“This is the day that the lord has made…..” stated soft speaking Dolly Ejang, smiling all through and full of joy after completing her studies despite the numerous challenges she has faced.
The 22-year-old resident of Mbuya has today completed school with a certificate in Midwifery at Lubaga Hospital Nursing School, in Kampala District narrates a difficult childhood after the death of her father when she was three years.
Dolly’s is an inspiring story of a hopeful future, which she attributes to the efforts of Reach Out Mbuya Community Health Initiative (ROM) in partnership with SIDECOLE.
Dolly (in orange sweater) with some of her classmates at the training school.
She says, “ROM has done great work in my life. I remember after primary seven, I had failed to join school. My mother took me to a certain school in Butambala district for senior one on sponsorship but the support was a scam. I left that school and in fact, I did not study senior two, until ROM picked me up in 2018 and sponsored me for senior three and four. And here I am now, graduating as a midwife.”
She is also grateful to her mother who has also struggled to ensure that she completes school. “My mum is our family’s bread winner but she has not been employed for a long time because of sickness. Nevertheless, God has heard her prayers”
“It has not been a simple journey for my daughter to complete school, but I thank God and ROM for being there for her. I remember a day when I cried at this school because I was completely failed to pay my child’s fees.” Her mother said.
The sweet-talking Dolly emphasizes that ROM has helped shape her world, for she can now see where she is going.
“ROM has been my everything! If it wasn’t for this organization, maybe I would be married now. Now that I have completed school, I hope to work with ROM for two years then I come back and study for my Diploma.” Dolly added.
She is so thankful for SIDECOLE, for they have been there for her and she hopes to meet her sponsors one day.
In an interview with Sister Bernadette Nalubuga, the school’s Administration and Finance Officer, she respectably spoke about Dolly. She said, “Dolly is a very good girl with focus on her studies and we are proud of her. I remember one of those last semesters, Dolly could not pay the 30% and her mother was always here begging us to let her child stay in school. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit guided and somehow the funds were paid.” Dolly is also happy that Sister Bernadette has psychologically and spiritually supported her thus easing her stay at the school.
The School Principal, Dolly, Sr.Bernadetteand Doreen Basemera, a ROM Social worker during one of the visits at the school.
Dolly, and ROM Social Workers in the Principle’s Office during one of the visits at her school.
Dolly in a light moment with a ROM Social worker.
Dolly, her friends Florence and Flora and Doreen, a ROM Social worker.
