Vicky is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in education at Uganda Christian University. She has worked hard studying to become a secondary school teacher and as supposed to graduate in 2020, but due to COVID delays that was pushed back to 2021.

Scholar Ilukol Vicky has been with CROSO since 2017. “I go to Uganda Christian University and I'm pursuing a bachelors in Education, so i'm going to become a teacher,” Vicky said.

Vicky was supposed to finish her program in 2020, but her graduation was pushed back because of COVID-19. She is now done with all of her course work, is completing a final research project, and will graduate later this year.

When she started with CROSO, Vicky wanted to teach in secondary school because she loves being with children. “I really want to be with children who are of my status, like I want to teach children who are also from the streets.”

“I understand them better, I know what they go through because it's what I also went through, so I believe I will handle them very well,” Vicky said.

Vicky has always thought education was important and that everyone should have access to it. She is not yet able to help others fund their education. Until then, she plans to talk to community elders and parents to convince them of the importance of sending their children to school.

Waiting to hear the results of her application and if she got selected to be a CROSO scholar was a difficult wait. Though, her results were well worth it. “I will never forget that day. We had a meeting, like for all the scholars who applied for CROSO.” “When my name was read I couldn't believe because I just knew that it was a step towards the change of my family.”

Each CROSO scholar is paired with a liaison in the US who is an expert in their field. The pair communicate about once a month as a mentoring opportunity and build a close relationship throughout their time at university. According to her liaison, Christine Ng, Vicky is “Very affirming and very encouraging and, you know, always wishing me well and sending her prayers…. It’s the right profession for her,” Christine commented.

Vicky took part in a teaching practicum from February - May 2019 where she used all the knowledge she has learned to teach in a classroom at Mbale Progressive Secondary School. According to CROSO, her confidence levels sky-rocketed as she put into practice what she learned in her classes at Uganda Christian University. Christine said that although Vicky has had some difficulties being a first time teacher during her teaching practicum, as all teachers do, they have been able to relate to each other over these troubles and have helped each other grow both personally and professionally.

As for Vicky’s long term goals, she says “After working for some few years I would, I would extend a hand of help to the street children because they really need help, that is really my dream. I just want to help the people of CRO.” To do this, she said: “I want to build my own school, like become a director of a school where I need to help street children.” Clearly, Vicky wants to use her education to empower others.

“So through attaining my education, I'm seeing my future is bright. So, with the help of the CROSO sponsorship, I’ll be able to attain what I need in the future”

Click below for the audio version of this story including Vicky and Christine’s voices!