AKELLO, 18
18-year-old Akello is an enthusiastic cricket player who dreams of becoming a dentist. Jabali support has allowed him to stay in school, where he is currently studying for A-levels in biology, chemistry, and math. Akello is eager to continue his education at university. With the continued tuition support from Jabali, and mentorship provided by Henry, he is optimistic about achieving his dream of becoming a dentist.
He also hopes to venture out more into the sports world and plans to participate in local cricket tournaments and potentially empower younger Jabali members to engage in sports, especially cricket. Akello says he can't imagine what his life would have turned into if it wasn't for Jabali support.
TARAJI, 19
Taraji grew up in a town called Nansana, where she struggled to attend school as she was constantly sent home due to defaulting on school fees. Her mother, who worked as a cleaner at a school, tirelessly looked for opportunities to be able to take her daughter through school.
With assistance from Jabali, Taraji has been able to attend a boarding school education without the constant worry of being sent home. Throughout her time with Jabali, Taraji has excelled in her studies and hopes to advance to university.
Taraji asserts that she is eager to pay it forward by supporting more kids in similarly unfortunate circumstances. She believes education is the key to a better future and is committed to making a positive impact in her community.
ZENDAYA, 16
Zendaya grew up in a household where she witnessed firsthand the effects of gender discrimination and social stigma. Her mother was abandoned by her father for not giving birth to a son, which left Zendaya's mother struggling to provide for her and her sister.
Her mother's dedication and hard work in the face of adversity have been an inspiration for Zendaya. Jabali’s support has made Zendaya hopeful for the future. The 16-year-old aspires to become an entrepreneur and is more confident than ever about turning this dream into reality. Zendaya also hopes to become the first member of her family to attend university and break the cycle of poverty and gender discrimination.
DEMBE, 20
"Before I joined Jabali, we were going through some tough times as a family," Dembe recounts.
Financial difficulties affected Dembe's education just before he could finish Primary school, prompting him to take up odd jobs at the age of 14 to contribute to the family's income. This is where Jabali met Henry. With Jabali’s support, Dembe completed his primary education and got a place at Makerere University and then a full scholarship to the International School of Uganda.
Jabali not only sponsored Dembe's education. Jabali’s sports programs and life skills workshops, instilled leadership skills and fostered a love of sports.
"There are a lot of opportunities that Jabali provided me with, but education comes number one" Dembe emphasizes.
Today, Dembe is pursuing undergraduate studies in Law at Symbiosis International University in India, a testament to the transformative influence of Jabali.
“I have been able to inspire and give hope to my siblings and the neighbors around me that no matter what, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.”
Jabali continues to empower individuals like Dembe, fostering positive change in their pursuit of a brighter future.
ZURI, 15
15-year-old Zuri lives with her mother in Sade. SZuri remembers watching her mother tense up whenever the school called her about overdue tuition fee payments. This experience left Zuri feeling concerned about the financial burden of education on her family.
After Jabali support began, she noticed a gradual change in her mother's attitude towards her and her siblings. Her mother appeared more relaxed and hopeful about the future. This brought a sense of relief to Zuri and her family, allowing her to focus more on her education and aspirations.
Zuri is determined to finish school and help alleviate the financial constraints at home. She hopes to help her family achieve financial security by studying business and becoming an entrepreneur. She is also passionate about writing and dreams of one day writing a book about her journey.
NALA, 17
Having grown up in a poor community, the struggle for basic needs was a constant reality for Nala and her family. Due to her family’s inability to pay tuition fees, Nala was in and out of school for years.
Jabali support has helped Nala stay in school and make sure her basic needs are met. As a result, Nala says she regained her focus on learning and personal growth. She adds that being able to afford school uniforms alone is a lot to be grateful for, and that the support from Jabali has given her the motivation and determination to excel academically.
As she embarks on her final year of ‘O’ level education, Nala says she is optimistic about her opportunity to create a better life for herself and her family.
Nala is unsure of what the future holds, but positive that with continued financial support and mentorship from Jabali, she will be able to pursue things beyond her wildest dreams.