Earlier in the year we introduced you to Kituyi Peninah, another incredible young woman at Arlington Academy of Hope. As AAH founder John Wanda shared with us, Peninah has surmounted several challenges in her life to become a very successful student. Now, hear about her journey from her perspective.
Kituyi Peninah Loyce studies at Arlington Academy of Hope in Bududa, Uganda
My Life in School as a Girl
By Kituyi Peninah Loyce
Hi Readers of the World! Hear good news from the African girl called Kituyi Peninah Loyce living in Uganda, Bududa District and studying at Arlington Academy of Hope (AAH), located in Bumwalukani Village. Our school, AAH, started in 2004. It was my first time to be in Primary One when I was just a little girl, but now I have many new skills from all the important information I learn each day. I sometimes get information from the Internet, my teachers, and also my fellow students. At first, I did not know anything and lacked knowledge, but I now write and I am well informed.
I have been transformed now.
I teach important skills to the community outside whenever there is wrong information or people do not understand. I try to spread knowledge in any way that I can.
I have had so many experiences today, up to where I am now. I always listen to what my elders at home, parents, students, and teachers tell me. They give me great advice which I follow. I do homework, revise my books and ask friends about anything I do not understand. Whenever I have a stress or when I am hurt, or whenever I hurt somebody, I say sorry and ask for forgiveness. I always ask my parents to give me all that I need at school. I am also being assisted by my sponsor who offered to buy me spectacles so that I can see the blackboard clearly. I have difficulties with my eyes because I am a white-skinned African, so my eyes do not always work well. I try to use my eyes carefully, but sometimes I feel a lot of pain. Although there are obstacles, I am well cared for and this support has helped me become so successful and solve my difficulties.
I live with my family members and am so happy that all are healthy and alive. I have my great dad, mum, brothers- Emmanuel, Moses, and Brain, and my only sister Barbara. My dad loves me and has decided to take me to school. I am so lucky that he can afford to contribute to my school fees and I am so grateful for that. My dad also helps me in the evening when I am revising my books. He explains information to me that I do not understand and reads to me when I cannot see properly. I am absolutely hoping I will pass my examinations at the end of the year. Every morning, my mother wakes up early to make tea for us and then I am accompanied by my brother Moses to school. He is one grade lower than me. Both of us work so hard to please everyone who struggles to support us in our education.
As a child of AAH, I am challenged academically to be the best. Although I am not the very best student in my class, I am among the top. So, I am challenged to work so hard and hopefully gain the top position. In our school we have a reading challenge each year. All students are challenged to read at least 50 books. I read during every single minute that passes by. I read by the river, in my house, on mountains, and everywhere. I find any place that is conducive. The theme this year is, “Get smART-Read.”
I know I will continue to study and read hard to be a leader in the future. My goal is to join secondary level and acquire all that I need to pass. In the future, I want to be like the AAH founder, John Wanda. However, I want to set up hospitals in rural areas. I think my future goals can help me maintain and support my family because they give me so much help. My interest is to continue with my studies so that I can be very smart like all the good ministers and presidents of the world. I have always wanted to be a professional writer because I have enough resources to help me reach this goal. At AAH, we have a library and we can check out books to read.
I have been transformed now.
In our rural community, I feel so sorry for fellow children who are forced to leave school because of certain conditions and I pray for them. Many other young girls do not have the necessary support and are neglected by their fathers. These girls cannot finish school and do not get an education. Therefore, young women end up having no job. Girls, like me, need to fight challenges and read hard; we all must struggle for our future! As for me, I want to continue with my studies to become useful to society and a caring mother in the future. These goals will help me to become an independent woman and succeed in achieving my dreams.
I am Kituyi Peninah Loyce, a girl being transformed by education.
[Editor's Note: Support the efforts of Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda, where Kituyi attends school, by rocking out with She's the First on June 10 at the GIRLS WHO ROCK concert in NYC!]
