Justin’s Story
Justin joined Village of Hope in 2009 during our early work at the Labora IDP camp. He took some time to write about his experience at VOH and what having access to education, counseling and medical care has meant for him. In his own words…
Looking way back in 2009 when I joined Village of Hope Uganda’s program in Labora camp, my life has gone and is still going through a series of transformations under the support and care from Village of Hope Uganda. I was a despised, broken vessel wherein there was no pleasure. I turned left and right but there was no way through; chaos was the order of the day; cries and sounds of sorrow were the only voice I could hear in my ears. But I thank God who always keeps his promises toward his children [Jeremiah 29:11]; indeed God still does miracles and has made my life to be a living miracle and testimony because of his hand toward me through Village of Hope Uganda. Truly you have brought hope to the helpless young boy through the help, support, care, love, and provision. Only eyes can testify of wonders that God has done through Village of Hope Uganda.
First, in education. I was studying in a deep, remote school where I had to cover a distance of 8km per day on my way to and from the school. With the low level of studying facilities and few teachers, of whom some were not professionally qualified, it had a history of poor performance. Village of Hope Uganda has helped me from moving the long distance to a conducive learning environment with fully qualified teachers and with high level of technology which provides a high level of academic excellence. This has groomed me to become who I am today by laying for me a strong academic foundation which has made me able to excel in all my level of studies from primary through secondary. I know I will continue to excel at the institution where I am pursuing a national diploma in Records and Information Management .
Not only that but also Village of Hope Uganda has restored love, joy ,hope, and peace in my life and family. Looking at the past history of war where I went through terrible moments in life at my early age which made me to look down on my destiny. I thank God that through Village of Hope Uganda, my lovely Mama Cindy , Mama Rose, and all the precious staff of Village of Hope Uganda, truly I have found joy, love, and peace in my heart; I have learned to forgive in my life and it has built me to become a young man who teaches the word of God through the inspiration from Village of Hope. Truly my life is a living testimony.
Furthermore, health-wise, I was having a serious health problem that even my family could not afford but I thank God that through Village of Hope Uganda, with heartfelt care, I found treatments in the best hospitals and good medical services given by our school doctor and nurse which enabled me to receive total healing in my stomach. Village of Hope Uganda is the pillar of my life to grow into a healthy awesome young man.
To add onto that, Village of Hope Uganda made me to know how to set my goals, mission, and vision in life, which stands as a guiding principle in performing day to day work through the techniques given to me by inspirational role models at Village of Hope which are to work with integrity and transparency. I am currently working with African Revival Uganda where I am the Sanitation Officer under the Girls Sanitation Project using the ethics built from Village of Hope.
Moreover, Village of Hope has supported me and my family members, of whom they are still supporting, through the provision of food which has helped my family members to survive even when things are scarce which has enabled me to grow well.
In a nutshell, Village of Hope has helped me and is still helping me to grow through Bible counseling sessions in the way and the fear of God which has made a great impact in my life. Glory to God! Long live Mama Cindy, Mama Rose and above all, long live Village of Hope Uganda for generations to come.
*Some parts have been edited for clarity