Without more education, she is constrained to low-paying jobs. Without a stable job, she cannot afford the classes (which, in turn, require time off work). Without a full-time job, she cannot pay her daughter’s school fees. She has no means to eat, to pay rent.
Her desires for a different life persist; she dreams of work as a secretary or caterer (both require certificates here). Yet the means to achieve her ambitions are limited. An impossible situation.
I am already flooded with guilt for leaving Harriet when I leave Uganda. The country, the system, me: we all leave her vulnerable. I am thrilled that I am going to be starting a PhD program that I am excited about (95% sure I’m going to accept my offer at UCLA). I am ecstatic about being closer to family and the ocean. And yet, I feel utterly helpless to aid a woman who has meant so much to me here!
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