A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES: GLORIA ATIENO

Gloria comes from Ginga Village, West Uyoma Location, Kagwa sub-location. After her mother's husband passed away in 2013, she got into a relationship with a man from the village and from that relationship Gloria was born on September 27, 2015. She is the youngest of four siblings. The relationship between her mother and father did not last - they ended up separating. They had conflict because he would not provide for the family and would only depend on what Gloria's mother could provide. Her mother struggled to provide for the family, relying on seasonal, low-paying jobs. This financial hardship forced Gloria’s eldest sibling to drop out of school, and the family often could not meet basic needs.

Gloria faced neglect and isolation at home, with siblings telling her to go and look for her father. She often spent time alone, feeling sad and unsupported.

Gloria attended Tuju Primary School, where lessons were taught in the local vernacular (Luo) which hindered her academic progress. Her situation worsened, leading the Micro Community Director to refer her case for intervention due to signs of neglect and depression.

In January 2023, Gloria was admitted to Baba Nyumbani Rarieda while in grade 1. At the time, she could only communicate in her native language and struggled with both Kiswahili and English. Her academic performance was initially low, but with support, she made remarkable progress. Gloria’s scores improved from 327 to 554 out of 700 marks within the year, earning her second place in her class.

Now in grade 3, Gloria is fluent in Kiswahili and English and remains focused on her studies. She is known for her enthusiasm in helping classmates revise and aspires to become a teacher, inspired by her own educators. Within the micro community, she is affectionately called “Madam Gloria” for her leadership and dedication to learning.

For Gloria, it took determination. One word at a time, one step at a time. She is on the road to her one thousand miles. All she had to do was take the first step. With support and pooled resources, her dreams are achievable.

**Name has been changed to protect privacy**