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Tuesday's Connector of the Day: Sanyu Nakyeyune
After her parents died of AIDS when she was only ten years old, Sanyu Nakyeyune was left to look after her two younger siblings in a rural Ugandan village without electricity or running water. Trying to attend school on top of all her tasks at home was proving impossible. [cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/30/lead.uganda.art.jpg caption="LEAD Uganda helped AIDS orphan Sanyu Nakyeyune into education. "]
But with the help of LEAD Uganda – an educational leadership initiative helping AIDS orphans, former child soldiers and child laborers into schools – Sanyu is now attending one of the best boarding schools in the country and regularly achieving A+ grades. She wants to be a doctor when she is older.
LEAD Uganda is helping Sanyu and other African children learn the skills which will allow them to help solve their own problems.
Now aged 14, Sanyu is focused on serving her country and helping Africa. To mark World AIDS Day, Sanyu Nakyeyune is Tuesday's Connector of the Day. Send her your questions.
On Twitter
Oh! Sanyu, I hope you can be a doctor in your future.
Furtermore, your African friend can get the dream and future.
Hello Sanyu,
The story I read about you is very simple and I think you life has not been simple. But I am happy to hear you are making progress toward your own goals. Congratulations on your very hard work. My husband and I will send our best wishes to you often. When you are discouraged remember all the people far away who hope with you.
Bridget
in the United States
Do not redirect your future because of the past. Our Dear CREATOR will always guide and help you. Surely, HE will reward and make you HAPPY.
I am so happy that Sanyu will have a bright future with the help of LEAD Uganda. God bless this group and all the children who are looking forward for a bright future.
Sanyu, I pray that all your dreams come true
Love and God bless
Lavina
Sanyu!
Your the best!
What is your favorite part of school?
I'll be thinking great things for you!
Eric, from USA
My daughter Sanyu, Glory to God for everything you have been through and you are yet to achieve. Please trust in HIM.
Dear Sanyu....wonderful girl.You are a star in God 's eyes. He has a purpose for your living.Keep up the spirit.Be blessed.
Pat
I'm so grateful that Lead Uganda help you.
You are very intelligent.
I hope you can be a doctor in your future.
God bless you.
화이팅 !
Your life is an inspiration to me. In this time when people make situations determine their future, you have risen above yours. As you desire to be a Doctor God will make it happen. Also want to appreciate LEAD Uganda keep caring for these dear children and we will pray for you all.
Hi Sanyu!
It is great to know that you aspire to become a doctor and help your country develop. It would be great if you can start getting involved in community work so you develop an understanding about your community's needs.
Where is your school? We live in Kampala and maybe our daughter and her friends can meet up with you and your friends to plan community development activities together. She is also 14!
Best wishes and keep up the good grades – you'll need them for medical school 🙂
Igor
(Kampala, Uganda)
Sanyu, So much to say to you and so little space to say it. First, every human being who hears your story will stop for a moment, and our hearts will break a little, and then, we will dig deep inside of us to find what words we can share with you to encourage you along your way. You see, while your life experience thus far, to the outsider, was- is hard, it's your life, the cards you have been dealt, and you seem to have played those cards well. Your road ahead is bright, but as with all of our chosen paths in life, it will not be without challenges. Your success will depend on how you deal with the challenges you face. It you fall, pick yourself up. Don't rush thru life and think that you have to get everything done right away. Enjoy your journey. And in those times when you feel down and you just can't move on, if you belive in God, call on him, invoke his teachings in your life. Also know that people around the GLOBE, are routing for you, but the most important person of all who must route for you , and clap for you and your success, and comfort you when you are down, is YOURSELF. Believe in yourself, treat yourself right, and whatever dreams you have in your heart, you WILL realize. All the very best to you – Ezra
sanyu,
God is in controll. Read Zacharia 4:6 he will see you through
Dear Sanyu, Thank God for the help you are getting to find your self again. I know that it will not be easy without your parents but remember that God will be a mother and a father to you in time of distress. Pray always and He will direct you. I am delighted that at your age you know what you want to be. I pray for you and will always pray for you.
