By Benedict Mukoni
Bakhita Partnership for Education (BPE) is a program under the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU) in partnership with the Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network of Africa (JENA). It is a beacon of hope for vulnerable girl children empowering them through quality basic education to break the cycle of poverty and achieve their dreams in the targeted countries and schools.
In the recent monitoring and evaluation of how the program is impacting these vulnerable girls, in the months of August and September 2025, Sarah, one of the beneficiaries of the program, shared her inspiring story with the program’s National Coordinator, Sr. Scovia Kiconco, MMS
Sarah, a student at Our Lady of Guadalupe Secondary School, comes from a humble family of five children. While her siblings dropped out of school due to lack of fees, she remained determined to continue despite repeated setbacks. Often sent home for unpaid fees and facing hunger at home, her hope nearly faded.
Everything changed when she was selected for sponsorship by Bakhita Partnership for Education (BPE). With renewed determination, Sarah worked tirelessly, balancing sleepless nights of study with prayer. Her hard work paid off when she emerged as the best student in her school and the entire Gomba district in the Uganda Certificate of Education exams.
Now dreaming of becoming a surgeon, inspired partly by her brother’s untreated injury, Sarah is committed to lifting her family out of poverty and supporting others facing similar struggles. Though living with a lame left leg, she continues to inspire her peers and community with resilience and hope.
She credits her success to BPE, whose support has changed not only her life but also the lives of many girls in her school and community.
Today, Sarah stands as a source of inspiration to her peers and her community. With resilience, faith, and the gift of opportunity, she continues to move toward her goal of becoming a surgeon—ready to heal, serve, and bring hope where it is most needed
