Apaita’s Story

“I was born in the slums outside of Jinja, Uganda. My father died when I was young so I do not remember him well. I only remember that he caused a lot of violence to my mother and being a child, I was not happy with this. Three of my siblings died all in a short time. After the death of my last-born sister, my mother became so sad and left her other children.  We used to go barefoot, wear torn clothes and eat posho and beans when food was around. When it was not, I would go to town to beg for food or money so that I could eat. We would be happy to have one meal each day. We would all sleep in a small room on the dirt floors.

One day, when I was at home Aunt Heidi and Aunt Hillary helped me. They took me to the doctor to get healthy and then I went to school at Musana. Here, I revealed to them my talents while at school and I happened to be among the best in my class. I love school so much and am so happy with my life now”.

Apaita now attends a highly ranked secondary boarding school and has big dreams to become a pilot in the future. During school holidays, Apaita travels back to Northern Uganda to learn about and be a part of his culture in Karamoja. Apaita stays nights with the PFP resettlement liaison, our Karamojong social worker in Karamoja, but spends days with his mom and younger siblings. He takes pride in helping them as much as he is able. Apaita has a strong connection with his family and enjoys spending time with his mother.