We couldn’t tell her story better than she can.
“Before I became a scholar of Project Pearls, I was a thin and dirty child who only knew how to collect charcoal and nails to have something to eat every day and for extra pocket money for school.
During my elementary school years, my parents worked solely at the charcoal factory, which also sustained us for our daily needs.
I remember back when I wasn’t yet a scholar of Project Pearls, I was dirty and extremely thin. There was a time when a photo was taken of me while gathering charcoal, and I was one of the many children photographed there. That experience changed my life, and when I became a scholar of Project Pearls in the third grade, the organization helped me a lot. They provided new uniforms and shoes for school, replacing the hand-me-downs from my older siblings.
I also recall eagerly anticipating Project Pearls’ Saturday activity programs once I became a scholar. I learned a lot from what they taught and met many youth like me through programs like the brain booster and after school programs, which supported underprivileged children like myself.
When I was in fourth grade, my mother passed away at a young age, leaving me orphaned. I thought life would stop there, thinking there was no hope, wondering how I would continue my studies and who would support me. But with the help of Project Pearls, despite what happened in my life, they continued to support my education.
In my third year of college, Project Pearls assisted me in securing a position at a daycare center to receive an allowance and additional funds for daily expenses. I became an assistant teacher at Project Pearls’ daycare, assisting teachers with student supervision and occasionally teaching the children myself. Because of this experience, I was able to apply what I had learned as an assistant teacher, especially in my course of study now. And sometimes I also helped with the Brain Booster program (Project Pearls activity program every Saturday) for my fellow scholars.
Now in my fourth year of college, thanks to Project Pearls’ support, I have completed a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. I am deeply grateful because since losing my parents, Project Pearls has become my second family, supporting me throughout my educational journey and enabling me to finish my studies.
My goal now is to find a stable job that will allow me to support my family and assist other young people like me who once only dreamed of finishing their studies and achieving their aspirations in life.” – Rosalie R Isolo
Congratulations, Rosalie! We love you and are so proud of you! I can still vividly remember how you were covered in soot, working so hard at the charcoal pits. From the day we met you, you had our love and respect. Your success and happiness mean the world to us!
