From Hopeless to Hope-Bearer: Agness’ Story
When Agness arrived at Village of Hope Uganda in 2010, she was just a young girl with heavy burdens and an uncertain future. “When I joined Village of Hope, I was hopeless — things were not easy,” Agness remembers. “When I was in Primary 6, I lost my father and had no hope to study. I didn’t even dream of becoming a teacher.”
At Village of Hope, everything began to change. Caring house moms, wise counselors, and faithful teachers surrounded Agness with stability, mentorship, and the love of Christ. “Pastor David counseled me, Mama Judith counseled me. I was mentored and encouraged,” she says. Counselor Jacob noticed her gift for working with children and encouraged her to pursue teacher training — a future she hadn’t dared imagine.
After completing Senior 4 in 2015, Agness attended Primary Teacher College. It wasn’t easy — resources were scarce and her classmates often came from wealthier backgrounds. “Others were coming from Kampala and they were rich. They had smart phones and computers, but we didn’t,” she recalls. “Sometimes your supplies would run out before the term ended. But the counselors always helped. I borrowed phones and computers and managed.”
In 2017, Agness made history as the first Village of Hope alum to return to Bobi Village as a student teacher. She went on to serve for several years on our teaching staff — helping with music, dance, drama, and art — and shaping the next generation of VOH students with the same hope and courage she had been given.
Today, Agness teaches in a government school, continuing to pour into young lives far beyond the gates of Village of Hope. For her, teaching is more than a career; it’s a calling. “Teaching is a blessing,” she says. “The more you teach, the more young lives you touch. Even if you die, there will be someone you taught who will represent you — you will leave a legacy.”
Her gratitude runs deep — especially for those who made her education possible. “I can only say thank you! I pray God will continue blessing you so you can continue helping more children at VOH.”
And to her students, she has this message: “Do not give up. Life is not easy outside. Continue with your 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.”
Agness dreams of furthering her education — earning her diploma and perhaps one day a master’s degree — so she can lead and influence even more young learners. But no matter where she teaches, her foundation was laid at Village of Hope.
Because of donors and sponsors, a once-hopeless girl is now shaping young lives with faith and hope. Thank you for being part of Agness’ story — and the stories still being written today.