The Thiele Family
Principal Kayongo grew up in the 70’s, a time in which Uganda was under a terrible dictatorship, leaving those in the middle and lower class to fend for themselves. When efforts were made to overhaul these tyrannic leaders, wars waged in the streets of the cities. While these wars were for a proper cause, the most affected, the common people, would come out of these wars surrounded with poverty, death, and suffering.
Growing up in a village, Principal Kayongo had the privilege of attending a rural Christian primary school where he found his love for learning. Coming from a poor family, when Principal Kayongo looked to join a secondary school, school fees were an impossibility for him. With nowhere else to turn, a Christian Organization called African Evangelical Enterprises connected him with a German family, the Thiele Family, a moment which he still describes as a miracle through the grace of God.
The Thiele Family and Principal Kayongo became close through letters that were sent back and forth between the two. With the support of the Thiele’s, Mr. Kayongo was able to eat, get clothes, and attend not only secondary school, but went on to attend university and graduate school. Mr. Kayongo dedicates his success to his family and the Thiele family, who have inspired him to live with the simple question in his mind, “How can I help others.” While Principal Kayongo never got to meet the Thiele family before Mr. Erika passed away, they shared a bond that pushes Principal Kayongo to be the best version of himself.
It goes to show, any amount of support that you may choose to offer to this wonderful community, can change their lives forever.