James: a story of determination

Many of the little souls selected for the sponsorship program have similar, though nonetheless heartbreaking stories of a life destined to peasantry and struggling daily for basic necessities. Sometimes, however, we come across a unique story and a child whose hardships and prospects at life seem even more devastating.

James is a 10-year-old boy who lives in Nakabango. Last November, during our leadership trip we had the pleasure of meeting him. As soon as we met him, he told us his story as he was peeking up through the school window trying to get our attention.

He said, "My name is James, I want a sponsor. My dad is dead, my mom is dead. My dad was shot. Please, I want to be sponsored."

Usually, children are shy and interact with a simple smile from afar or just holding our hands without much verbal communication. James, however, was extremely talkative and had one main request, "I want to have a sponsor". Oftentimes, students will tell us this after we have passed out sponsorship packets and they see the goodies all their fellow students receive. This trip though was mainly for staff meetings and there were no special gifts given to the sponsored kids. James wanted to go to school purely because he loved learning and this love he had was being threatened by poverty. Even the headteacher told us he was quite the nuisance as he frequently came knocking on his office door asking about sponsorship. It turned out he had been enrolled before but was frequently sent home because the grandmother couldn't afford his fees for schooling. Eventually, that meant he would be sent home for good and this bright, outgoing boy wouldn't have a chance. That day in the village I promised him I would try my best to find him a sponsor to support his schooling.

​After further investigation, we learned that he had already been through the village sponsorship selection committee and was on the list for students awaiting sponsorship. Also, what he said about his parents was a tragic truth. Both of James' parents had died. In 2012, when James was just a toddler, his mother had accompanied her sister to wash clothes on the banks of Lake Victoria where they were both attacked, killed, and eaten by crocodiles. They were never given a burial because there was nothing to bury after the attack. James’ father was a police officer and was shot by a fellow police officer while settling some village disputes.

With James left an orphan, he and his siblings were separated to live with remaining relatives. James now lives with his grandmother who was injured and cannot work steadily, so relies on what little support her surviving children can provide her and James. This, unfortunately, leaves very little if anything at all to pay for school.

James was determined though, and when we visited Nakabango again in February he sat inside with the sponsored kids, waiting for his packet. When he was inevitably kicked out he came directly up to me and said, "You promised me a sponsor!". I knew I wasn't leaving that day without fulfilling that promise.  I told the mission trip team about him and immediately they took action and about 5 minutes later, we were able to tell James his wish had finally come true - he was sponsored! He could return to school and would no longer have to worry about being sent away.

James' determination was an inspiring reminder that no matter the hardships we face in life, perseverance, faith, courage, and a little bit of charm will help overcome any obstacle. I don't quite know what the future holds for James, but I do know that he's a fighter and I cannot wait to see who he becomes. 

If you're interested in changing the life of a child like James, consider sponsoring through Hearts & Hope here!