Agnes’ Story

One of 9 orphans in her family, Agnes Oyella was among the first to move to Village of Hope in 2010. She attended VOH from primary through S4, at which time she went to primary teacher college where she studied for two years. Besides teaching at VOH, she also helps with music, dance, drama, and drawing. Agnes spoke to us about her experience growing up at VOH and her work shaping the young minds on our campus.

How did your time at VOH prepare you for what you’re doing now? When I joined Village of Hope, I was hopeless- things were not easy. When I was in P6, I lost my father and had no hope to study. I didn’t even dream of becoming a teacher. When I joined VOH, I was mentored and counseled. Pastor David counseled me and Mama Judith counseled me. I finished S4 in 2015. I never wanted to branch, but counselor Jacob saw a talent in me to work with young children, so I went to primary teacher college.

What have you learned about teaching? Teaching is a blessing. The more you teach, the more young lives you will touch. Someone told me once, if you want to become the richest person, become a teacher. Even if you die, there will be someone you taught who will represent you- you will leave a legacy.

On students learning English: These young children, the new ones, started school in government school; they use the local language only in P1-P3 but VOH is teaching in English so I often have to teach in both languages to make sure the new students understand.

What would you like to say to your sponsor? I can only say thank you! I pray God will continue blessing you so you can continue helping more children at VOH.

What would you like to say to your students? Do not give up. Life is not easy outside. I would encourage them to continue with their education. In this world, you cannot survive without an education. Listen to your teachers, the moms, and the uncles. Listen to the advice they give you. I listened and now that’s why I am a teacher.

What was it like leaving the village? When I left VOH, life in the primary teacher college was not easy. Others were coming from Kampala and they were rich. It wasn’t easy staying there with them. They all had smart phones and computers but we didn’t. Sometimes your supplies would run out before the term ended. But, the counselors always helped. I borrowed phones and computers and managed. It wasn’t easy. Things are easy in Bweyale Village.

How do you feel looking back on your time as a student at VOH? The students I went to school with are like family to me. I miss those who are in university. I hope we can have an organized alumni association so we can come together and visit.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future? I pray God will grant good health and money to continue with my education. I can study during school holidays to get my diploma so my salary increases- I can become a head teacher or deputy. If I get my diploma, I can be a nursery teacher tutor (who trains those wanting to become nursery school teachers) or teach in secondary school. If I get my masters, I can become a school inspector or other administrator; with a PhD, I would then advise.

Through her work at Village of Hope, Agnes is able to support herself, her mother, and her brothers/ sisters at home. She pays for two brothers and a sister at Bobi Village. She also helps her sister Nancy in S6 with VOH. Her mother is very happy. She never thought that any of her nine children would be able to go to school. Agnes is the first to finish school; she is very proud of her.