Gladys N – A Powerful Influencer!
Today we have a story for you about a young lady from Uganda named Gladys. She faced multiple challenges while growing up, but remained determined to complete her education, despite all the odds pitched against her.
Gladys’ personal sacrifice and determination have resulted in her becoming a powerful influencer, especially, in making a difference for girls and the disabled in her community. In Matthew 5:16 Jesus called out to His disciples,” In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Gladys is a shining example of a person who lets the light of Christ shine clearly through her life. She has been strategic in the way she has aligned the children in her school with the local CHE facilitators to leverage their programs to impact her students. Here is her story:
“Gladys, stop dreaming such big dreams,” said Pappa N firmly, “No one from our village has ever studied beyond Secondary school. As a girl, you have reached as high as Secondary school. There are no hopes of you ever going to High School!”
Undeterred, Gladys remained determined to study. Her strong resolve made her father finally concede to allow her to stay with his relatives in the town to complete high school and later her teacher’s training course. It was here, that her faith in the Lord Jesus was established and strengthened. Today she is Head Teacher of the Mahempe Primary school in the Mbale diocese. She is small in stature but powerful in how she influences the teachers and students. That was clear when we walked around her school and saw her in action. Gladys has made special efforts to ensure that girls remain motivated to continue their studies and she makes every effort to ensure that the disabled get a fair chance to be educated too.
All around the school were these little signboards to remind her staff and students of the focus of her efforts. We have all heard the saying, educate a woman and you educate her whole family. However, when one makes it possible to educate a determined woman, one educates a whole generation! That’s what we saw happening in Mahempe before our very eyes. Later we had the opportunity to listen to the children share some of the things they had learned from the CHE trainers working in the area. Gladys was equally enthusiastic about joining the students as they shared the lessons they had learned. The CHE trainers told us they pass on CHE lessons on cleanliness, hygiene, and healthy eating by converting them into songs with catchy tunes. “The children learn the songs and sing them everywhere they go, including teaching them to their parents. Before long, everyone is singing, and learning and being transformed!” Here is a video of the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C89HKuYjJwY
MAI has CHE lessons for all types of groups to address their special needs and concerns. It was very encouraging to see the innovative approaches that CHE facilitators were using to promote CHE among children. “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” ~ Proverbs 22:6
It is a joy and privilege to be a part of God’s worldwide ministry and serve alongside such incredible and wonderful people, each playing an incredible and significant role by partnering, supporting, teaching, and serving in His vineyard. We are so humbled that the Lord in His grace, chooses to use us and our colleagues for His amazing work. Thank you, Lord Jesus!
