In 4th grade, Jacob was sent to boarding school to finish his primary education. Among the things he recalled during these primary years was Fr. Don checking in periodically along with other members of the St. Kizito Foundation to see how he was doing. He also recalled starting school not speaking any English and not being able to converse with Fr. Don and the other Foundation members – but as the years went by and he continued in school – his ability to converse in English fluently grew. Jacob recalls, I never missed a semester at school, my tuition was always paid and I was provided with the scholastic materials that I needed. It may seem strange to us that he would remark “I never missed a semester at school” – but in Uganda missing school for a semester or two or more or attending sporadically is not uncommon or unusual.
Jacob went to high school immediately following his completion of grade school. He finished in four years and was able to get into college first pursuing a certificate in Information Technology then pursuing – and achieving – a college diploma. Jacob faces a bright future as an educated young man. The following are Jacob’s own words written as he graduated this past spring from college:
"I feel so blessed to have spent 12 years of my life with the St. Kizito Foundation; getting support from people who didn’t know me but still ensuring that I went to school. So, on this happy day I ask God to bless every hand that has contributed to the St. Kizito Foundation – the contributions have changed lives – and to the board members for their tireless work to reach and support children. I can’t pay anyone back and even if I could it wouldn’t be enough. My payback right now will be to say THANK YOU to everyone, thank you for changing my life."
The St. Kizito Foundation congratulates Jacob and his family on his success! We are happy and proud to be a part of his story.
