I did not let poverty stop me from dreaming
Jonathan Kalyango is changing poor people’s lives with Yambala Uganda Ltd . Photo by Christine Katende
It all started when I completed Senior Four at Mengo Senior School in 2007. I sought to join A-Level at Kings College, Budo, the following year but unfortunately, there was no money to support me through the two years of A-Level and eventually university. At this time, some of my relatives had already advised me to quit school.
Their argument was that even if I strain, I was never going to get a job given the fact that I am not from western Uganda. At one time I believed that it was probably true that I wouldn’t get a job unless I had “technical know who”.
Life as an orphan
Indeed, as a vulnerable child, I really had no hope. My mother had passed on leaving me with my two elder brothers.
When they realised how helpless I was, they joined hands to push me through school again. Here, I had to join Buddo Secondary School instead of Kings College because I could not afford the school fees. But even though I went to a moderate school, I could still default on fees every now and then.
That forced my father to come on board during my Senior Six and through struggle, I managed to score 18 points.
Although my father contributed some money, it was at times hard for him given that he had got another woman with whom he could spend most of his time. He visited us once in a while but we couldn’t get his full attention.
Getting a break
I eventually joined Makerere University to pursue a degree in business studies. Later, I enrolled for Certified Public Accountant course. But during my second year, God blessed me with a part time job at Malaria Consortium as a data clerk. I used some of the money I earned for tuition and for my welfare. I personally funded the CPA course and also paid my rent.
I believed that with God everything would come to pass and it did because I was able to finish school successfully after I stood firm to denounce the negativity from people. I ashamed my relatives who thought I would never succeed without their support.
A conviction to help others
Although I managed to get an education, there was still something that always touched my heart. This was seeing people languish in poverty. It really puzzled me. I prayed to God about it thus getting a strong conviction to do something. I conceived a dream; I wanted to do something that would make a real difference in people’s lives.
My journey of grace had made me understand that everyone needs a helping hand so they can realise their dreams.
I focused on providing access to health and livelihood services to children of the poor. The thought of transforming lives of people was pleasant to the mind yet a burden because I didn’t know how it would turn into a life-transforming reality.
I was more or less like the people whose lives I wanted to transform. “Lord, how possible can I do this, when I am not any better?” I petitioned.
God told me to use what I had, “a pen and paper” and with that, I wrote down my dream. Since 2015 when my friend and I incorporated a company, we have been growing in our cause, mobilising and committing resources in areas of practical need. I want to tell others that it is possible to achieve your dreams.
Mine is a story of turning an impoverished difficult childhood into a springboard and motivation for success. Being born in a needy society like I was isn’t the end of the world, one has to just work much smarter and pray to God to see and seize opportunities.
Benefits
Yambala Uganda Ltd has so far supported 17 young people among which are teenage mothers, primary, secondary schools and those at the university. Besides, the direct health and livelihood support given to vulnerable young people, Jonathan Kalyango wants to travel the world, share his dream and inspire young people who are held back by their circumstances.
