My name is Cecilia Akeyo. I was born in 1967 and got married in 1987. Together with my late husband, we were blessed with five children — two boys and three girls. Sadly, I lost two of my daughters while they were still very young. That pain has never left me, but I had to stay strong for the three children who remained.
My life changed drastically when my husband passed away. At the time, my firstborn was only in Grade 3, the second in Grade 1, and my youngest was still in playgroup. I was left alone, confused, and with no source of income. Feeding them, educating them — I didn’t know where to begin. Honestly, I had lost all hope.
But God, in His mercy, sent help my way through a wonderful organisation — The Mango Tree Orphan Support Trust. This organisation came into my life at a time when I was most desperate. Under the compassionate and dedicated leadership of Madam Consolata Kunyada and Mr. Peter Kunyada, they walked with me and supported my children’s education until they completed their tertiary studies.
My firstborn, Janet, studied Food and Beverage at a Vocational Training Centre (VTC). My second-born, Gabriel, pursued Procurement, and my third, John Paul, studied Accounts. Although none of them has secured employment yet, I remain proud and grateful that they were able to reach that level. We continue to trust that God will open doors for them.
To support myself and my family, I sell charcoal and firewood. It is difficult work, but it helps us survive. I thank God daily for giving me the strength to carry on.
I also care for my aged mother-in-law, who is blind and unable to walk. It’s not easy, but I do it with love and compassion. I believe it is my calling and my duty.
I am also HIV positive, and I am not ashamed to say it. I have accepted it as part of my life. I speak about it openly to encourage others, to show that HIV is not the end of life. You can still live. You can still work. You can still smile.
Recently, I received a blessing I never expected. The Mango Tree Orphan Support Trust, through the efforts of Mr. Peter Kunyada, installed a solar lighting system in my home. This solar unit was made possible through the generosity and vision of Reverend Hackman, whose heart for the poor and commitment to changing lives is deeply admirable. I had never imagined having electricity in my house. For me, it was nothing short of a miracle. Now, we have light — and with it, renewed hope, dignity, and comfort. I am truly thankful to Reverend Hackman for building this solar system, and to Mr. Peter Kunyada for bringing it to my home.
Thanks to the agricultural training I received from the organization, I now practice farming and grow food for my family. We no longer go hungry. Even more fulfilling is that I now help orphans in my community by volunteering and connecting them to The Mango Tree — just as someone once did for me. I do this gladly and from the heart.
Looking back, my life has been filled with many struggles — but also with God’s abundant grace. When The Mango Tree came into my life, I had already given up. But today, I stand strong, full of gratitude, and with a renewed sense of purpose.
I thank The Mango Tree Orphan Support Trust, I thank Madam Consolata, I thank Mr. Peter Kunyada, I thank Reverend Hackman, and above all, I thank God.