Gloria's story begins in a small village in rural Uganda, where her family of seven survived on less than a dollar a day. Her parents, both subsistence farmers, worked tirelessly to provide the bare necessities, but education seemed like an impossible luxury.
A Challenging Beginning
Growing up, Gloria watched her older siblings drop out of school one by one to help on the family farm. By the time she turned 10, she too was expected to abandon her studies. But Gloria had a dream she couldn't let go of - she wanted to become a doctor.
"I used to walk past the local health center every day," Gloria recalls. "I saw how the medical workers helped people, and I knew that's what I wanted to do. I wanted to heal people in my community."
A Life-Changing Opportunity
In 2018, U-TOUCH's community outreach team visited Gloria's village. They met with families, identifying children with academic potential who needed support to continue their education. Gloria's teachers recommended her - despite her irregular attendance, she consistently ranked among the top students in her class.
The U-TOUCH team saw Gloria's determination and potential. Within weeks, she was enrolled in the Sponsored Students Program, which covered her school fees, uniform, books, and provided daily meals at school.
Overcoming Challenges
The road wasn't easy. Gloria had to catch up on years of missed lessons. She stayed after school for extra tutoring, studied by candlelight at home, and never missed a day of class. Her dedication paid off - within two years, she had risen to become one of the top students in her school.
"There were many times I wanted to give up," Gloria admits. "The work was hard, and I missed my family during the school term. But I kept thinking about my dream, about all the people who believed in me. I couldn't let them down."
Where Gloria Is Today
Today, Gloria is in her final year of secondary school, maintaining straight A's in science subjects. She has been accepted into a pre-medical program at a university in Kampala, where she will begin her journey to becoming a doctor.
But Gloria's impact extends beyond her own success. She regularly returns to her village during holidays to tutor younger children, inspiring them to pursue their own dreams. She has become a role model for girls in her community, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible.
How You Can Help
Gloria's story is just one of hundreds made possible by the U-TOUCH Sponsored Students Program. For every Gloria who receives support, there are countless others still waiting for their chance.
With your help, we can reach more children like Gloria and give them the education they deserve. Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to transforming another life.
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