Letter from Tumwesigye A. Zake

I am Tumwesigye A. Zake, 35 years old, and married to my friend Twinomuhangi Annicious, with whom we have three children: two girls and one boy. I repair computers, photocopiers, and printers for a living. As a child, I often sat under the mango tree in our village, my eyes fixed on the horizon. The sun painted the sky with hues of gold, and I wondered about the world beyond. My parents, hardworking farmers, had dreams for me—to till the same soil, marry young, and raise children. But my heart whispered a different tale of books, pencils, and classrooms.

Our village lacked a school, a hospital, a good source of water, or access to a good road, but fate intervened. One day, a stranger arrived—a teacher from a distant town. He carried a worn-out bag filled with books. His name was Mr. Coco (not his real names), and he became my guiding star. Under that mango tree, he taught me the alphabet, the magic of numbers, and the stories of far-off lands. Our makeshift classroom was the heart of my universe.

At seven, I embarked on a journey—a dusty road that led to the nearest school. My uniform was stitched from my mother’s old saree, and my shoes were hand-me-downs. But my spirit soared. The classroom smelled of chalk and promise. I sat on a wooden bench, my heart racing. Education was my ticket to the stars. Life wasn’t easy. I balanced chores, homework, and dreams. The monsoons flooded our village, and textbooks turned to mush. But I persevered. I walked barefoot, raindrops kissing my forehead. I was determined to learn. Mr Coco's (not real name) words echoed: “Education is the key, my child. Unlock doors.”

Today, I stand before you—an educator, a beacon. I dream of building a school one day that is competently free for all. I have rallied for scholarships and mentored young minds. have started programs that can help community members lift themselves out of poverty, Education to change resonates with my soul. Every child we empower is a victory—a ripple that reaches shores unseen.

I am an advocate for education, driven by the belief that knowledge has the power to transform lives. My journey began with a simple realization: education is not just a privilege but a fundamental right that should be accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances.

Educhanger – a beacon of hope – is not just a program; it’s a movement. It’s about igniting minds, fostering curiosity, and nurturing dreams. As we publish this, let’s remember that every word we share has the potential to inspire change. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Education to Change. Your support means the world to me. As we embark on this fundraising journey, let’s remember that every contribution, no matter how small, has the power to light up a path toward education.

Thank you for believing in the Educhanger spirit. Together, we can create a world where education knows no bounds.
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With heartfelt gratitude,
Tumwesigye A. Zake