Margaret’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the life-changing power of education. A bright and ambitious young girl from Lukaya, Masaka District, Margaret has been supported by the Road to Hope program since 2014, when she was in primary school. Today, she is on the path to fulfilling her dream of becoming a healthcare worker, a journey that was once filled with uncertainty and hardship.
Margaret’s challenges began early in life. Her father’s whereabouts were unknown, her grandfather was bedridden after suffering a stroke, and her grandmother battled hypertension. While Margaret’s mother was the sole breadwinner, struggling to raise her five children, Margaret was always left to care for her ailing grandparents.
She had great academic potential, but her education was constantly disrupted due to unpaid school fees, care for her grandparents, and with each setback, her dream of staying in school felt more distant. As Margaret’s hope began to fade due to her ongoing challenges, an unexpected meeting changed her life completely.
Through a community palliative care volunteer, the Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU) team visited Margaret’s family during a palliative care check-up for her grandparents, who were suffering from long-term illnesses.
The team included Rose, the then Country Director of PCAU, and Roberta, one of the founders of the Road to Hope (RTH) program. Deeply moved by Prossy’s struggles, they pledged to support at least one of her children. They fulfilled their promise, covering Margaret’s education costs. For Prossy, who relies on peasant farming to sustain her family, this support was truly life-changing.
“Just knowing that my daughter was going to study without worrying about her being sent back home because of the school fees balance was the biggest achievement ever. I was overjoyed,” Prossy testifies, and quickly added; it felt like God had answered my prayers.
In addition to offering Margaret access to education, we also ensured that she received basic medical care, psychosocial support, and protection from harm. Furthermore, we provided her with opportunities to socialize and engage with her peers, promoting a sense of community and belonging. Through participation in the annual children’s camps, Margaret was able to develop and enhance important interpersonal skills, which play a significant role in her personal growth and well-being.
With renewed hope, Margaret embraced her studies with determination, and her hard work paid off. This year, she excelled in her high school national exams and is preparing to begin her Certificate in Nursing and Midwifery in June 2025. She dreams of returning to Masaka to serve her community and provide much-needed healthcare services.
“I am so grateful for the Road to Hope Program and PCAU. They have been there for me, supporting me every step of the way, and giving me the opportunity to attend a good school. The support is paving the way to my dream of becoming a healthcare worker. This will be possible because I have access to quality education. Thank you, RTH, for changing my life,“ says Margaret
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Margaret’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of education and the difference our program makes in the lives of young people in Uganda. With the support of the program, Margaret is well on her way to achieving her dreams and making a lasting impact in her community. Many children in the community, like Margaret, need support to access education and realize their dreams. Your donation can help provide a brighter future for these children, offering them the same opportunity to pursue their aspirations as Margaret has. Together, we can create a lasting impact.
Donate today and help change a life.
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