What about going to college are you most excited about?
“I am most excited about the fact that I am joining the most beautiful university in Uganda. It is very hard to be accepted there. Even if I’ve not touched the sun at least I’ve touched the stars.”
Are you scared about going to college?
“Not at all. I am very happy and proud.”
What was the hardest part of your journey to this point?
“Before I joined HALO school fees were my stumbling block, and moving long journeys from home to school.” Stella explained that she had to walk very far every day to get to school. She said it was hard to stay late and get there early and the teacher would beat her for being late and not having all her homework.
What was the most joyous moment in your life?
“When I completed Senior 6 (the last level of advanced secondary school) because I never thought I would reach that level.”
What was the saddest moment in your life?
“When I was in Senior 2 and the people (my step-mothers and siblings) I was living with chased me away.”
Was there any point when you thought you might give up?
“Yes, when our father neglected us and didn’t give us anything. I thought I was born by mistake. I thought I was the problem. Our mother struggled so much that we thought maybe we shouldn’t be alive.”
What do you want to do after college?
“I will search for a job so I can support myself and my family. I would also like to continue to get my masters.”
What advice would you give the other Mengo girls?
“Be patient, very, very patient. Think about the future.”
Stella added, “I’d like to thank HALO because they have added a lot of value to my life. It was like a miracle.”
