Thatcher Nakato Mwanga, a Senior Four student at St. John Bosco Secondary School, is a young woman whose life was a constant tug-of-war between her education and the need to support her family. Her mother, a single parent, worked tirelessly selling charcoal to provide for the family, but it was never enough.  

To help, Thatcher worked at a local restaurant owned by her mother’s friend. “I could only attend school for two or three days a week,” she recalls. “The rest of the time, I stayed home to work and help my mum.” Her earnings, though small, were vital in topping up the school fees, which totalled 138,000 shillings (€34) per term. 

This balancing act took a toll on her academics. “I couldn’t settle down or focus on my studies,” she says. “Sometimes, I even missed exams because I couldn’t pay the fees.” Despite these setbacks, Thatcher held on to her dream of becoming a fashion designer. 

Everything changed in Senior Three when Thatcher was selected for a scholarship from Enabel. “I was so happy,” she says, her voice filled with gratitude. “We were so many at school, and I couldn’t believe I was chosen.” The fellowship covered her school fees, allowing her to attend classes consistently for the first time. “Now, I’m at school every day, and my performance has improved,” she says with pride. 

With the stability brought by the scholarship, Thatcher began to dream bigger. Her resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit shine through as she talks about sourcing materials and saving for her initial capital. 

Thatcher is also passionate about encouraging her peers to stay in school. She speaks candidly about the challenges of life outside education, especially for girls. “When you drop out of school, life becomes very difficult,” she says. “It’s hard to be independent, and you face so many challenges.” Her words carry the weight of someone who has lived through hardship and emerged stronger. 

As she prepares for life after Senior Four, Thatcher is determined to make the most of her opportunities. She plans to use her vacation to start her scarf-making business, saving money to support her education and her family.  

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