Gloria is the second-born in a family of five children. She and her siblings live with
their father, a peasant farmer whose struggle with alcoholism has deeply destabilized
the family. Gloria’s mother fled the home after enduring repeated violence, leaving the
children behind. Later, the father remarried, but the same cycle of alcohol abuse and
domestic conflict led the youngest child’s mother to leave as well.

The eldest sister was nearly forced into marriage when the father attempted to collect
the bride-price, prompting her to escape and live with their grandparents. This left
Gloria as the eldest child in the household, responsible for caring for her younger
siblings whenever her father is away, farming or drinking.

Despite her resilience, Gloria’s education has been jeopardized. Her father no longer
prioritizes paying her school fees, and his meager earnings are insufficient to support
all the children’s schooling. Gloria’s situation reflects both her vulnerability and her
strengths; she has stepped into a caregiving role far beyond her years, yet her
potential risks are being lost without intervention.

For these reasons, the Lutheran Church of Uganda has recommended Gloria for
inclusion in the NBS program, ensuring she receives educational support,
psychosocial care, and the chance to pursue her own future beyond the burdens of
her current circumstances.