Name: Akello Mary
Tribe: Karamojong
DOB: 30/8/1992
School/Level: Busoga Junior - P6
Her Story...
She was brought to Jinja when she was 2 years old, she lived and ate on the street. She came from Moroto with both parents and settled in Masese. Her father is a drunk and her mother also picked up the habit. She ate dirty and rotten food from rubbish bins. She had no one to comfort until last year when El-Shadai Family Home reached out to her. She is now back at school after a rehabilitation process.
Interests and Hobbies...
When asked about her interests, Mary only says ‘learning!’ She loves school and is grateful for the opportunity to study.
Future plans...
At this point, Mary wants to become a teacher of sciences.
Notes:
The Karamojong culture does not consider education important, especially for girls. If she had stayed in that setting there would have been no hope of educating herself for a better future.
Child Financial Needs:
The Ugandan government does not offer free education at any level. Before coming to the home, many of the children had been forced to drop out of school because they were unable to pay the fees. El-Shadai Family Foster Home believes that all children should have an education and a safe, loving environment where all of their basic needs are met.