Get to know Nakalema Judith
April 2019
Judith holds the position of Headteacher at St Matia Mulumba Primary School. She has gone through the schooling system herself and is now giving back to the community. Judith has an inspiring story of her own.
Until she was twelve years old Judith went to school, but then, through lack of fees, was unable to carry on. For four years she remained at home and had no schooling, but then Father Boniface met her and spotted her potential. Through him, she was able to begin attending St Kizito School to continue her primary education. From there she went on to secondary school and later studied to become a teacher.
After she qualified, she went back to St Kizito and taught there for a number of years. In January 2014 she was appointed to the headship at St Matia Mulumba School. Currently, she has served there for five years and, alongside her responsibilities as Head, also teaches Science and acts as an examiner for this subject.
Judith lives onsite in a room of the main school building. During the holidays most children go home to their families, but those who are unable to continue to be cared for by Judith. She is perfect for the job as her own background and upbringing enable her to understand what the children are experiencing. She also shares Father Boniface’s vision of improving their quality of life and of seeking to give them opportunities for a better future.
Judith in the classroom at St Matia Mulumba, supervising a lesson
Judith with the sponsored children, distributing cards and gifts from a donor
Here, Judith tells us a little more about herself:
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I like cooperating with others; I especially enjoy helping young children with their different activities.
What does your typical day consist of?
I spend my day managing school activities, conducting different meetings with staff and teachers, as well as completing other office work. I also visit different parents to discuss the academic progress of the students.
Why do you feel education is important?
It gives the opportunity for the children to change their lifestyle, they can get strong values, socialise with others and bring a real difference to their lives. When they are not in school, there is no scope for social interaction, just interaction with their parents. Being a member of the community, and being able to socialise with others is an important value of the school. The children also get an opportunity to be exposed to a new environment, be inspired by others and develop spiritually in their relationship with God.
Why did you choose to be a teacher?
At first I wanted to be a counsellor, however, I also was passionate about helping children, and so being a teacher favoured my vision and interests. I can understand first-hand how for some families, providing an education for their children can be difficult. For example, my education was not so easy, and so I wanted to help children who are in a similar situation to encourage them to progress. I want the children to know that no matter what challenges they face, at least they will be encouraged to stay to the end. For me, education is extremely important, much more so than material wealth.
Judith's testimonial about the work of EVC
We, as the family of St. Matia Mulumba Primary School in Kyankoole, are very blessed to have the great friends of God from the UK who formed the charity EVC Uganda.
Since you came in and started this wonderful project, many people’s lives changed for the better, especially the very poor families whose children have received an education; this has made them happier than ever! Their mindset towards education has changed positively and we hope in future, these families will be able to develop economically, socially and spiritually.
On top of that, the community where the school is located has already gained from EVC’s great work. We appreciate the noble work you are doing here, supporting our children in school, building the dormitory and water borehole which has recently been drilled. We are grateful for the solar lights.
May God grant you and your families abundant blessings always. Thank you so very much to all EVC's supporters; you have lighted the kids’ faces!