I grew up in a typical Ugandan family of twelve children, and my parents didn’t have enough money to support us and meet all our needs. So, every child had to find their own way to whatever they needed. I was lucky that I was sponsored by a lady I met at my youth church. She sponsored me through school and up to university. With all the opportunities I have received I wish to give back to communities like mine.

My mum was given in marriage by her parents at age 15, and never had a chance to go to school. This still happens in my village and many others like it.

If parents don’t have enough money to pay school fees for all their children, they usually choose to educate the boys. And so, girls are often given in marriage at a tender age. Alternatively, in order to help with household expenses and to pay school fees for a few of their siblings, children are often expected to work at jobs such as selling fruit and vegetables, or working as maids and chamber boys. This is honest work, but causes these children to miss out on their own education and the opportunities it brings.