Sponsored by Dorothy Dunkin

Patrick Ochen is 21.

Patrick lives in a tiny two room home that houses 15 survivors of his family.  His one remaining Aunt has taken in all her nieces and nephews as well as raising her own three children.  Patrick’s parents and all other Aunts and Uncles were victims of the AIDS epidemic.

As an adult, Patrick feels a great responsibility to help support the extended family financially, but without any schooling, finding a job was challenging. 

Patrick’s younger relatives look to him as a role model, and he is taking that responsibility very seriously.  He hopes that his course in Electronics will help him gain skills necessary for employment so that he can assist his Aunt support his relatives.

 
This is an example of the inspiring stories of how past and current partnerships between sponsors and students are allowing young Ugandans to seize a better future and filling the hearts and imaginations of North Americans. These students have worked hard and we have seen their confidence and pride grow each month. BeadforLife strives hard to support students not only with the vocational training, but also with 'wrap-around' skills like resume writing, interviewing, networking, and work ethic. We do this in our monthly Friday Afternoon Club, as well as in one-on-one counseling with students.

BeadforLife also attempts to help students find jobs once they graduate. If you are interested in sponsoring a student, please click here.