Ndagire Rauzah is a nine-year-old bright young girl who missed out on her education shortly after schools reopened following COVID-19 lockdowns. She only studied for two weeks before her mother could no longer afford further payments. Rauzah was in primary four at St. Mary’s Primary School in Makindye slums, Kampala District.
She is enthusiastic about studying and these strong feelings can easily be seen in her expressions. Equally, she does not hide her bad feelings of staying at home when her friends are going to school. She likes to express herself in English when talking to adults to portray her desire and connection to school.
Rauzah was identified by UCC social workers as they conducted daily community work in UCC neighborhoods. Rauzah’s family moved to this area about six months ago after failure to pay rent for a good house they used to live in. They are now living in a one room house with her mother and step father. Rauzah’s mother used to work on the road side vending groceries. However, during the lockdowns, her capital that used to finance her small business was spent on supporting the family and subsequently got finished. She’s now unemployed and spending most of her time at home.
The husband does not have a permanent job and only works as a casual worker. During the lockdowns, he hardly got any job because there were no movements and most businesses had closed. The situation deteriorated during the second wave when the mother gave birth to another baby. All the remaining little cash was completely used up and available support was only from generous neighbors.
When Rauzah was invited to UCC and picked interest to join UCC Programs, she was very excited and narrated her story where she committed to continue with her education to support her family and communities in the neighborhoods. She wants to become a Lawyer to support her mother access justice and overcome issues that have denied her from enjoying her right to education. Rauzah is one of the latest new entrants to UCC’S Formal Education Support Program. We have received her with open hands still committed to support her pursue her education until she attains her dream.