Back in September 2013, Akena Thomas told a member of Invisible Children’s communications team that he dreamed of becoming a doctor when he is older.

But recently, in June, another member of the same communications team met with Thomas again only to learn that Thomas has since changed his mind. Instead of being a doctor, he now hopes to grow up to be a civil engineer.

Since Invisible Children Uganda began investing in his education, Thomas has worked incredibly hard. He is repeatedly at the top of his class at Pope Paul VI Anaka Secondary School. He was the top performer last year in Senior 1 and has continued to do the same in the first term of of Senior 2.

It’s not easy to be the top in your class, Thomas says. What gets you to that point is when you work very hard.

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We are not just proud of Thomas and his academic success. Invisible Children also wants to celebrate Thomas’s big dreams, his willingness to develop his talents and to explore the many options for his future.

“Education is so important because the people in northern Uganda have been facing a problem of civil war for over 20 years,” Thomas said. “With education, we are going to be able to attain a successful life in the future unlike in the past.”

Thomas admits that there are some challenges facing Anaka’s senior 2 students. Sometimes, his teachers do not come to class, which makes learning difficult, or their class notes are disorganized for challenging subjects such as chemistry. But there are many positives as well. Uganda is in the process of introducing a new academic curriculum that includes English Literature.

“That topic was not being taught here before and now they will start. I think it will be a good opportunity to me and other students. It is so interesting,” he said, noting that literature can help expand the student’s appreciation of reading more than before.

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Without the support of the Legacy Scholarship Program, Thomas said that his family would not be able to afford his school fees. He aims to continue working hard, especially in subjects such as physics, mathematics and economics, in order to maintain his scholarship and be well-prepared for his future career goals.

His advice for students around the world, especially the young people who support Invisible Children, is that they all should work hard to perform well, because this is the way to achieve your dreams.

The war in northern Uganda kept many people from accessing education. Help us pave the way for the future by supporting the Legacy Scholarship Program.