Kalaki, Uganda – The administration of Lwala Girls Senior Secondary School in Lwala Parish, Otuboi Sub County, Kalaki District, has stepped in to support Irene Areco, a bright 15-year-old girl who had lost hope of continuing her education due to financial struggles.
Areco, a former pupil of Adongkweru Primary School in Kalaki District, scored 18 aggregates in her Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) in 2024.
Despite her strong performance, she faced uncertainty as her grandmother, who is her sole guardian, was unable to afford secondary education costs.
Her plight was highlighted by Dokolo FM after she was identified at an event organized by Christine Oluka, an alumna of Adongkweru Primary School, to celebrate the best three PLE performers.
The story caught the attention of Lwala Girls SS, which has now offered Areco a full bursary from Senior One to Senior Four.
Lwala Girls SS Headteacher Joseph Eceru confirmed the development in an interview with Dokolo Post, stating that the school was deeply moved by Areco’s story and her status as a total orphan.
“We couldn’t let her future be wasted. The school has decided to offer her a full bursary, covering her education from S1 to S4,” Eceru said.
He also called upon well-wishers, stakeholders, government officials and political leaders to support Areco with scholastic materials.
Esther Among, a teacher at Lwala Girls SS, praised the media for bringing Areco’s story to light and urged the community to continue supporting her education.
“As teachers, we are ready to help her excel academically,” she added.
Areco, filled with excitement, expressed her gratitude to Lwala Girls SS and the media for giving her a new chance at education.
“I am ready to commit myself to my studies and work hard to build my future,” she said.
Her grandmother, Catherine Agago, a resident of Kobedi Village, Lwala Parish, Otuboi Sub County, also shared her relief.
She revealed that Areco had previously been studying under a free bursary at Adongkweru Primary School but had no means to continue beyond PLE.
“We were living without hope for her future, but now she has a chance,” Agago said.
Lwala Girls Senior Secondary School is a government-aided Catholic-founded institution with 250 students and 20 staff members.