By Mukarusine Lilian
My story is not one of luck, but of
grace.
From an early age, I was an ordinary
student with big dreams and limited means. I loved learning, and school became
a place where I felt hopeful, inspired, and full of purpose. Despite financial
challenges, I worked hard and believed that education would one day change my
life.
As time passed, school fees
continued to increase, and the support my family depended on was no longer
enough. The day I was told I could not continue my studies because of unpaid
fees was heartbreaking. I remember sitting alone in the classroom, feeling
empty and uncertain about my future. It seemed as though years of effort and
ambition were suddenly coming to an end.
Everything changed when NPO TER
stepped into my life. When I was informed that they had chosen to support me, I
could hardly believe it. Their support gave me a second chance—a chance to
return to school, to keep learning, and to dream again. They did more than pay
my school fees; they restored my hope and confidence in the future.
With the support of NPO TER, I
continued my education in excellent schools, where I met inspiring teachers and
motivated peers who encouraged me to grow. During this journey, I discovered my
passion for computers and technology. Writing my first working program opened a
new world for me and helped me realize my potential.
That passion led me to Rwanda Coding
Academy, one of the most advanced schools in the country. There, I learned not
only programming, but also problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.
Today, I am a software programmer, building a future that once seemed
impossible.
Looking back, I am grateful not
because the journey was easy, but because it was saved. NPO TER gave me more
than an education; they gave me dignity, confidence, and the courage to believe
in my dreams again. Now, as I share my skills and knowledge with others, I
carry their support forward, knowing that one opportunity can truly change a
life.