Ojok Samuel was one of the first 100 students to join the Legacy Scholarship Program in 2005. Today, he is a shining example of how education programs can make an impact and of the successes motivated students can achieve.

After completing his A Levels with the help of a scholarship from Invisible Children, Samuel attended a course in accounting and finance. He was hired by Barclays Bank in 2012 and currently works in Gulu as a lead generator.

“When I was primary school, I had it in mind to work in a bank. I remember when I was around P4, my stepmom asked me, ‘Now that your day is starting today, what is your dream tomorrow?’” Samuel said. “I wanted to be a banker. I used to like how they look, how they dress and the public respect they have.”

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Samuel credits his education as a driving force in helping him reach where he is today.

“Before joining the scholarship, I don’t think I would be like this and this job would be possible. It has helped me very positively,” he said.

Samuel also had advice to share with students who are still in school.

“They should work hard in everything they are going to do both inside school and outside school and they should put into their mind that everything is possible as long as you are committed to it,” Samuel said.

A career, in his mind, is a calling.

“Once you are putting your mind that you want to be a teacher, work towards it. Once you are putting in your mind that you want to be a banker, you will make it,” he added.

Samuel has also been recognized for his on the job successes. In October, he was recognized for the highest number of sales for Barclays in northern Uganda.

“For last month, he represented the whole northern region in terms of performance. He was invited to have a party with our managing director as a sign of appreciation from the bank that we are happy to work with him and appreciate his efforts,” George Kasozi, Barclay’s retail regional manager for northern Uganda, said.

George, who described Samuel as enterprising and creative, appreciates programs like the Legacy Scholarship Program.

“Education is key to development so Samuel is a living example that the money was not wasted,” he said.

For Samuel, being recognized for his efforts is just further encouragement to work hard.

“You always have plans and aims that you can always work toward. I am working for better things, I am working hard and always have a target that I would like to meet,” he said.

Accessing education can be a challenge for many students in northern Uganda, making programs like the Legacy Scholarship Program increasingly important. By becoming a member of the Fourth Estate, your donations can help maintain lasting peace and development in the post-conflict region.