The year was 2005. She defied the odds to excel in her Primary Leaving Examinations scoring Distinctions 1 in Mathematics and Science, Distinction 2 in Social Studies and Credit 3 in English.
To put this in perspective, the best aggregate one can get in a given subject is Distinction 1 (which is usually 90 marks or more out of the possible 100). The feat was even more pronounced because she achieved this in a Universal Primary Education (UPE) School. The learning environment in such schools leaves a lot to be desired.
Doreen Nalubiri’s celebrations were muted by the realization that she faced the prospects of dropping out school at this stage due to lack of school fees. Many a child in Doreen’s circumstances has suffered this fate; often times ending up in early marriage.
Fortunately, lady luck visited Doreen in the form of two wonderful ladies. First it was her caring and vocal headmistress, MS Jane Kansiime, and then a visitor from Norway called Bjørg Hernes. The latter came to Uganda in March 2006 and her itinerary took her to Doreen’s former school – KCC Primary School, Kamwokya.
The former, disturbed by the impending challenges of her star pupil, and through the hosting agency, appealed to MS Bjørg to assist Doreen with fees for her secondary education. Bjørg accepted and 10 years later, in March 2016, Doreen graduated from the Prestigious Makerere University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical laboratory Technology. She is employed with Sev pharmaceuticals working in the quality control department. She is indeed Destiny’s Child!
Spice of Life is happy to have been associated with Doreen’s Journey and is proud of her achievements.