Abraham’s Story: Carrying Hope to School

Abraham is 14 years old and lives with his family in Namuwongo Slum in Kampala, Uganda, in a one-room home he shares with his mother and younger sister. His mother earns what she can by washing clothes for others. Some days, there is work. Some days, there are no clients at all—and on those days, there is often no food. 

Despite these challenges, Abraham goes to school every day at Ray of Hope, one of Sister Schools’ partner schools. Like so many students we work with, Abraham carries big dreams alongside heavy realities. His dream is to become an engineer, so he can build a better future for himself and eventually help others in his community do the same. 

Before Sister Schools’ support, Abraham had very few school supplies of his own. His class shares one textbook for each subject, and students are expected to take notes so that they can study at home. But without access to paper or pens, studying at home was nearly impossible for Abraham. Learning, something he deeply wants to do well, was made harder by circumstances entirely outside his control. 

That changed through Sister Schools. 

Through the program, Abraham received a backpack, pens, books, notebooks, a new t-shirt, and even a small toy car. These items may seem simple, but for Abraham, they mean everything. They have transformed his daily experience at school. 

Now, Abraham can take proper notes in class. He can study at home. He can carry everything he needs to and from school with pride. His favorite item is the backpack, which he uses every day to bring his supplies safely to class.

When asked about the day he received his supplies, Abraham shared: “It was a very happy and joyful day for me and my friends.” 

That joy is more than a moment: it’s momentum. With the tools to learn, Abraham is studying harder, participating more fully in class, and moving closer to the future he imagines for himself. He dreams not only of success, but of giving back, helping other children the same way he is being helped right now. 

Abraham’s story is one of many, but it reminds us why Sister Schools exists. A backpack. A few books. The chance to learn. These simple acts of support build confidence, open doors, and help children carry hope every single day. 

When students like Abraham are given the tools they need, they don’t just go to school... They begin to believe in what’s possible!