When Sarah Nakibubuli lost her father, her entire world fell apart. As the family’s sole breadwinner, his death not only brought deep sorrow it also left a painful void in their home in Nakigunju Village, Namasere Parish, Bugiri District. Suddenly, basic needs became daily struggles and her education, the one thing that could offer a brighter future seemed out of reach.
“I was still a child but I remember how everything just stopped. My mother struggled to provide for us. She could hardly pay for us school fees, buy for us meals and even basics like soap and books and even pads. It was just too much. I felt like my dreams were slowly slipping away.”
However in 2010, while studying at Bukuta Primary School, Sarah was introduced to UCOBAC and she was selected to join their Child Ambassador Program, a role that would not only restore her hope but reshape her future.
Through the program, Sarah received essential scholastic materials including books, pens, and pencils that helped her stay in class. She was also trained to make reusable sanitary towels something that gave her control over her personal hygiene and dignity during menstruation. She also received daily school meals that helped her concentrate in class with a full stomach.
“Before UCOBAC, I would often go to school hungry,sometimes, I didn’t even go at all because I didn’t have what I needed like pads. But with the help of UCOBAC , I started to believe in school again and in myself.”
Sarah’s journey didn’t stop at primary school. When she transitioned to Namasere High School, studying from Senior One through Senior Six, UCOBAC’s support continued. School meals and scholastic materials remained a constant, helping her maintain her performance and dignity.
Fast forward to today: Sarah is now a proud university student at Kampala International University, Jinja Campus something she once thought was impossible. She is not only pursuing higher education but is also determined to use her experience to help other vulnerable children rise beyond their circumstances.
“Without UCOBAC and the Child Ambassador Program, I don’t know where I would be. They stood in the gap after my father’s death and helped me believe in a future again, I have not only gained an education but life skills, networks and hope.”Sarah is among hundreds of children whose lives have been transformed by the Child Development Project supported by Canadian Feed The Children. Together, these organizations are not only helping children stay in school, they are helping them rise
