Gideon Tuyu: A Testament of Investment
We asked Gideon Tuyu, a third-year university student who grew up in Matero and attended the Matero Resource Center, what Arise Africa means to him. He asked to take some time to gather his thoughts and sent us this heartfelt letter a few days later:
For fifteen years, the name Arise Africa has been synonymous with hope, opportunity, and steady support in my life. From the foundational years of kindergarten to my current third year of university, Arise Africa has been the consistent force behind my educational journey, providing my school fees without fail. This ongoing support is more than just financial—it is a big part of who I am. It has given me hope, strengthened my faith, and helped me grow into the Gideon I am today. Arise Africa is not just a sponsor; it is the spark that has changed my life in ways I never thought possible. It is a guiding light on my educational journey.
The greatest impact Arise Africa has had on me over these fifteen years is the sense of hope it brings. With ongoing support, I have never worried about how to pay for school, allowing me to focus entirely on my studies. This peace of mind has helped me excel academically and encouraged me to dream bigger every day. Each year of support has opened new possibilities. My mother is always grateful, saying that a journey that once felt uncertain and filled with obstacles has become a landscape of opportunity for her son. I feel loved at Arise Africa, knowing that my education matters and that my future is full of potential, fueling hope that drives me every day.
Beyond academic support, Arise Africa has played a vital role in my personal and spiritual growth. Its values and the community it creates have strengthened my faith and provided a moral compass for my decisions over the years. This spiritual foundation has helped me face challenges with resilience and a positive mindset. It has been just as important as my education.
One of the most cherished experiences with Arise Africa is the sense of family it provides. The amazing CSOs are more than staff; they are mentors and confidants. Their support feels like a second home. I remember my first year at school was really hard because I missed my mother. Then came Aunty Susan, my first CSO, who became like a mother to me at school. She guided me with love, and I still feel that kindergarten pupil’s closeness when I am around her. Through letters from my sponsors, Aunty Kate and Uncle Brenden, I feel their love and support; sometimes, I feel like I am their first-born son, like I have another family in America. Knowing I belong has made my journey easier, reminding me that I am part of something bigger and that people are invested in my success.
In summary, my fifteen years with Arise Africa have been transformative and life-changing. It has provided the financial foundation for my education from my earliest school days in 2010 to university, but its impact goes far deeper. It has given me hope for the future, strengthened my faith, guided my personal growth, and welcomed me into a loving family. As I enter my third year of university, I carry with me not only the knowledge I have gained but also invaluable lessons of resilience, community, and gratitude that Arise Africa has provided. It has truly shaped my life, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities and sense of belonging it has given me. So, when people ask me where home is—where I find love and support—I say, “It is the only place where hugs are free, faith is strong, and gatherings feel like a warm blanket.” Simply put, Arise Africa is HOME.