Derrick L's Story

Derrick, age 9, years lives with his maternal grandparents in the village of Kisoko in Mukono District. Derrick’s father died when he was 2 years old whereas his mother’s whereabouts are unknown. Derrick’s grandparents are farmers, who rely on subsistence agriculture for food. The grandparents struggle financially as they do nothave a stable source of income.His siblings, like him, have struggled with challenges that come with financial instability, particularly in accessing educational opportunities. While his grandparents strive to support him in every possible way, the reality of their circumstances means that Derrick may fail to attend school regularly because of their inability to provide for Derrick and other children in this household. Despite these obstacles, Derrick possesses a remarkable spirit. He is a confident and inquisitive child who engages with people with warmth and politeness. His eagerness to learn is evident in the way he listens attentively to adults.