Personal Stories

Meet Mutetwa Karim and some of the other 52 Kids and see how we make a difference.

In their own words: Mutetwa Karim (S2, High school)

I am 16 years old. I stay with my grandmother. She is at least 80 years of age. Several other young grandchildren stay with us. My mother died when I was in P5, life became so hard. I could not afford books and pens to use at school. I considered dropping out of school. I got registered with 52 Kids Foundation, it was out of luck, they provided me with scholastic materials, and paid all my fees. My school performance improved. I was the best in my end of year P6 exams in 2006. I was promoted to P7. The school encouraged all the P7 candidates to be in school boarding. Because of my good class performance, a volunteer paid my boarding fees for 1st term 2007. I failed to raise the boarding fee for the second term and I was badly harassed by the school for failing to be consistent with my school boarding. I dropped out of school for the whole of 2nd term because I could not withstand the harassment at school. I went to live with my aunt in Jinja. She convinced me to come back for my 3rd term and do the primary leaving exams. My school fees had been paid by 52 Kids Foundation. To the school's surprise I managed to pass my exams.

The best news I received was when it was announced that The 52 Kids had given me a scholarship to Busoga day high school in 2008. I would have to bike to reach the school because walking took forever. I decided to sell my goat and buy an old bicycle, which I would use. Later on, The 52 Kids Foundation announced that I would be going to Lunar boarding school not Busoga high school as earlier announced. I almost fainted with joy.

Joining Lunar helped me escape the tough home living conditions - at least for the time I am at school, and concentrate on my studies. Now, I have hope... I had no hope.

I am so challenged by the level of poverty and the tough living conditions of my family. For anything that The 52 Kids Foundation cannot provide me, I have to provide it for myself or ignore it. During school holidays, I weed people's gardens, and do any form of manual work for a pay. This is the money I use to buy personal effects. I am performing well at Lunar school and I hope my education will help me attain a career in Medicine. This will enable me to be self-reliant.