Meet Victoria, a testament to resilience and determination. At just 4 years old, her life took an unexpected turn as she was placed in an institution. It all began with a promise of education, but it led her away from her family.
Denied access to her family, she, like many others in the institution, endured the heartache of separation. Yet, despite the hurdles, she never lost hope. Leaving the institution at 17 years old, she faced the stark realities of independence, struggling to provide for herself.
“The biggest problem was that access to family was denied. At some point, I gave up on waiting for my family and got used to the system.”
But Victoria’s story doesn’t end there. In her community, she found a new family and friends who supported her quest to reconnect with her family. Through their help, she reunited with her relatives, finding a sense of belonging she thought she’d lost.
Her journey was tough, but it shaped her into a beacon of empowerment. Drawing from her experiences, she became a youth coordinator, using her knowledge to guide others through their own struggles. Her past became a source of strength, not a defining factor.
Today, Victoria stands tall, offering guidance and support to those facing similar challenges. She advocates for the resettlement of children to their families, knowing firsthand the importance of belonging.
“If I could change anything about my experience in care, I would make sure every child is resettled back to the right community"
Her aspirations are grand yet noble, “to mend broken spirits and pave the way for a brighter future”. Her advice to the youth echoes her journey: “prioritise health, strive hard, and never lose sight of your goals”. Victoria’s success lies not just in her achievements, but in her unwavering determination to uplift others despite the tough times she faced.
Victoria is one of the young individuals who received training through the Youth Wellbeing project. It aimed at fostering resilience and empowerment within vulnerable youth communities in Uganda.