Take care and Remain blessed,
Josephine.
Sayn, u will acheive ur goal without any doubt.. with all the hardship... God will always bless you..
Hello Sanyu,
Congratulations andt thank you for being an inspiration for me.
I just wanted to ask you what you would suggest other youth around the world should do in order to raise awareness amongst those adults who simply don't seem to understand. There are causes we need to fight for, in Africa and elsewhere. AIDS, poverty, lack of education, human rights violations, etc, etc, etc...
What are your words for us?
Thanks!
SB
I am happy that a child of your age can take a wonderful decision to make lemonade out of lemon. You have (unknowingly) chosen to be an inspiration to people that find themselves on crossroads. May your star continue to shine and kudos to LEAD Uganda!
Dear Sanyu,
Your story is very touching and inspiring. I am sure you will make an excellent doctor because of your selflessness in caring for your siblings. I have one question – If you had one message to say to everyone in the world, what would that be?
Best wishes,
Kaka
Great dreams Sanyu! Keep the focus on and never give up.With God nothing is impossible.
Be an ambassador of hope to your colleagues at school! You are a great girl.
What do you talk about or preoccupies your mind especially when not studying?
(Robert, Nippon)
Dear Sanyu,
Your story is so inspiring to so many children in our land. Stay strong and focussed on your studies! You are a great asset to Uganda and Africa! May God grant you good success. God bless.
Julia
Hi Sanyu,
Good for you, but remember there are many who are not as fortunate. When you are able to help in the future do so. Continue working hard at books.
Dear Sanyu,
I want you to know that your not the only one suffering..all you have to do is to stay strong and God will reward you.
Dear Sanyu,
LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET OUT OF THE WAY!
You have clearly demonstrated leadership by leading the way through LEAD Uganda. Sanyu, thanks for showing grace in the face of adversity. You're such an inspiration. Keep the candle light on.
David Muzumbuku
What a tragic, yet courageous story. Sanyu, how did you stay strong and what motivated you to go to school? Also, what kind of struggles did you have raising your younger siblings all alone?
An inspiration to all and a reminder that so many humans around the world are born with nothing, face hardship everyday, yet somehow find the strength and courage to accomplish their dreams! A fighter!
Sanyu,
There are defining moments in our lives that can be a spring board...One thing you can be sure about is that life will always be challenging but the one thing that you can choose is to make the most of what you have...you have come so far, you can make it!
You are part of Uganda's success against AIDS and for those of us in the diaspora, it is the only "good news" story out of our motherland. I live you with a simple message from my school motto
Gakyali Mabaga!
CORRECTED
Sanyu, I pray that you remain focused on your goal. Always remember your late mother and do something to make her, your siblings, your country and yourself proud. I know and believe you can do it. When you do it and we are alive, we shall join the world to celebrate you. You cannot fail yourself. Go girl, GO.
Sanyu,
May God grant the desires of your heart and you will surely succeed. My attention however goes to west, on technology, engineering, sport, and all successes they show their side on negative issues like AIDS, poverty and iliteracy, they show developing countries and Africa in particular. They too have AIDS patients and orphans, and poorer people than most Africans. Let them show us their western side of the story.
I wish Sanyu the best of life. You are not alone!
good luck for you in everything , Sanyu 🙂
from me , Yaron – israel
Sanyu,
I wish you all the best in life
God bless you dear
Sanyu,
May your dreams come true. God bless u.
There are a lot of kids like Sanyu who can benefit from the so much AID money that well-wishers like you donate and send everyday through NGOs that have been set up all over Africa. Unfortantely, a lot of NGOs have been set up by crooks who display a lot of pictures when fund-raising, but in fact sponsor only a handful of Sanyus.
You will be shocked if you went around schools and discovered how few of the so-many vulnerable kids are sponsored by NGOs who champion the cause of OVCs. Most of these high-flying NGO CEOs are busy flying their children to the most expensive schools around using money meant for the Sanyus of this world. Of course they will always attend the AIDS workshops, conferences, picketing, etc – especially when the media are around.
