I grew up with my grandmother in Katuuso Village. She became the person I depended on, caring for me and supporting my education while doing everything she could to provide for our family. Life in our village was not always easy. My grandmother had no paid employment and relied on the small income she could earn from farming. Despite the challenges, she worked hard to give us the best life she could. I also faced challenges with my health from a young age, but my grandmother continued to care for me and make sure I stayed in school.
School for Life came into my life at an important time. Its support meant that I could continue my education, receive the healthcare and wellbeing support I needed, and begin to imagine a future that once seemed out of reach. The School for Life team encouraged me, guided me and helped me stay focused on my dream of becoming a motor vehicle mechanic.
The early years of Emmanuel’s education journey.
I knew the opportunity I had been given was precious, so I worked hard to make the most of it. I wanted to gain the skills to find work, become independent and, most importantly, support my grandmother as she gets older.
One of my biggest hopes is to be able to give back to her. For so many years, she has been the one providing for me. I want the day to come when she can call me when she needs something and know that I am able to help her.
I have loved cars from a young age. Whenever I saw someone driving a car or working as a mechanic, I felt excited and imagined myself doing the same.
Before my father died, he once told me, “My child, if you ever get money, please buy a car.” Those words have stayed with me.
Today, I am proud to have the skills to repair cars and work towards that dream. School for Life also supported me to obtain my driving licence, giving me another skill that can help me build a livelihood.
My graduation was an incredibly happy moment for me. It represented much more than completing my studies. It represented my grandmother’s sacrifices, the support I received from School for Life and the determination that kept me moving forward. For a long time, I could not imagine reaching this point. Now I have a qualification, practical skills and the confidence to build a future for myself.
Emmanuel at his graduation.
My next goal is to find work in a garage where I can continue developing my practical skills and gain more experience. I hope to establish my own garage or mechanical workshop. I want it to be a place where I can repair and service vehicles, but also create opportunities for other young people to learn practical skills and build their own futures.
To my supporters, thank you for being there for me, standing beside me and caring for me. Your support feels like being given life for a second time.
I am determined to honour the trust you have placed in me. I will work hard to make you proud, go beyond your expectations and use the opportunities you have given me to support others.