Maurice was 8 years old when his father died, having abandoned the family several years before. Rejected by his stepfather, Maurice moved to live with his grandmother. Working with her on her land, they earned enough for him to  begin attending school. By God’s grace, he was sponsored in P4 ( grade 4), enabling him  to attend school without interruption. It also  provided the opportunity to attend a private high school where he developed his  leadership abilities, eventually becoming  student body president. When  his scores on the national exam, were not high enough to enter university, however, he despaired of ever having the  opportunity to attain the education necessary to break free from poverty. Encouraged by mentors, Maurice determinedly  attended S6 ( grade 12) again and retook the national exam. Rewarded with scores sufficient for admission into university, his goal of becoming a high school teacher became  possible.  Now in Launch Uganda, Maurice is full of  hope as he looks forward to a future of inspiring others to persevere in the face of  adversity.