Sanyu,
Nothing is impossible if you put your trust in God. He will carry you through. LEAD thank you. Sanyu stay well. Stay alive. Work hard. Enjoy God's gift of life in Him.
Liz
Sanyu, your story is both heart-rending and inspirational.I wish you success in your chosen career path and hope that the Ugandan government as well as local and foreign philanthropists pledge their assistance to you and your siblings to see you through life's journey.
Dear Sanyu,
Your name means JOY! May you continue to be a joy to those around you. You are destined for great things my dear! Never be inclined to give up your dream of being a doctor, or any other dream – no matter the hurdles. May God bless you and make you a blessing always.
Hi Sanyu,
We need more people like you which can inspire and can inflict hope to our burdened world. You truly exemplify someone that did not allow situations dictate the path of the future. My challenge for you is that that you may remain focused, consistent with your study and prayers, challenge yourself more each day, strive to strike a balance between study and personal life and continue to be thankful everyday. Potentially, fears, worries, disappointments, uncertainties and limiting thougths will come your way because the greater the dream, the greater are the risks of these to come. However know that you already won the battle and that God sees the bigger picture in your life. For those who trust onto Him will never been put to shame.
I will be thinking of you in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Lala Fayre ( Manila, Philippines)
ps. who is fixed to a star does not changed his/her mind.
Dear Sanyu,
I am a Ugandan, living in Atlanta. Your story is so inspiring, and I am so proud of you. Most people can only imagine what you have gone through in your 14 years. I have a full understanding because I have witnessed the devastating effects of AIDS in our country. As you go through life, remain focused and determined , the rest will fall in place. You will become a medical doctor one day. Best wishes in your studies.
Kind regards, Janat
Your story is certainly inspirational. Remember that in "a d V E R S I T y" there is STRIVE. (Philippians 4:13)
Keep your focus on the Lord.
Bridgette from Jamaica
god bless u and all the very best in ur future studies
skb
Sanya,
What an amazing and inspiring story you have! We will pray for you to continue down the path of education towards your goals and please, we love to read, so write your memoirs and have them published someday soon! G-d bless you always,
Michele and Sammy
Dear Sanyu,
I've always been aware that it takes guts to survive in this world. I can see that you believe this as well. Good luck and God bless.
Hi Sanyu,
Congratulations on receiving such good marks at school, that is a great accomplishment at any age. Keep it up!
When did you realize that you wanted to be a doctor? What kind of doctor?
Also, if you could have one wish come true – what would you wish for?
Sincerely,
Kara
Dear Sanyu,
You are the definition of life's purpose and a true hero. I am a young Kenyan woman praying that God will use my life to make a difference just like you are using yours. I am so proud of you and I hope that I will meet you, and be inspired even more. You are an amazing blessing to me and to the world!
Love Angela
dear sunyu!!
What is your advice towards the HIV and AIDS survivors?
netherlands
Dear sanyu, i know how it feels to loose both parent by aids,and also the mental, physical and psycological trauma it brings. I wont lie,u are one strong girl,stay that way.
As your fellow African,i study very hard...i'll complete high school by next year.already making plans to travell to the states for the rememeder of my studies....my Questions to you are:
1.WHAT do you think is the biggest problem Africans are facing today?
2.HOW can we contribute in shaping the next generations of Africans? To be war free,diesease free,healthy..... remember you are not doing good for your own sake only,but for Uganda and the whole of Africa.god bless
Dear Sanyu,
God will protect you in everything you are planing to do,never forget to say aprayer all the time.GOOD LUCK & GOD BLESS.
Sanyu,
You have so much potential and it is a blessing that you are able to build on that. I'm praying for your success and the blessings that you will bring to others =).
Vanessa
USA
Dear Sanyu,
Keep going, keep strong and keep believing in your dream. I pray that the Lord looks after your siblings while you study and work towards making Africa a better place.
Do you know what kind of a doctor you want to be?
Stay well...
Tambu
Dear Sanyu,this world is filled with so many challenges but what really matters is where you are going not were you are coming from.Am really glad that you have a dream that will eventually change the lives of others.keep your head up.
Best of Luck
my dear, the God almighty will see to it that your dreams come through because He knows the end of the matter from the begining thereof. God bless you.
