Jackie’s Journey: The Power of Education
As Jackie Nakimuli was graduating primary school, she got news that changed her life forever: her father was tragically murdered. She was only 12 years old, grappling with this tragedy, and her family was no longer able to pay for her education. It was during this pivotal time that the All We Are team crossed paths with Jackie, thanks to our connection with ABC Divine Primary School, which was also attended by our In-Country Director Brian Ddibya. We quickly mobilized our supporters to sponsor Jackie, furthering AWA’s dedication to supporting education in Uganda.
Following her time at Divine, Jackie moved through Lubiri Secondary School and Namiryango Senior Secondary School. She was set to graduate in 2020, but the outbreak of COVID-19 forced Jackie to postpone her A-levels during school shutdowns. When schools came back in session, she passed all her A-levels, and is now pursuing Economics at Makerere University. She hopes to obtain a certification in Data Analysis to furher hone her skills.
Throughout her education, AWA remained a cheerleader for Jackie, providing not only financial aid but mentorship and guidance. She was able to secure an internship with the Uganda Red Cross in the finance department, honing her accounting skills. Most recently, she is finishing up a three month internship with All We Are. Having Jackie work alongside our team on the ground was truly a full-circle experience. After a decade of supporting her, it has been such a pleasure to witness the young women she has become.
Reflecting on her journey so far, Jackie’s advice to her younger self is: “Believe in yourself”. Her story stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. Thank you to those who have supported Jackie over the years. We hope that her story helps to shape a new generation of young learners in Uganda.
