The COVID-19 Pandemic is a shared global experience on every country and it affected all members of the society, psychologically, emotionally, physically, financially and in many other aspects.
Those who are most impacted by the crisis are those who are vulnerable. One of the Formal Education Program beneficiaries is a 14-year-old boy called John, not his real name, currently in primary three. John is one of the vulnerable children negatively affected by COVID-19 during its pick and thereafter.
Like other children in informal settlements, his academic performance declined causing the school administration to demote him to primary three instead of primary six, a class he was to join. This happened because he could not pass the interviews yet he was joining a new school.
His mother abandoned him leaving behind a helper who did not have any income. However, Rodney’s passion for education became a driving force which gave him more energy and vigour to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor so that he can help his mother who is sickly and the community at large.
Rodney used to stay with his single mother before the breakdown of COVID-19. His mother used to earn some money from the neighborhood by washing clothes of individuals who barely had time for such chores.
However, after the breakout of COVID-19, she lost her source of income due to strict lockdown measures which resulted her into falling sick. This situation affected the whole family because she could no longer access the basic needs for the family.
After the end of the lock down it became so challenging for Rodney to resume school as the mother could not afford any school requirements due to her state of being unemployed and sick. Thanks to Uganda Children’s Centre which purchased all school requirements that Rodney needed like Uniform, Bags, Books, Pens, Pencils, Shoes and many more. Rodney was able to report back to school with a smile.
In spite all the happening, Rodney is now focused and interested in academics with all his efforts and he is working hard right now to excel in his school work. In this aspect Rodney is taken care of by Uganda Children’ Centre, all responsibility is catered for at the Organization including meals and other basic needs as his mother went to the village and left him in the hands of other sibling who is acting as the guardian.
He wants to be a responsible citizen in the Society when he finishes his studies. UCC is grateful to continue reporting about Rodney’s progress in his studies in subsequent publications.