Mutesa aspires to study Biology, Chemistry, Math and then become a doctor. After her dad was involved in an accident and became paralyzed, her family began to struggle, so she moved in with her aunt and began selling food to afford her school fees. Once she received her scholarship, her life changed. Mutesa learned of her rights as a child and developed a healthy sense of self, helping her overcome abuse and lead a more abundant life. Mutesa’s journey reminds us that education can change absolutely everything — thanks to her education, she now leads a healthier life and can enjoy more economic freedom in the future.
My name is Mutesa. I am currently in my Senior Four at Musana Vocational High School. I want to join A-Level with a science combination (Biology, Chemistry, Math) to become a doctor after my studies.
This is my life story. Before Project Yesu, at first, we were happy in my family; by then, our father was still working as a mechanic, but one day, as he was traveling from work to home, he was directly involved in an accident. His backbone (spinal cord) got dislocated. He spent a year in Mulago Hospital while paralyzed. All the family money and savings went to our father’s treatment. My mother was caring for him, and we were left home alone. One time, the little food left for us at home got done, and we started starving. We used to drink tea without sugar until I was taken by my aunt, who stays in Mafubira. She took me to Mafubira Primary School in Primary Four. We lacked clothes to wear. I used to sell mandazi for her to get my school fees and other requirements, like books. I used to sell mandazi during holidays and even at school times. I used to go with the mandazi to school and sell to my fellow students during the break time, lunch, and sometimes evening. Sometimes, I would dodge school to go and sell the mandazi. Life was hard, and this continued until I reached Primary Seven.
One year earlier, I joined Project Yesu during Primary Six and got my first sponsor in Primary Seven. Project Yesu has changed my life in many ways. I used to go to school, but I was being sent back home because of struggles with school fees and my financial standing. Since I joined Project Yesu, I have gone to boarding school, and the only times I go back home are when the term has ended or when I am sick. Project Yesu has enabled me to study in schools of high standards.
Before, I didn’t have anyone to talk to as a young girl, and I was only doing what I thought was right. Now, Project Yesu has given me the chance to listen to myself and also speak in my life. I got the opportunity to know my rights as a child. They have guided me on the right path through the holiday camps and life coaches. Project Yesu has helped me correct my mistakes, like the ones I was about to commit and the ones I was making. It has helped me learn how to associate with others because I was used to being alone. It has helped me build my self-esteem because I had such low self-esteem that I couldn’t even express myself. This was done through the programs organized for us. I was filled with fear because my aunt used to be tough and rude to me. She used to quarrel and abuse me, which made me feel like a nobody in this world, but Project Yesu helped me to realize who I am and to know my importance, and now I am proud of being myself. Project Yesu has helped me learn more about God and how to live a Godly life that is full of peace and happiness. It has helped me to understand my health status, so I have no chronic disease. My teeth are also safe since they check us every year.
In conclusion, I thank the entire body of Project Yesu for the support and great things they have done for me and my entire family. May the almighty God bless them abundantly. May they live long so that they can see the fruits of the people they have helped and those they are planning to help. Be Blessed.
This story has been edited for length and clarity.