Frank Kanizio Ssenyange
Age 17-years-old
School St. James Senior Secondary School, Kyotera, Rakai District
Class Senior 3 (10th grade)
Village Kalungi Village / Rakai District
Family situation My father and mother died from HIV/AIDS. They left me and my four siblings alone in the house. Our elder sister, who was 12, took on the role of mother. I am glad that after a period of untold suffering, we were adopted by L.E.A.D Uganda.
I want to be a telecom engineer
Ambition I will help families affected by HIV/AIDS.
Hobbies I love soccer. I support the Liverpool football club in England. I also like movies.
My story
“Both of my parents died from HIV/AIDS leaving me, three sisters, Rose, Sanyu, Sarah and a brother Joseph. We were left at the mercy of God. No relative was willing to adapt us because they feared responsibility. Our mother left us with an 11-month-old baby, Sarah. This was the greatest challenge we had. Since my elder sister, Rose, and I were attending a local school, Sarah stayed with our 10-year-old sister, Sanyu. We grew food in the small garden that our parents left us, but it was not enough. We did not eat every day.
Rose our elder sister did not proceed to go to university because she performed poorly and because she chose to get married. This left me in charge of the family. The thought of my responsibilities was overwhelming. I was having trouble in school because I worried too much.
But thanks to L.E.A.D Uganda, who are our new family, I do not have to worry about my sisters and brother. I am able to go to school and prepare for my future. I joined L.E.A.D a few years after the death of our mum. Stephen Shames of L.E.A.D Uganda who had witnessed the burial ceremony came back and asked the village elders if he could help us. I started school at St. John Bosco Katende in 4th grade, but, because I was a top student, I was transferred to Budo Junior School, the top primary school in Uganda.
I scored a 1st grade on my 7th grade final national exams. As a result, I was admitted to a very good high school, St. Mary’s Mbuye. I love Physics and Mathematics.
I want to be a telecom engineer. I want to help my siblings grow and mature. I want to make a home for them. I will also help other disadvantaged children achieve their dreams.”
