Education: A Glimmer of Hope in the Midst of Hardship
Yesterday on the International Day of Education 2025, we celebrated TCI friends who have faithfully supported the tuition of 45 students at Alpha Omega Secondary School in Kiburara, Uganda. We can’t share the story of each of the 45 students, but we wanted to share one heart wrenching story with you.
In the small village of Rwenyawawa, Habaasa Allen’s family is caught in the grip of relentless hardship. Habaasa is a 46 year old blind widow who lost her sight in 2008 due to lack of medical care. This forced her to abandon farming - her family’s only source of livelihood. Her oldest daughter dropped out of school and ran away from home leaving Habaasa entirely dependent on her two youngest children, who have become the family’s breadwinners.
Thirteen-year-old Bibian, a determined young girl, attends a nearby government elementary school. She spends her afternoon study time fetching water for neighbors, to earn just enough to buy maize flour for porridge (the family’s only daily meal). Her 18 year old brother, Asaph, is supported by TCI Friends and is very grateful for the chance of a secondary school education. He is in Senior 3 (grade 9) and Alpha Omega Boarding School has given him permission to return home every weekend to help Bibian with gardening and chores to support their mother. In as much as this is not the childhood Habaasa envisioned for her children, she acknowledges, 'There is no other way to survive,' adding, 'They have learned to persevere.'
Their home (a crumbling mud house held together by eucalyptus poles), much like the family’s fragile livelihood, is on the brink of collapse. Our Education Officer, Oscar, is working with our team and church members to help with reconstructing their collapsing house.
Despite these crushing challenges, education offers a glimmer of hope with the prospect of escaping the cycle of poverty. Let's take today to remind ourselves of the privilege we have, and the power we hold to invest in the lives of others. As we celebrate this day, we want to say thank you to all those who continue to believe in these students. Whether you see it or not, giving them the opportunity for education makes them feel truly seen and valued.
18 Year Old Asaph in Alpha and Omega Secondary School
We hope to continue journeying with this family and others like it. Please pray and consider partnering with us in being a lifeline of educational support to these precious souls. If you are interested to know more about the program or would like to sponsor a student please email us at sponsortci@gmail.com
THANK YOU once again for giving hope to so many!!
_ by Sue Robb