At 24 years old, Gumoshabe Claire has defied the odds. A fresh graduate from Makerere University with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Claire’s journey has been marked by resilience and the power of community support.
Raised in Kagadi District by a retired soldier and a mother who struggled to pay school fees, Claire’s education nearly ended after Senior Four. However, her talent in chess secured her a scholarship at the Uganda Rural Development Training Program (URDT), opening new doors. She later joined the Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project under Beautiful World Canada’s sponsorship, a life-changing opportunity that enabled her to pursue higher education.
University, however, came with unexpected challenges. In her first year, Claire became pregnant. The news was overwhelming—she feared losing her scholarship and her dream of completing school.
“Truth is, it wasn’t so easy to digest,” she admits. Yet, with the unwavering support of her fiancé, mentors, and Nyaka, Claire found the courage to embrace motherhood.
Despite taking a one-year break in January 2021, Claire’s scholarship remained intact. Her greatest surprise? She was carrying twins! “Oh my God!” she recalls, overwhelmed with joy. The journey was tough while balancing school and motherhood wasn’t easy but on January 30, 2024, she graduated with a Second-Class Upper honor.
Now, Claire is giving back. She is developing a Technology Academy, where she hopes to teach coding and chess, while mentoring young girls.
“Be intentional, focus, and pray,” she advises. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “If it wasn’t for Nyaka, I would have lost hope.”
Claire’s story is proof that with determination and the right support, anything is possible.
