A well-established college in the United States has recognized a 25-year-old Ugandan for his outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service at the institution, and also announced his paid internship in Washington, D.C., an opportunity that will help him navigate a career in politics and public policy.
Eric Jjombwe says he couldn’t have made it to Indian River State College (IRSC) without God who connected him to a Christian nonprofit organization in Uganda known as Imani Milele Children that took him up, by providing him with his basic needs.
This happened at a tender age, when he lost his father to HIV/AIDS.
Eric’s unemployed mother couldn’t afford to feed, as well as educate him and his three (3) siblings.
“There is no doubt God is the only reason I am who I am today,” Eric shared his testimony online this month.
“God works with and through people to give hope to the hopeless,” he added.
Eric states that there are people that choose to be extraordinary in life by simply being kind and obedient, heeding the call and voice of God to give not out of abundance but out of love.
“Everyone’s story starts somewhere. Mine started with Imani Milele Children. Everything I have accomplished today, big and small, is accounted to this incredible organization,” he said.
Through sponsorship, Eric was enrolled in Indian River State College (IRSC) to pursue an Associate in Arts Degree in Business, according to the institution. He maintained a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 throughout his studies, on top of taking up various leadership roles at the institution and his Church.
“When Eric started his journey here at the Indian River State College, a couple of years ago, as an international student from Uganda, he would never have dreamt of being considered for these opportunities; as he has overcome a great deal of loss, poverty and many other adversities to get where he is today. It is his passion and perseverance to make his dreams a reality,” Ms Rochelle Popp-Finch, Director of Student Development/Ombudsman, remarked in a video leading to the virtual Student Awards ceremony.
“In addition to his academic and personal success, Eric is a mentor and volunteer at the boys and girls club, and a pastoral intern at his church. He always performs his responsibilities and in an outstanding manner, and is well thought of by all who interact with him on a daily basis,” she added. “This young man has a will and desire to be a leader, the determination to succeed and a dedication to make a difference.”
Ms Rochelle Popp-Finch observed that Eric plans on transfer to University and earn an Economics and International Relations BA (Hons) with a long term career goal of going into International Law and Diplomacy, working with the United Nations.
“My life was changed and no longer will I know what transformed my life and not tell someone about it. You may never know how big of an impact you can make in someone’s life, so look at me and you will witness the transformation power that ordinary people have when they choose to take action,” Eric remarked online.
“When ordinary people decide that it’s not enough to look on while all there is a million things we can change about our world. I am a living testimony of what [Imani Milele Children] does and forever grateful for this journey that would never have started if God didn’t bring them into my life,” he said.
During his time with Imani Milele Choir that tours the U.S. each year, Eric used the occasion to raise awareness of the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda. He is a skilled vocalist and musician, playing African musical instruments.
The choir concerts feature uplifting and inspirational songs that share stories of the joy that they have received through God’s love and songs that are an exciting blend of original compositions, praise and worship, and unique African drum routines and dance.