Remet
Germany
Dear Sanyu,
Reading your story today has touched and inspired me. You are a start and please continue with the good grades. wishing you love, kindness and best wishes in all you aspire to become one day.
Love and Hugs
Michelo from Oslo
Sanyu,
I am very proud of you. I pray that you become a possitve role model to the other unfortunate kids and a good embassor for your country. May the Good Lord continue to guide you on your Journey.
God Bless you and your family.
congratulations. This is an amazing story. And you are an amazing girl. What do you hope people take away from your story?
Sanyu,
Your story is amazing! Continue reaching for your goals; you are setting a great example for many girls your age all over the world. I am also fourteen years old, and you have inspired me not to give up, to appreciate what I have, and to keep my head held high during difficult times.
God bless you!
Sanyu,
I know you can achieve your dreams. You are a very inspirational person, and I truly believe in you.
Good luck!
sanyu i am proud of you. just watched you on cnn and had to quickly google your name. you are beautiful. some of us had wonderful childhood experiences yet still ungrateful. reading about you has been such an inspiration. God bless you.
Wow. You are truly an inspiration to people everywhere. Best of luck with your endeavors and god bless!
I used to feel as though it was tremendously unfair that people all over the world were suffering immensely while as a whole Americans had it so good. After spending time in Haiti volunteering in the orphanages I came to beleive that perhaps I had it wrong. There is certainly a great deal of suffering going on in the world. But what has amazed me is the respect for life and the underlying happiness that seems so prevelent in groups of people living in such humble circumstances. It seems that in the United States it is so easy to allow our privilege to cloud what is really important. In that respect I beleive that sometimes those who are struggling have the advantage. In no way do I intend to dimish their suffering. But wouldn't it be great if we could all overcome the odds like Sanyu, whether those odds be loss and suffering or privilege that serves to cloud our vision.
Sanyu, this a very great moment for you and for LEAD Uganda. As LEAD Uganda scholar, I personally feel honored to see my sister speaking out to the world. This is a dream that most of us have failed to achieve. You should be a very proud of LEAD Uganda. Enjoy your stay in the States and I wish you a very happy Christmas.
This is truly inspirational. God bless you Sanyu and LEAD Uganda
"For i know the plans that i have for you,' says the Lord,' plans
for for welfare and not for calamity to give a future and a hope.
Jambo!
Hey Sanyu, hope you r having a great time in NY. You know you have got us and we shall be there when you need us.I know you will make it. You are smart. I just can't wait to see you at medical school, it is all about time. We made it there and I know you can too. all the best.
The indomitable Lions of cameroon is a squad that always suprises the world ,when least expected.The new, french-born coach has really re-organised the squad, and they will definitely be on the difficult side fo any seeded team to under rate
I am so honored to be a part of your life...and the LEADUganda program.
Love and pray for you always!
"teacher Jenn"
sanyu, it's me you'r brother from uganda.
just to let you know that once GOD comes into you'r life, you can never be down again.
please have him first and everything well run the way you ask it to be.
mind you i run this
charles
Hey Sanyu,hope you are havingh a a great time in N Y.I am still on the way just like you do, the fact that you have reach that far means that you are seeing the destiny and am sure you will make it.I am so happy a bout you sister.
I am so happy that things like this are happening in my continent of Africa and i hope more children get Sanyu's kind of opportunity...Best of luck to you Sanyu!!
Sanyu, we are all so proud of you and we love you very much. Continue your hard work and God will continue to bless you. Happy Birthday.
Sanyu,
I am truly blessed to read your story. I am proud of you and all your accomplishments. Keep up the good work and stay focus on your dreams of becoming a physician. I know God has great things in store for your life. He has taken you thus far and I am positive he will continue to guide you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Sonya
Hey sanyu,
I watch you over CNN and i was very sorry.I will make a trip to your Village soon.Keep on soldering.God will help you.
thanks and blessed
Philip
Kenya
HI SANYU I HOPE THAT YOUR LIFE WAS NOT EASY HAS I THOUGHT MAY GOD BLESS YOU.