14-Year-Old Mother Resumes School After Support from Dokolo North MP-Elect

A 14-year-old girl who gave birth shortly before sitting her Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) has resumed school in Dokolo District after receiving financial support from Dokolo North Member of Parliament-elect, Joseph Jones Ogwal Omara.

Kia Priscah, a former pupil of Nakinyama UMEA Primary School, scored Division Two with 14 aggregates in the 2025 PLE despite delivering a baby girl just eight days before the examinations.

Priscah reported to Senior One at Iguli Girls Secondary School on Monday after receiving Shs250,000 to cover her school fees for the first term.

Her father, Ojeba Tonny, a peasant farmer from Acungapenyi Cell in Kanchung Western Ward, Agwata Town Council, said the family had almost abandoned hopes of continuing the girl’s education due to financial hardship and the responsibility of caring for the newborn.

“I had already lost hope because she had given birth at a tender age and I had no money to take her back to school while also caring for the baby,” Ojeba said.

He thanked Ogwal for the support, saying it had restored his daughter’s chance to pursue education and rebuild her future.

“This is the first time our family has received such support from a leader. I pray that other leaders can also assist vulnerable families without considering political or religious differences,” he added.

According to Denis Odyek, the political assistant to the MP-elect, Priscah’s school fees for the first term have been fully cleared and she will continue receiving support throughout her Ordinary Level education.

He said the initiative aligns with Ogwal’s education agenda, which prioritises supporting disadvantaged learners and improving access to schooling in Dokolo North.

“Her school fees for the first term were cleared to a zero balance, and arrangements have been made to support her education from Senior One to Senior Four,” Odyek said.

He also urged parents to remain actively involved in guiding their children, particularly during school holidays.

Ogwal, elected on the ticket of the National Resistance Movement, campaigned on improving service delivery in Dokolo North with a strong focus on strengthening education and healthcare services.

Local leaders say interventions that support vulnerable girls to stay in school are critical in giving them a second chance and reducing school dropout rates in rural communities.