Oketchi Michael’s Story
Oketchi Michael participating in an video animation workshop at Buiga Sunrise School 2018
From Dream to Reality ~ Hi, my name is Oketchi Michael Joseph. I am from Uganda, and I'd like to share my journey, which began with a simple dream to become an electrical engineer.
My story is deeply intertwined with Buiga Sunrise School, a school that truly changed my life. I joined Sunrise in 2017, at the age of 13, entering Grade 6 (Primary Six). Before that, I had spent a full year at home, unable to attend my previous school due to financial hardships faced by my mother.
Stepping into Sunrise was like entering a new world. During the holiday program, we were fortunate to have visitors from Canada, who taught us so much. I immediately recognized Sunrise as an exceptional school, offering quality education at an affordable cost to my mother. I made lasting friendships with these Canadian visitors, and the positive environment was incredibly inspiring.
After completing Grade 6, I was blessed to receive support from a wonderful friend from Canada, Katie Gleason, which allowed me to continue my education into Grade 7 (Primary Seven). This support was a lifeline for me.
Towards the end of my final year at Sunrise, a group of American visitors arrived, and they introduced us to the fascinating world of video animation. One of them, Tr Todd Edwards Herman, had a profound impact on my life. At that time, I had no plans or hopes of attending high school. The financial challenges were still daunting. However, Sunrise, once again, stepped in. Upon completing Grade 7, I was overjoyed to learn that Todd Edwards Herman would support me in pursuing further education.
In 2019, I started high school at New Horizon Secondary Vocational at Noah's Ark. I was incredibly excited that Sunrise had facilitated my enrollment in a school that offered both vocational skills and academics. It was the perfect fit. In 2022, I graduated with a certificate in Electrical Installation and also earned my Uganda Certificate of Education in 2023. These qualifications allowed me to pursue my dream further. I am now in my final year of a National Certificate in Electrical at college and wishing to pursue a Diploma in Electrical Engineering.
I am eternally grateful to Buiga Sunrise School for their unwavering support. I also want to express my deepest appreciation to Todd Edwards Herman for his numerous contributions and belief in me through Sunrise. Also to Teacher Sarah Bowmnan, Su Jeong, Teacher and Adam Stansell who visited my home; and I can not forget Issac Elizondo and Teacher Pablo Garcia who gifted me a bicycle during my grade seven year, to ease my movements to school.
Long Live Sunrise! May the school continue to illuminate the lives of many more students like me.
Michael in grade 7 - Buiga Sunrise School
Michael at college - final year for Electrical Certificate