University Stories: Berocan Paula

Berocan Paula’s mom, who didn’t complete elementary school, sells fried snacks, like cassava and french fries, on the side of the road. Since Paula was one of the older children, her mom depended on her from an early age to run the small family business. Paula was responsible for accounting for how much was sold, what was set aside for rent, how much was reinvested into product for the next day, and other bookkeeping matters. The whole family worked; they were surviving, but just barely. 

 Paula was seven when her dad died, leaving her and her five siblings. After he died, her mom was wailing in a hospital hallway. A woman, finding Paula’s mom wailing in a hospital hallway, came close to comforted her and offered her a bit of hope. She told Paula’s mom about Hope Alive! and said that maybe her children could be enrolled. If they were enrolled, her kids could attend school, and maybe, just maybe, the family would make it. 

That was in 2002. In 2003, Paula, now a student of Hope Alive!, entered into school as a first grader with a new uniform and new shoes, excited that her tuition had been paid in full. and that she was now a student of Hope Alive! Paula performed well academically, eventually completing a vocational trade school program in accounting. She assumed her time as a student of Hope Alive! had come to an end. Most Hope Alive! students are not able to continue their education at a go on to university. and continue their education after vocationaltrade school. However, Paula was going to experience something very different.that was not the case for Paula.  

A family in the United States gave Hope Alive! a gift of $5,000 and asked that we select a deserving female student to send on to university. Paula doesn’t know why exactly she was selected, but she can’t help but thank God for His great mercy. 

Paula went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Makerere Business School. She is the first and only person in her family to go to university. Before graduating, Paula interned at a local church and was later asked to become the head accountant at the church. 

Paula says, “Because of my university degree, I’ve been able to be given a good paying job that helps me support my family. I pay rent for my family and help support my younger sister. Because of how God has blessed me, I know that I can get a good job anywhere. I am not going to be totally dependent on a husband to provide for me, but I can contribute too. I won’t have to marry someone who will make me suffer, and I can know that my kids will have a better life.”

Regarding her grade-school and university sponsors, Paula says, “I am who I am because of them. If it wasn’t for their hands, by the grace of God, I wouldn’t be who I am. We are grateful. I have never met my sponsors, but I know that God has touched their hearts, and they, in turn, have touched mine.”