education 18 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
15-Year-Old Orphan Bethan Adero Secures Scholarship to Pursue Dream of Becoming Lawyer
Despite losing both parents at birth and being raised by her struggling grandmother in rural Uganda, 15-year-old Bethan Adero excelled in her primary exams and won a scholarship from TotalEnergies to continue her education. She aspires to become a lawyer to advocate for the less privileged. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/orphanage-has-never-stopped-15-year-old-bethan-adero-s-dream-of-supporting-the-needy-5395654
In Ceke Ward, Anaka Town Council, Nwoya district, 15-year-old Bethan Adero lives with her grandmother Jenifer Auma in a modest homestead with two grass-thatched huts.
Bethan became a total orphan at birth, losing her father months before her mother died from excessive bleeding during delivery. Her grandmother stepped up immediately, raising her despite hardships.
Ms Auma sustained them by selling farm produce and washing clothes for pay in the local area, even borrowing from her SACCO group when needed. She ensured Bethan attended Patira Primary School under the government’s Universal Primary Education program.
Bethan shone academically, topping her Primary Leaving Examinations in 2025 with nine aggregates in division one, the best in the district.
Her excellence earned a scholarship through TotalEnergies’ Girls’ Education Programme, which supports top-performing vulnerable girls. Launched in 2015, the initiative has aided 123 students by 2025 with school fees, materials, and placement in top schools.
Ms Josephine Mary Nakato, TotalEnergies’ Community Liaison Supervisor, explained the program targets high-achieving girls facing financial barriers.
Now able to attend secondary school, Bethan dreams of becoming a lawyer to promote justice for the needy. Nwoya district vice chairperson Holy Ojok emphasized collective support for such vulnerable talents.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)