These were Nalukwago’s words during a Fashion Show event organized by DARLIA Skills Training Center, in Mukono district. Nalukwago is a story of determined perseverance. Orphaned at a very young age, her paternal grandmother took her on, providing her the very best care, love and nourishment in Kamuwanula, a remote rural village in Nakasongola district (160Km north of Kampala). Battling with poverty, her widowed grandmother, a hard-working peasant who tilled the land for sustenance, continued earning a little from surplus food sales for her granddaughter’s education.
She was totally committed to giving her the best in life – most especially, a good education that would equip her with survival skills and possibilities for a bright and meaningful future. Despite the harsh realities of a ruthless existence that characterized their lives, Nalukwago’s grandmother remained hopeful – this hope materialized into a great encounter with Deaf Link Uganda (DLU).
The organisation immediately took on sponsoring her education at Mulago School for the Deaf (Primary), averting the disaster of withdrawing her from school, due to lack of school fees. Nalukwago went from strength to strength, harnessing her desire to obtain a good education. She’s been steadfast in pursuit of a productive life! Early this year, she was among our graduate students at Michelangelo College of Creative Arts, where she attained a Certificate in Textile and Fashion Design.
Currently, she’s on a one-year internship programme at DARLIA SKILLS CENTER to boost her skills. Saturday 1 June 2024, her grandmother joined DLU team to the Fashion Show event, during which Nalukwago displayed her fashionable products, walking down the “Cat walk” with style and vigour – it was impressive witnessing the strides she’d achieved and growth in self-confidence. Watching her grandchild, the overjoyed grandmother couldn’t hide her intense excitement as she reminisced the journey with DLU. “DLU has sponsored my grandchild since primary school, she is emerging into a confident, talented and brilliant woman. Am so proud of her! Thank you Nalukwago for not losing focus; Thank you DLU for your extraordinary support over the years. To see Nalukwago thrive is a testimony of hard work and proof that our deaf children can make it in life given the right support. Am so delighted!”
When asked about her future dreams, Nalukwago replied with a lively enthusiasm: “I want to succeed and set up a business in Fashion Design, as well as train other Deaf youth. I want to be the best in fashion!” Her confidence lit up the entire event with huge applause
DLU extends deep gratitude to all sponsors of our deaf children; special thanks to Nalukwago’s sponsors for walking this journey with her, enabling her dream to unfold! Thanks to her grandmother for the unwavering love and to DLU for your hard work and tenacity through the years! Thanks to all the teachers in schools she’s attended for shaping her life and Bravo to Nalukwago, our Champion for making us so PROUD!
01 January 2024: DLU attends Fashion Show Event at DARLIA Skilling Centre, Mukono
