Harriet, A Life Transformed

The wings of transformation are born of patience and struggle.
(Janet S. Dickens)

The heart of ACT is to support the children who are otherwise forgotten. We support disadvantaged fatherless children and orphans so that they can reach their full potential.

ACT facilitates opportunities to allow these young people to live lives that otherwise would not have been possible by assisting them through their education from primary and secondary school and encouraging them to pursue higher education to earn a degree, diploma, certificate of vocational education training and other qualifications.

It is important to reflect on the achievements of those children who seize the opportunity that ACT provides and who are working hard to make a success of their lives.

Harriet’s story

Harriet is a remarkable young woman, from the outskirts of Jinja, Uganda, who against all odds is pursuing her dreams of studying at university. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering determination and the power of education to transform lives.

Harriet’s early life was marked by hardship. Born 22 years ago in Mayuge, near Jinja, she is one of 4 children, two brothers and two sisters. Harriet and her siblings lost their parents in a short span of two years. Her mother died in August 2008 and tragically in July 2009 her father was killed by a crocodile when he was fishing for his livelihood in Lake Victoria. Harriet and her siblings were then raised by their grandfather who struggled to provide for them with his meager earnings as a peasant farmer.

Harriet (2010)

In 2010, Harriet came to the attention of our partners, Christian Vision Mission, part of the Elim Pentecostal Church of Uganda who introduced her to ACT. ACT helped by paying for her school fees, providing school uniform, shoes and other supply materials necessary for her schoolwork. ACT support also covered school meals, health care and other items which were needed for the child to settle and not be distracted from her studies. This made a great difference to Harriet and her family. Harriet, who was described as ‘intelligent and lively’, was empowered not only to advance from primary grades to secondary school with good results, but also gained admission to university in Uganda in 2021.

In a marginalised society where countless obstacles can hinder a young person’s dreams, Harriet’s story is a shining example of resilience and the transformative power of education. She is not just a student; she is a symbol of hope and a beacon of possibility for all orphaned children in Jinja, Uganda, and beyond. Harriet’s journey reminds us that education is a powerful tool for change, capable of breaking the cycle of poverty and opening doors to a brighter future.

ACT is for the children otherwise forgotten

To mark our 25th anniversary, we are aiming to raise £50,000 to provide education and welfare support for 250 disadvantaged children and orphans across the countries where we work in Africa. We want them to reach their potential in life and give them and their families hope for a better future. With your support, the entire family (mothers / carers and siblings) and their community as a whole benefit.

If you have been inspired by Harriet’s story, please consider sponsoring a child or making a donation to our work. Click here to find out how.