After completing her first year at Bulopa secondary school in Kamuli district, Immaculate Namulondo was forced to drop out of school due to financial hardships, putting her dreams on hold. She moved to Kampala and started working as a housemaid, hoping to support her family. However, the promise of a better future seemed to slip further away because life in the city proved harsh. 

“My parents tried everything, but the money just wasn’t enough,” Immaculate remembers. “I used to see girls in their uniforms walking to school in the mornings,” she says softly. “I would stand at the window and wish I could be one of them again. But I had to help my family, so I kept working.” 

Life in Kampala was not what she had hoped. The long hours and loneliness weighed heavily on her. Eventually, Immaculate made a difficult decision, she returned home, determined to find her way back to school. 

“When I came back, I told my parents, ‘I want to go back to school, even if it means being sent home for fees. I will not give up,” Immaculate recalls. Despite her determination, the challenges remained. She was often sent away for unpaid fees, and her performance suffered as she missed lessons. 

Her mother, a pillar of strength, refused to let her daughter’s dreams die. “I saw how much she wanted to learn,” Mukyala Monica says. “I worked in the garden every day, but it was not enough. Immaculate’s grades were low, and the constant uncertainty weighed on her."
Then, a miracle happened. Immaculate was selected for an Enabel scholarship. For the first time in years, she could focus on her studies without the fear of being sent home. 

“When I heard I got the scholarship, I cried,” Immaculate says. “It was like God had remembered me. I promised myself I would work hard and make everyone proud.” 

The change was immediate. With her fees covered, Immaculate’s performance soared. She became the second-best student in her class, and as a result, her confidence and joy returned every passing day. 

“Now, I go to school without fear,” she says. “I can concentrate in class, and I know my future is bright.” 

Her mother beams with pride. “I am so grateful for the scholarship. I see my daughter happy and working hard."  

Immaculate’s journey is not over. As she awaits her Senior Four results, she has started rearing piglets, determined to support herself through A-Level. She has a big dream for her future.

“I want to become a lawyer one day,” Immaculate says with a smile. “I want to help people who cannot fight for themselves, and I want other girls to know that no matter how hard life gets, you should never give up,” Immaculate says. “With determination and a little help, you can change your story.” 

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