Gabrielle Uku
“Through you, God’s love reaches children in difficulty and in need”
Christian Brothers School Turns Around a Young Girl’s Life
Gabrielle Uku is fourteen years old, but she’s already lived through a life of burdens no child should have to bear.
When she was nine years old, she lost her mother who was killed in an ambush during civil war. Gabrielle survived to live with her father and grandmother. But shortly thereafter, Gabrielle’s father became very ill.
Young Gabrielle had the responsibility of looking out for their home, their meals, and caring for her father who grew sicker and sicker. Even worse, during that same time, her grandmother also became ill. Soon Gabrielle, not even a teenager, was struggling to hold down all the responsibilities and take care of her family by herself.
While enduring these difficulties, she had been trying to stay in school. She knew education was very important for her if she hoped to have a better future. “I always had to take care of my weak father and also my sick grandmother while also going to school,” she recalls.
But the demands at home were increasing, as the health of her only surviving family members continued to decline. Eventually the struggles of caring for everyone and handling the full load of work at home became too consuming. Gabrielle missed two entire terms of school, and she believed her chance to go back was out of reach.
But the leaders of Our Lady of Assumption Vocational School in Rimenze felt differently. Someone shared Gabrielle’s story with the school administrators, and soon a representative reached out to her. The meeting came at a critical time for Gabrielle.
“It was at this time that I was introduced to the Brothers of Christian Instruction,” says Gabrielle, “who welcomed me and supported me to return to school.”
She soon discovered that, “because of the support the Christian Brothers receive from Sudan Relief Fund, I would be able to remain in school, acquire vocational skills, and be able to fend for myself and my surviving family.” It seemed too much to hope for. But it slowly sunk in for Gabrielle that this opportunity was real.
Thanks to the program supported by Sudan Relief Fund donors, Gabrielle received a scholarship to attend the school. She received daily encouragement academically, helping her not to give up on her educational goals. She also benefited from spiritual support to encourage her in the difficult time she was going through with her family.
Beyond academics, the Brothers of Christian Instruction strive to teach character and build up the whole person, so students are equipped with skills to navigate all aspects of life. Students have described their teachers as being “more like counselors” who spur them on to success both occupationally and spiritually.
Gabrielle is currently in her second year of high school. And she no longer feels alone. Her life is on a completely different trajectory, and she couldn’t be more grateful.
“I now sense great warmth from the community and continue to study even harder, and I will not disappoint those who gave me love and hope,” Gabrielle assures. To the supporters of Sudan Relief Fund she says, “Their kindness and yours mean a lot to me, as great as a mountain. The only thing I can do to reward your kindness is to study hard.”
Gabrielle still works hard to manage her school and home life. But now she is filled with hope. And her life is blessed by the support of people she knows genuinely care about her future. Filled with gratitude, she says to her benefactors, “Thank you, and I wish you a more peaceful and happier life forever. Through you, God’s love reaches those children who are in difficulties and in need.”
These stories of lives saved are possible thanks to our generous and compassionate donors who support programs that rescue children in distress. Thank you for partnering with us to transform lives and make brighter futures possible for girls like Gabrielle.
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