Aia was forced to flee to Kampala one year ago with relatives. Peace and stability have remained unknown concepts to this fourteen year old as her country has been at war for the last twenty-one years. She, like teenagers around the world dreamt of attending school, getting a job and one day re-uniting with her parents in her country as she seeks to make a better life for herself. She has lived in Kampala for fourteen months now. She came to the center last September and quickly became very recognizable amongst the staff members. She has a vibrant personality, quick wit and incredible potential. She quickly excelled in the English class that she was placed in and quickly moved up to the next level.
Since she is only fourteen years old and has such incredible potential, Refuge and Hope has started a program to support Aia and two other refugee teenagers attend school. Unfortunately, this opportunity was not without challenges. This information was not well accepted by her relatives who she was living with. When two center staff members met with her family to offer the school fees, they were very reluctant to accept. Tensions escalated for several reasons. One prominent reason was that they desired for their sons to be educated first. In many countries where school fees must be paid, boys continue to receive first priority in education. Since finances are limited, boys receive first priority due to religious or social justification. Women are viewed to be less capable and less important since they are viewed as the primary caregivers. These factors assist in explaining why two out of three of illiterate people in the world are women.
The tension within her family further escalated into danger and she was forced to once again abruptly flee her home. At fourteen years old, she was forced to flee once again out of fear for life. She now lives with another aunt. Since this aunt has personally experienced the life changing power of an education herself, she was very supportive of Aia going to school. Aia started classes at her new school two months ago. I had a chance to visit her recently.It was amazing to see the abundant hope that she now has. When I visited A at her aunt’s house last semester, Aia’s personality was inhibited. When we visited her yesterday she felt free to move freely, laugh and joke- to be her beautiful self, without reservation. She showed us proudly her workbooks and the drawings that she did that week for class. Not only is she clearly happier, but her life is also being transformed. Her education will empower her to be a leader for change in her country once peace and stability come to pass. She will also be a strong example to her family and peers to the power of women’s education. I admire her compassion for others, courage and perseverance in the face of trials and difficulties. I look forward to seeing the
difference she makes in her country and our world.
Posted by: Missy
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