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.