Lydia’s Story

Lydia has never known her father or her mother. She was only told by others that her mom died shortly after childbirth by an intentional poisoning. Lydia was brought to live with her grandmother shortly after birth but as she needed breast milk, the grandmother brought Lydia to her aunt (Lydia’s mother’s sister). This kind woman had a baby very close to Lydia’s age and offered breastmilk to Lydia until the grew to 18 months old. Once she was weaned from breast milk, Lydia was returned to her grandmother, since the aunt had no money for feeding or keeping Lydia, though she loved her very much.

Lydia says she used to do all the cooking and cleaning since her grandmother was too old to do these things. She would collect firewood and fetch water for some money.  It was very difficult work for her at such a young age but she did this all for survival and was happy to contribute to her grandmothers welfare as well as her own. 

Lydia joined the PFP family in 2011 and says “I realized my future would change and with that I am so happy for what has happened in my life within these periods and more to come.”

Lydia now attends a highly ranked secondary boarding school and has big dreams to become a successful bank manager in the future. During school holidays, Lydia travels back to Northern Uganda to learn about and be a part of her culture. She stays with her auntie (the same one who breastfed her as a baby) and has a strong connection with this aunt as well as her cousin, who she considers to be her sister. Lydia also enjoys spending time with her grandmother during holidays and does her best to help her as much as she is able.