Growing up in a rural area of Uganda, Zachery faced formidable challenges from an early age. The struggle to afford even the most basic necessities became very apparent when he missed the opportunity to sit for his National Primary Leaving Examinations due to financial constraints compounded by his mother’s illness. As the eldest sibling, Zachery took on the responsibility of caring for his family while his father tended to his ailing mother, highlighting the harsh realities of rural life.
Despite setbacks, Zachery’s spirit remained unbroken. He seized the opportunity presented by a government initiative offering free education for all children, eventually enabling him to complete his primary education. However, the financial burden resurfaced during his secondary schooling, leading to another forced dropout.
Undeterred, Zachery embarked on a journey of self-reliance, engaging in various income-generating activities to fund his education. Through this determination, he managed to return to school, albeit facing numerous challenges along the way.
Upon reaching the most important moment of completing his secondary education, Zachery encountered yet another obstacle – financial constraints threatened to derail his dreams once again. Nevertheless, he pressed on, overcoming hurdles and emerging as one of the top performers in his class.
Zachery’s academic success opened doors to higher education, ultimately leading to his enrolment in Makerere University, the largest university in Uganda. Despite facing many hardships, including financial insecurity, Zachery remained steadfast in his pursuit of knowledge, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and subsequently pursuing a Master’s degree.
Reflecting on his journey, Zachery acknowledges the transformative power of compassion. Through his non-profit organization, Development Alert, he has dedicated himself to uplifting his community, providing vital support to vulnerable individuals and spearheading initiatives focused on livelihood improvement and environmental conservation.
From sponsoring individuals through university education to supplying essential resources for schoolchildren, Zachery’s impact resonates far and wide. His commitment to fostering positive change serves as an inspiration to all, underscoring the profound difference one person can make through acts of kindness and compassion.
As Zachery continues to champion the cause of those in need, his life serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, resilience, and unwavering determination in overcoming adversity and transforming lives.
Zachery’s life lessons
Zachery shares with us his five life lessons:
- Compassion knows no boundaries and has the power to change lives.
- Every act of support, no matter how small, can make a significant difference.
- Determination and resilience are essential in overcoming challenges and achieving goals.
- Asking for help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- We all have a role to play in uplifting others and building a better world for future generations.
Zachery’s journey reminds us that through compassion and collective action, we can create positive change and make a lasting impact on the lives of those around us.
Zachery is now a key member of the Compassion Connectors Uganda. To support his group’s work, head here.
By Evans Ijakaa. Evans is a final year journalism student at Strathmore University in Kenya.