Once a child struggling with illness, hunger and uncertainty, Julius Othieno is now pursuing a nursing career . If you met the jolly Otheino at Leura School of nursing in Bugweri today you will believe that God is indeed just like popular songs Ugandas are singing of late “katonda wamaani”
From his earliest days in school, Othieno faced barriers that threatened his education. In Primary One, he frequently fell ill and missed many lessons. His family struggled to afford medical care, and many days he went to school without a meal. Hunger and poor health affected his ability to concentrate and learn forcing him to repeat Primary One for three years.
The turning point through child sponsorship
Hope came in 2008 when the UCOBAC team visited Bubuzi Primary School to identify vulnerable children who needed support. One of the teachers explained Othieno’s situation and after engaging with his parents, he was enrolled into the Child Sponsorship Programme as a Child Ambassador.This support marked a turning point in his life.
Through the programme, Othieno received essential learning materials, including scholastic book, pencils, a school uniform and a school bag. For the first time, he felt confident going to school. He was also enrolled on the school feeding program where he was assured of break tea and food at lunch time.
The support also extended to his household. His parents received training in improved agricultural practices and were provided with farming inputs including cassava cuttings and sukuma wiki (collard greens). These interventions helped increase household food production and strengthened the family’s ability to support their children.
UCOBAC’s support also extended to his household. His parents received training in improved agricultural practices and were provided with farming inputs, including cassava cuttings and sukuma wiki (collard greens). These interventions helped increase household food production and strengthened the family’s ability to support their children.
Rising Through Education
With improved health and consistent support, Othieno began making steady progress in school. He progress from Primary one and completed Primary Five at Bubuzi Primary School before joining Namagonjo Primary School where he completed Primary Seven with an impressive 12 aggregates. He later joined Star Secondary School in Bugiri where he completed his Ordinary Level education. Although financial limitations made it difficult to continue to Advanced Level, Othieno remained determined to pursue a career that would allow him to serve others.
In 2024, he enrolled for a Nursing course at Leura School of Nursing where he will graduate with a certificate later this year. While his childhood dream was to become a doctor, he views nursing as an important step towards achieving his broader goal of contributing to healthcare.
“I still hope to continue upgrading my qualifications once I start working and can support my own education,” said Othieno.
