee from her homeland in the North because of war, Molly’s parents found shelter in the Acholi Quarter.  Molly’s mom first worked in the stone quarry and then found easier work crafting paper bead jewelry when Project Have Hope (PHH) began its work in 2006.  To supplement her income, she also sold vegetables and boiled maize to hungry neighbors.

When she was still in primary school, Molly’s father died, increasing the hardship her mother faced. PHH stepped in and took over payment of Molly’s school fees.  The financial strain of school fees forces many young children to abandon their studies, leaving an educational gap that can never be filled.

An eager student, Molly always loved going to school.  Even at a young age, she saw the power of education.  “I wanted to change my family’s story from worse to better,” Molly recalls of her younger days, a feat she has conquered.

After completing Senior 4, with financial assistance from PHH, Molly pursued a course in early childhood development.  During her studies, she did a one month internship at Hilpog Junior School.  Upon graduation, Molly dutifully sought work.  She inquired with the headmaster at Hilpog.  His reply, so impressed with her role as an intern, “I don’t even need to interview you.”  It’s been three years since Molly began her teaching career.  She co-teaches a rowdy group of 3 and 4 year olds.  Her demeanor is calm despite the mayhem one would expect from a roomful of youngsters.  She confesses, “My biggest challenge is when they don’t keep quiet.”  She credits her success to believing in herself.

In 2022, Molly’s mother returned to the North.  Molly’s two older siblings are both married with children of their own, so the responsibility of her two younger sisters falls upon her.  Her salary makes it possible for her sisters to continue their education.  “My mom has struggled for us and has done everything for us,” Molly earnestly appreciates.  Now, at just 22, it’s Molly’s turn.

Through PHH, Molly was able to receive an education and complete a course in teaching, paving the way for her to build a successful future and that success is now paving the way for her younger sisters.

Molly’s diligence and steadfast belief in herself is the driving force to her ultimate success – a success she is sharing with her younger sisters in hope they too, will have the same opportunities that she has.