In 2002, Alice Achan saw what others overlooked—the silent suffering of girls returning from captivity. War had stolen their childhoods, and without access to education, their futures were slipping away, too. Driven by her own experiences, she created a space for these girls, even if they had babies, to pursue their dreams. Today, that vision has grown into Te-Kworo Foundation, a force of change for women and girls in northern Uganda.

Education is more than just learning—it is a pathway to opportunity, empowerment, and a brighter future. For many girls in northern Uganda, attending school is not a guarantee. Poverty, child marriage, and gender inequality often stand in the way of their education.

In Kitgum District, Uganda, some of the most vulnerable members of the community—destitute elders and children with disabilities—struggle daily to meet their basic needs. Many have no source of income, no access to medical care, and no reliable food supply.

At just 15 years old, Awidi Gloria has already faced more challenges than many experience in a lifetime.

I passed my primary exams with excellent results, but I could not go on to secondary school because my parents could not afford my schools fees. I am one of 11 children. I had to drop out of school.

From an early age, Irene faced the harsh realities of life. She lost her father, who was a soldier in the conflict that gripped northern Uganda in 2006, when she was only a baby.

Mary’s story unfolds with the heart-wrenching loss of her mother when she was only six months old. Her mother was a victim of violence at the hands of her own father.

Given my unfortunate circumstances, I was offered a full scholarship. This support has rescued me from getting married off.

I delivered my baby safely but my education was at stake. I was behind at school, and no school in my area would accept me with my baby.

Since joining the school, my life has not been the same. I am no longer burdened with the pain of emotional abuse and the weight of being a housemaid. I now see a future filled with hope.

I thank Te-Kworo so much for the support that they provided at the time that I was desperately in need of an emergency referral.

Above all I thank God so much for saving my life and I pray that may God open doors for more opportunities for Te-Kworo to continue saving us mothers.

As a result, I was forced to drop out of school after Senior 1. During the time I stayed home, I became pregnant, as I had lost all hope of returning to school.

I lost hope in continuing my studies. I went to school every day, knowing that at any moment I could be sent home, and that would likely mark the end of my education.

At just 18 years old, Franka has already faced more challenges than most. After dropping out of school in Senior 3 due to financial difficulties, she eloped and had a baby with a man who later mistreated her.

Before joining Pader Girls Academy, I worked in a restaurant after dropping out of school because my father couldn’t afford higher-level fees.

Before joining Pader Girls’ Academy, I had to drop out of school because my mother, a widow, couldn’t afford secondary school fees. I felt frustrated and hopeless as I had always dreamed of becoming a nurse, but that dream seemed out of reach.

Before I returned to school after dropping out due to pregnancy, my life was miserable. The boy who made me pregnant was also a student and could not support me or the child.

Like any other person who endured captivity at the hands of the LRA, I also have a painful story to tell—the worst being abducted and forced into marriage with an LRA commander